Bowfishing in Utah is a genuinely rewarding way to spend time on the water, and the state gives you plenty of room to do it legally. Whether you’re targeting common carp on Utah Lake or working the shallows of a warm reservoir at night, the rules are straightforward once you know them — but they do require attention. Get one detail wrong, such as shooting a protected species or ignoring a seasonal closure, and a fun outing can turn into a costly violation.
This guide walks you through everything the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) requires for bowfishing in 2026: legal species, license requirements, approved gear, where you can and cannot shoot, and the specific night and location restrictions that catch anglers off guard. All regulations referenced here come from the 2026 Utah Fishing Guidebook published by the Utah DWR.
Is Bowfishing Legal in Utah?
Fishing with archery tackle — also called bowfishing — is allowed in most Utah waterbodies, but only for nonprotected, nongame fish such as carp. Within that limitation, there are certain waters where you may bowfish for carp only. So yes, bowfishing is fully legal in Utah, but the species restriction is firm and non-negotiable.
With a valid Utah fishing or combination license, you may take non-prohibited nongame fish by angling, traps, archery, dipnets, cast nets, liftnets, seines, or handheld spear from above the water’s surface during open seasons. Bowfishing falls under the archery method in that list, which means your standard fishing license covers the activity — no special bowfishing permit is required on top of it.
Utah actively encourages the removal of invasive rough fish like common carp. The state’s liberal carp limits and encouragement of bowfishing mean you can practice casting accuracy or try your hand at sight-fishing these “freshwater bonefish” without worrying about quotas. That said, you still need to know exactly which fish are legal targets before you draw a shot.
Pro Tip: Always verify the specific rules for the waterbody you plan to bowfish before heading out. Regulations differ by location, and some waters restrict you to carp only even when other nongame species are legal elsewhere in the state.
What Fish Can You Bowfish for in Utah?
Bowfishing is allowed in most Utah waterbodies but only for nonprotected, nongame fish such as carp. Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is by far the most popular bowfishing target in Utah — they’re abundant, grow large, and are considered an invasive species that competes with native fish for habitat and food. You may take common carp at any waterbody in Utah.
Beyond carp, other non-prohibited nongame fish are also legal targets at most open waters, but you need to confirm the specific rules for each waterbody. Carp are the only nongame fish you may take in the following waters: the Green River from the Colorado state line in Browns Park upstream to Flaming Gorge Dam, the Green River from the confluence with the Colorado River upstream to the Colorado state line in Dinosaur National Monument, and Snake Valley waters west and north of US-6.
You must never use a bow on game fish, protected species, or any fish on Utah’s prohibited list. Prohibited fish include alewife, Asian swamp eel, bighead carp, black carp, bowfin, brook stickleback, convict cichlid, Eurasian ruffe, flathead catfish, gar, grass carp, ide, piranhas, Nile perch, northern snakehead, red bellied pacu, red shiner, round goby, rudd, sand shiner, sea lamprey, silver carp, South American parasitic catfish, tiger fish, tench, tilapia, and walking catfish. Possessing any of these species is illegal regardless of how they were taken.
Important Note: June suckers, a federally protected species found in the Provo River Delta area, must be immediately released if accidentally caught. Conservation officers actively patrol sensitive areas, and violations carry steep fines.
| Fish | Legal to Bowfish? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Common Carp | Yes | Legal at all open waters statewide; no limit |
| Other Nongame Fish (non-prohibited) | Yes (most waters) | Check specific water rules; some waters restrict to carp only |
| Game Fish (trout, bass, walleye, etc.) | No | Protected; bowfishing for game fish is prohibited |
| Prohibited Species (grass carp, tilapia, etc.) | No | Illegal to possess regardless of method |
| June Sucker | No | Federally protected; must be immediately released if accidentally caught |
Bowfishing License Requirements in Utah
If you’re fishing anywhere in Utah in 2026 and you’re age 12 or older, you’ll need a valid fishing license. Bowfishing is no exception to this rule. You do not need a special bowfishing license or archery permit — a standard Utah fishing or combination license covers you for bowfishing nongame fish.
