The change, effective Aug. 20, allows fishermen to keep eight rainbow trout and eight tiger trout per day at the popular reservoir east of Sterling. The increased limits will remain in effect through Oct. 31.

A local favorite facing drought

Nine Mile Reservoir has long been a favorite spot for Sanpete residents looking to spend an afternoon on the water. Families and local anglers frequent the reservoir year-round, drawn by its convenient location and healthy populations of trout.

But like many reservoirs across Utah, Nine Mile is struggling with low water levels brought on by drought. The DWR says the temporary rule change is designed to let anglers make use of fish populations that may otherwise be lost as conditions worsen.

“With Big Montes Creek Reservoir’s repairs and the drought-related low water levels at Nine Mile Reservoir and Vernon Reservoir, we want anglers to be able to harvest these fish so they can be used and not wasted as water levels continue to decline this fall,” said Riley Peck, director of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

A statewide concern

Nine Mile is one of three waterbodies affected by the new order. Big Montes Creek Reservoir in Uintah County is being drained for outlet repairs, while Vernon Reservoir in Tooele County is also seeing significant drought-related water losses.

At Big Montes Creek, the daily limits were doubled across multiple species, including bluegill, catfish, bass and bullhead. At Vernon Reservoir, anglers may now keep eight rainbow trout, eight tiger trout, and eight brown trout per day.

By comparison, Nine Mile’s changes are focused solely on trout, doubling the standard daily limits to help maximize harvest before water levels drop further.

A chance to stock the freezer

For Sanpete anglers, the change presents a unique opportunity to bring home more fish than usual — and to ensure those fish don’t go to waste. The DWR encourages fishermen to “prioritize fishing” at these locations in the coming weeks, both to take advantage of the temporary rules and to help ease the strain on the remaining fish population.

The emergency rules are temporary. Once water levels recover or the season ends, daily limits will return to normal. For Nine Mile Reservoir, that means the increased limits are only available through the end of October.

Keeping other rules in mind

While the daily catch limits have been doubled at the three listed reservoirs, the DWR reminds the public that all other regulations in the 2025 Utah Fishing Guidebook remain in effect. Anglers are still required to carry a valid fishing license and follow statewide size and possession limits for species not specifically mentioned in the emergency order.

Looking ahead

Nine Mile Reservoir plays an important role in both recreation and irrigation in Sanpete County, and local residents know well the challenges that drought brings to both. For now, the DWR’s emergency change offers a silver lining — giving the community a chance to enjoy more time on the water and make good use of the reservoir’s fish before conditions worsen.

More information about the changes can be found online at wildlife.utah.gov.