Directions
Kolob Reservoir is located in southern Utah in Washington County. The reservoir is also known as Kolob Creek or Big Creek Reservoir.
To get there from the town of Virgin, follow SR-9 to the turnoff at Kolob Terrace Road and continue north for 23 miles. From Cedar City head five miles up Cedar Canyon on highway 14, turn right onto Right Hand Canyon Road and continue for eight miles as the road changes to Kolob Road. Follow Kolob Road for another 11 miles to reach the reservoir. Directions provided by visitutah.com.
due to the high snow pack, access is limited to snowmobile during the winter season.
Fish Species
Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, tiger trout, and brook trout.
Fishing Regulations Updated For 2024 Season
• Limit 2 trout under 15 inches or over 22 inches.
• All trout from 15 to 22 inches must be immediately released.
• Artificial flies and lures only from Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the third Saturday in May, and from the second Saturday in September through Dec. 31.
Kolob Reservoir tributaries
From Kolob Reservoir upstream to the headwaters.
• CLOSED Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on the second Saturday of July.
History
From some of my research it appears the reservoir was first proposed in the 1930's. However the original site was part of Zion National Park and was found to be illegal.
Construction on the Kolob Creek Dam was completed in the fall of 1956. The reservoir was dedicated on June 15th, 1957.
During the summer months of 2018, researchers from the Division of Wildlife Resources made a discovery at the reservoir. Three distinct fish – yellow perch, bluegill sunfish, and green sunfish – were identified. It was determined that these fish were unlawfully introduced into the ecosystem and were regarded as a potential menace to the native fish population inhabiting Kolob Reservoir. The water level was then lowered and treated with rotenone on October 15th and 16th. After the treatment tiger trout were introduced into the reservoir for the first time.
Other Info
The reservoir is named after Kolob Creek and or Kolob Canyon. The term Kolob is was used to name several sites around this area due to it's beauty. The Mystery Of Utah History has an excellent article about it.
The term Kolob is defined as signifying the first creation, nearest to the celestial, or residence of God. Some other interesting facts about the namesake is it was believed that one day in Kolob is equal to a thousand years or a cubit.
Nearby Places To Fish
Blue Springs Reservoir, Navajo Lake, Aspen Mirror Lake, Meadow Hollow Reservoir, Panguitch Lake, Quail Creek, and Sand Hollow.