Anglers under age 12 do not need a fishing license. Anglers age 12 and older generally need the correct Utah fishing license unless fishing on Free Fishing Day or covered by another official exception. As of 2026, the license fees break down as follows, per the Utah DWR and confirmed by Utah Fishing License Guide:
- Resident adult (18–64): $40 for a 365-day license
- Resident senior (65+): $31 for a 365-day license
- Resident youth (12–13): $5; youth (14–17): $16
- Nonresident adult: $120 for a 365-day license
- Nonresident short-term: $44 for 3 days; $91 for 7 days
- Nonresident youth (12–13): $18; youth (14–17): $44
Licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase, unless you buy a multiyear license, which will be valid for longer. You must carry your license while fishing. You cannot alter or transfer your license to another person. The Utah Hunting and Fishing app allows you to carry digital licenses for your entire family on a single phone or tablet.
Utah resident veterans with a qualifying service-connected disability of at least 20% may purchase a 365-day fishing license for just $12 instead of the regular $40. Utah residents with certain physical or mental disabilities, a terminal illness, or children placed in state custody by court order may qualify for a free fishing license. You can purchase licenses online at wildlife.utah.gov, by phone, or at any authorized license agent statewide.
Legal Bowfishing Equipment in Utah
Utah’s bowfishing equipment rules are relatively permissive, but a few specific restrictions apply. A standard compound bow or recurve bow fitted with a bowfishing reel, line, and barbed arrow is the most common setup, and it is fully legal. Beyond traditional bows, Utah also allows two additional weapon types for targeting carp.
You may use a crossbow or airgun that fires arrows or bolts (archery tackle) to take carp at any open water statewide. You may not use a crossbow or airgun to take any other species of fish. This crossbow and airgun allowance is limited to common carp only — it does not extend to other nongame fish that a standard bow can legally target.
An “airgun” means any archery tackle that is capable of firing arrows or bolts, is pneumatically powered, and pressurized solely through a separate charging device. Standard airguns that fire pellets are not legal for bowfishing. Airguns firing pellets are not a legal weapon under Utah’s fishing regulations.
Archery tackle and crossbows are considered weapons and cannot be discharged within 600 feet of a structure. Local communities or land management agencies may also have ordinances against the discharge of weapons within city limits or managed areas. Always check local ordinances before setting up at a new location, especially near developed shorelines, boat ramps, or campgrounds.
You may use artificial light while bowfishing or spearfishing for carp. This means spotlights, bow-mounted lights, and other artificial lighting are all permitted when targeting carp at night. See the night bowfishing section below for location-specific restrictions on when night bowfishing is allowed.
| Equipment | Legal for Bowfishing? | Species Restriction |
|---|---|---|
| Compound or recurve bow with bowfishing rig | Yes | All legal nongame fish |
| Crossbow with archery tackle | Yes | Common carp only |
| Airgun firing arrows or bolts | Yes | Common carp only |
| Airgun firing pellets | No | Not a legal fishing weapon |
| Artificial lights (spotlights, etc.) | Yes (for carp) | Permitted when bowfishing for carp |
Where You Can and Cannot Bowfish in Utah
Most Utah waterbodies permit bowfishing for nongame and nonprotected fish like carp. This includes lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and streams that are open to fishing under general regulations. However, several categories of water are off-limits entirely, and some specific waterbodies carry additional restrictions.
The following locations are always closed to bowfishing and fishing in general:
- All of the state’s fish hatcheries are closed to fishing, including the warmwater fish hatchery at the Lee Kay Public Shooting Range.
- All of the state’s waterfowl management areas are closed to fishing, unless they’re posted open to fishing or listed as open in the Rules for specific waters.
- The state’s national wildlife refuges remain closed unless the managing authority declares them open.
At Lake Powell, bowfishing carries extra restrictions. Archery and underwater spearfishing are prohibited within one-quarter mile of all existing developed areas, including shoreline campgrounds, docks, launch ramps, breakwaters, and trailheads, and within one-quarter mile of any structure, including any building, shed, pump-out, boat dock, breakwater, permanent harbor fixture, camper, motor home, trailer, tent, or vehicle. Lake Powell’s developed shoreline makes this restriction especially important to map out before you launch.
