Calling all Utah anglers! We know there's nothing better than finding that special spot where the fish bite and the catches are huge. If you're looking for a new favorite spot to reel in the season's best fish, let Bountiful Mazda show you some of the top fishing holes in and around the area.

Jordanelle Reservoir

[caption id="attachment_50" align="alignright" width="300"] Image via Flickr by justthismoment[/caption] Trek 50 miles southeast of the Herber Valley area to Jordanelle Reservoir, located on the eastern side of the Wasatch Mountains in Jordanelle State Park. This reservoir covers over 3,000 acres and is full of smallmouth bass, brown trout, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon—and you might even hook largemouth bass and perch. The Jordanelle Reservoir is divided into three distinct regions, all with varying amounts of foot traffic and amenities, so you can really customize your trip and plan the outing you want. Boat ramps can be accessed in Hailstone on the western banks, making it the perfect setting-off point for a day of fishing. Here you can launch your boat (or rent one if you don't have your own), pick up bait at the marina, and clean your catch before you leave. If you're looking for something quieter, try the Rock Cliff region on the eastern side of the reservoir. Rock Cliff also offers access to a cleaning station, a single boat ramp, and it's the starting point for the Perimeter Trail, which takes you around the entirety of the reservoir. Take the Perimeter Trail to Ross Creek, where you'll enjoy an afternoon of largemouth bass fishing.

Ogden River

If you're looking for a place that's a bit closer to home, look no further than the Ogden River, which is a mere 30 miles from Bountiful. A Blue Ribbon Fishery, this waterway is known for its exceptional fishing and quality species like Bonneville cutthroat, brown trout, and whitefish. The fish in the shallows of Ogden River love feasting on a variety of lures and baits, so anglers will make good use of their collection of nightcrawlers, waxworms, small lures, and spinners. Ogden River is also a great spot for fly fishing.

Pineview Reservoir

Just east of the Ogden River, about 40 miles northeast of Bountiful, lies Pineview Reservoir. In 2006 this warm-water fishing spot became the scene of a world-record when angler Marc Anderson nabbed himself a 31 pound, 11 ounce tiger muskie—which at the time was the largest ever caught. Largemouth bass, bluegill, perch, crappie, tiger trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and catfish can all be caught in Pineview Reservoir as well.

Weber River

West of Ogden lies Weber River, another Blue Ribbon Fishery where you can fish for all sorts of trout, including Grayling, brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout. Since much of the property around Weber River is privately owned, the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources developed the "Walk-In Access" program where anglers can freely explore each segment of the waterway. The Upper Weber section has a plentiful and diverse trout population, while Middle Weber offers the chance to fish larger trout. If you want a little challenge, head to the Lower Weber, where the smaller trout population requires a bit of extra skill to hook.

Willard Bay Reservoir

About 40 miles north of Bountiful is popular Willard Bay State Park. Part of the Great Salt Lake floodplain, Willard Bay is known for its enormous walleye as well as crappie, wiper, large- and smallmouth bass, green sunfish, bluegill, yellow perch, and channel catfish. The best times of year to visit this freshwater fishing hole are spring, summer, and fall. Be sure to stock up at one of the two marinas in the park before fishing off your boat or from the shore.

Utah Lake

If you've got a little time for a drive, make a trip down south to Utah Lake State Park. Just 56 miles away from Bountiful is Utah's largest freshwater lake, and it's full of white bass, black bass, walleye, largemouth bass, channel catfish, bullhead catfish, bluegill, crappie, and perch. Its shallow waters  ensure a variety of fishing opportunities each time you visit. And one of the best parts of fishing at Utah Lake is that you can do it all year round!

Provo River

Planning a weekend fishing trip anytime soon? If so, Provo River is a great choice! Two scenic routes (one 57 miles, the other 73) lead to a fishery that some anglers consider to be one of the best in the western United States. Here you'll find whitefish, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and large brown trout—all conveniently close to home. The Provo River offers three distinct fishing regions—the lower, middle, and upper Provo regions. The best fishing is had in the middle and lower sections; the Jordanelle Reservoir flows into the Provo River in the middle juncture, and there's reported to be a density of 3,000 fish per mile in the heavily populated waters near Lunker Lane and Rickety Bridge. The lower region of the Provo, near Deer Creek Reservoir, is home to some of the largest rainbow trout in Utah. Don't be worried by the tubers and rafters out enjoying the river on warm days: there's still plenty of rainbow and brown trout to be had! And no matter where you choose to fish, you'll get amazing views of Mt. Timpanagos—a perfect backdrop for a wonderful day of fishing.

Practicalities

It's important to note that many of the fishing spots within state parks require entrance fees, which you can buy on a per-day or annual basis. Fees vary by location, so be sure to check online before heading out. And if you plan to take your boat out, be sure to clean it of all plants, mud, fish, and mussels or have it professionally decontaminated. This helps the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources keep many of these waterways free of invasive species. There you have it, the top seven fishing spots in and around the beautiful town of Bountiful, Utah. Have we missed any of your favorite fishing holes? Let us know, and we'd be happy to add it to our list!