What Fishing License Do I Need to Fish at Bear Lake in 2024?

If you’re planning to go fishing at Bear Lake in 2024, it’s important to understand the licensing requirements for the area. Bear Lake straddles the border between Utah and Idaho, so the specific license you need depends on where exactly you’ll be fishing.

Fishing Licenses for Utah Side of Bear Lake

If you want to fish on the Utah side of Bear Lake, you have a few options for obtaining a valid fishing license:

Purchase a Utah fishing license online, at a Utah Division of Wildlife Resources office, or from a local vendor
Get a Utah combination hunting license, which also allows you to fish
Use a valid Idaho fishing license, which is reciprocal on the Utah side of the lake

With a Utah fishing license or combination hunting license, you can use up to two fishing poles anywhere on the Utah portion of Bear Lake.

Fishing Licenses for Idaho Side of Bear Lake

If you plan to fish on the Idaho side of Bear Lake, you’ll need one of the following licenses:

A valid Idaho fishing license
A Utah fishing license or combination hunting license, which is reciprocal on the Idaho side

However, if you want to use two fishing poles while fishing from the Idaho shoreline, you’ll need an additional two-pole permit for Idaho.

Additionally, if you’re launching your boat from the Idaho side of Bear Lake, you must display a current Idaho Invasive Species Fund sticker on your watercraft.

Catch Limits and Regulations

Regardless of which side of Bear Lake you fish on, there are some important catch limits and regulations to keep in mind:

You are only allowed a daily limit of two trout
To protect wild native cutthroat trout, fish with all their fins intact must be released. Only trout with one or more healed fins clipped may be kept
When ice fishing, the size of the hole may not exceed 18 inches in diameter

For the most up-to-date fishing regulations for Bear Lake, be sure to consult the Utah Fishing Guidebook or the Idaho Fish and Game regulations.

With the right fishing license and an understanding of the catch limits and regulations, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy a successful fishing trip at Bear Lake in 2024. Whether you prefer fishing from the shore, a boat, or through the ice, this scenic lake offers a variety of fishing opportunities throughout the year.