On several waters — including sections of the Green River and Snake Valley waters — common carp are the only nongame fish allowed to be taken. If you’re bowfishing one of these restricted waters, make absolutely sure your target is a common carp before releasing your arrow.
Pro Tip: Use the eRegulations Rules for Specific Waters tool to look up the exact rules for any Utah waterbody before your trip. Regulations can vary significantly from one lake or river section to the next.
Night Bowfishing Rules in Utah
In most areas, bowfishing is allowed at night with the use of spotlights. Utah is generally bowfisher-friendly after dark, which makes it a popular state for night outings on warm, shallow waters where carp are easy to spot. That said, two specific areas carry seasonal night closures that every bowfisher needs to know.
The first closure applies to the tributaries of Utah Lake. Tributaries of Utah Lake are closed to nighttime bowfishing (sunset to sunrise) from May 7 until 6 a.m. on July 9. This closure protects spawning activity in those tributary waters during late spring and early summer. Utah Lake itself is not closed to night bowfishing under this rule — only the tributaries.
The second closure covers the Provo River Delta. The Provo River Delta is closed to nighttime bowfishing (sunset to sunrise) from the first Saturday of May through 6 a.m. on the second Saturday of July. This closure was established as part of the 2025 regulation changes approved by the Utah Wildlife Board to protect spawning fish in that sensitive area. The Provo River Delta is closed to nighttime bowfishing from the first Saturday of May through 6 a.m. on the second Saturday of July.
Outside of these two restricted areas and their seasonal windows, night bowfishing with artificial lights is permitted at the vast majority of Utah’s open waters. You may use artificial light while bowfishing or spearfishing for carp. Just remember that the 600-foot weapon discharge rule from structures applies at night just as it does during the day.
| Location | Night Bowfishing Status | Closure Period |
|---|---|---|
| Most Utah waters | Allowed with artificial lights | No seasonal closure |
| Utah Lake tributaries | Closed (sunset to sunrise) | May 7 – 6 a.m. July 9 |
| Provo River Delta | Closed (sunset to sunrise) | First Saturday of May – 6 a.m. second Saturday of July |
| Lake Powell (near developed areas) | Restricted (archery prohibited within 1/4 mile of structures) | Year-round restriction |
Saltwater Bowfishing Rules in Utah
Utah is a landlocked state, so there is no saltwater bowfishing to speak of. Utah is landlocked — there is no saltwater fishery. The Great Salt Lake holds brine shrimp only, with no sport fishery. All bowfishing in Utah takes place in freshwater environments: lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and streams.
The Great Salt Lake may appear to be a large body of water suitable for bowfishing, but its extreme salinity supports almost no fish life. You may take brine shrimp from the lake without a fishing license, but you may not take more than one gallon in a 7-day period. Brine shrimp aside, the Great Salt Lake offers no bowfishing opportunities.
If you’re interested in comparing how other states handle bowfishing regulations, Utah’s rules share some similarities with neighboring western states. You can also check out how regulations work in other parts of the country, such as bowfishing laws in Arizona or bowfishing laws in Texas, both of which have their own distinct rules for species, equipment, and location. For midwestern comparisons, see bowfishing laws in Missouri and bowfishing laws in Minnesota. Eastern state rules are covered in guides like bowfishing laws in Virginia, bowfishing laws in North Carolina, bowfishing laws in Ohio, bowfishing laws in Pennsylvania, and bowfishing laws in Tennessee.
Utah’s bowfishing framework is built around freshwater nongame fish management, and the DWR updates its regulations annually. Always download the current Utah Fishing Guidebook from wildlife.utah.gov before each season, and contact your local DWR office if you have questions about a specific waterbody. Regulations at individual waters can differ from statewide defaults, and staying current is the best way to stay legal.
Utah has a wide range of animal-related laws worth knowing if you spend time outdoors or own property in the state. Related guides include leash laws in Utah, backyard chicken laws in Utah, and beekeeping laws in Utah.