Fishing in Arches National Park

Arches sits in the canyon country of southeastern Utah, a desert park where red rock fins and sandstone arches dominate the landscape. Water here is scarce by design — this is not a park built around rivers and lakes.

The Colorado River runs along the park's southern boundary, and beyond that, there is little standing or moving water inside the park boundaries worth fishing.

The NPS notes 32 fish species associated with Arches, which reflects the Colorado River corridor more than any interior water. The park itself does not hold the kind of fishable streams, reservoirs, or backcountry lakes that anchor fishing in other Utah parks.

Anglers who come to Arches for the scenery and hope to wet a line are better served by looking just outside the park. The Colorado River near Moab — accessible from town rather than from within the park — holds catfish, bass, and sunfish.

The La Sal Mountains southeast of Moab offer a different experience entirely: high-alpine lakes and streams in the Manti-La Sal National Forest with trout fishing accessible in summer and fall.

Ken's Lake, Warner Lake, and Oowah Lake are the waters locals point to. Mill Creek runs smaller but carries trout and draws fly fishers, though it doubles as a swimming hole. For anyone fishing in the area, Utah state fishing regulations apply.

Check with the park directly on any specific rules before fishing waters along the park boundary. Arches rewards the eye more than the rod. Plan the fishing around Moab, and let the park be what it is.