Bag Limits
No Bag Limit on Common Carp
There is no daily bag limit and no possession limit on common carp at Utah Lake. Common carp are classified as nongame fish in Utah, and the state actively encourages their removal to restore the lake's native ecosystem. Take as many as you can.
Allowed Harvest Methods
Utah permits a wide variety of methods for taking nongame fish like carp. All of the following are legal at Utah Lake:
All standard fishing gear
Compound, recurve bows
Same rules as bows
Gaining popularity
Check size requirements
Effective in shallows
Stationary method
Team-based netting
Must meet specifications
Manual spearing
Diving with speargun
For detailed gear specifications and mesh size requirements for nets and traps, consult the 2026 Utah Fishing Guidebook.
Night Bowfishing Tributary Closure
Utah Lake tributaries are closed to bowfishing at night (sunset to sunrise) from May 7 through July 9. This seasonal restriction protects spawning June Sucker, a federally endangered species native to Utah Lake. Affected tributaries include:
- Provo River
- Spanish Fork River
- Hobble Creek
- American Fork Creek
- Benjamin Slough
- Other Utah Lake tributaries
Night bowfishing on the main body of Utah Lake remains legal during this period. Daytime bowfishing in tributaries is also still legal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a bag limit on carp at Utah Lake?
No. There is no bag limit on common carp at Utah Lake. You can harvest as many as you want using any legal method.
Do I need a fishing license to catch carp?
Yes. You need a valid Utah fishing license to take carp by any method, including bowfishing, netting, and trapping. Licenses are available at wildlife.utah.gov.
Can I bowfish at night on Utah Lake?
Yes, night bowfishing with spotlights is legal on the main body of Utah Lake. However, Utah Lake tributaries are closed to bowfishing at night (sunset to sunrise) from May 7 through July 9 to protect spawning June Sucker.
Can I use a cast net for carp?
Yes. Cast nets, lift nets, seines, dipnets, and traps are all legal methods for taking carp and other nongame fish in Utah.
Can I use a crossbow or airgun for carp?
Yes. Crossbows and airguns are both legal for taking nongame fish like carp in Utah. Handheld spears and underwater spearfishing are also permitted.
Do I have to keep the carp I catch?
You are not legally required to keep every carp you catch, but it is strongly encouraged. Carp are an invasive species doing significant damage to Utah Lake. Every fish removed helps restore the ecosystem.
Where can I find the official Utah fishing regulations?
The full regulations are in the 2026 Utah Fishing Guidebook published by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
Official Resources
Now That You Know the Rules
Gear up and get out to Utah Lake. Whether you fish with a rod, bow, or net, every carp you remove helps.