Utah Division Of Wildlife Resources Proposes 100 White Sturgeon
The utah division of wildlife resources is proposing to put 100 white sturgeon into Hobbs Reservoir in Davis County and Grantsville Reservoir in Tooele County. If approved, the fish would be split about evenly between the two waterbodies and managed under catch-and-release rules.
Craig Walker, the DWR aquatics assistant section chief, said the proposal is meant to increase species diversity and create new fishing opportunities. He also said the agency is looking for new ways to manage fisheries amid changing water conditions while creating new fishing opportunities in the state.
Hobbs And Grantsville Reservoirs
The proposal would introduce white sturgeon into two Utah reservoirs at the same time, with approximately 50 fish slated for each site. Hobbs Reservoir is in Davis County, and Grantsville Reservoir is in Tooele County. The agency described the fish as a new sport fish species in Utah.
For anglers, the main rule would be simple: white sturgeon at both reservoirs would be catch-and-release only. That limits harvest and keeps the fish in the water after capture, which is the clearest condition attached to the proposal as written.
Utah WMA Rule Changes
The wildlife agency is also proposing updates to wildlife and waterfowl management area rules to line them up with recent legislative changes. Chelsea Duke, the DWR wildlife lands coordinator, said wildlife management areas and waterfowl management areas are primarily funded by the sale of Utah hunting and fishing licenses and permits.
Duke also said, “These properties are uniquely important because they are the only public state lands in Utah whose sole purpose is enhancing and protecting wildlife resources.” She added, “These lands ensure that critical wildlife habitat is conserved, conflicts between wildlife and private landowners are reduced and Utahns have dedicated places to participate in hunting, fishing and other wildlife-based recreation.”
The 2025 law required anyone 18 years old or older to possess a hunting, fishing or combination license to access a wildlife management area or waterfowl management area in Davis, Salt Lake, Utah and Weber counties. Under legislation passed during the 2026 legislative session, people without one of those licenses can watch an educational video and get a free digital access permit to enter WMAs in Utah.
July 1, 2026 Changes
The new law takes effect on July 1, 2026, and the WMA requirements will apply to WMAs in Davis, Salt Lake, Utah and Weber counties that year. On July 1, 2027, the requirements expand to first-, second-, third- and fourth-class counties, and by July 1, 2028, they apply to all WMAs in Utah.
The DWR is seeking public feedback on the recommendations, giving hunters, anglers and other users a chance to weigh in before the rules move forward. For someone planning to fish Hobbs or Grantsville, the practical change is the prospect of a new species under catch-and-release rules; for someone entering WMAs, the immediate question is whether they carry a qualifying license or use the new video-and-permit option once it becomes available.
