Fishing in Ken's Lake
2-4 hours
Moderate
Fishing at Ken’s Lake offers a unique outdoor experience just minutes from Moab, Utah. As a popular local destination, it combines breathtaking views with excellent fishing opportunities, making it significant for both locals and tourists. The lake is stocked with various fish species, such as rainbow trout and channel catfish, appealing to anglers of all levels.
Located approximately 8 miles south of Moab, Ken's Lake is renowned for its scenic beauty and recreational activities. What sets it apart is its accessibility, making it perfect for families. The lake features ample picnic areas, shaded spots, and restrooms. Best of all, the fishing season runs from spring through fall, with prime conditions typically seen in the early morning or late evening.
Fishing Techniques and Gear Recommendations Casting with spinning gear is popular here, and anglers often recommend using light tackle for an enjoyable experience. Bait such as worms and artificial lures are effective for catching trout. Additionally, the lake's calm waters create ideal conditions for fly fishing, adding diversity to your fishing strategy.
Local Regulations and Conservation Understanding local fishing regulations is crucial. Ken's Lake enforces catch-and-release practices for certain species, promoting sustainable fishing. Obtain a Utah fishing license before heading out, available at local shops or online.
Ken's Lake isn't just a fishing spot; it’s also rich in local culture. Historically, the area has been influenced by Native American tribes, and the surrounding landscape showcases fascinating geological formations. Observing wildlife around the lake, including various bird species, adds to the experience.
Best Times to Visit: Early morning and late afternoon yield the best catches.
What to Bring: Fishing gear, sunscreen, water, and a picnic blanket for a comfortable day.
Driving Directions: From Moab, take US-191 S for about 8 miles, then turn left onto Ken's Lake Road, which leads directly to the lake. For a genuine fishing adventure in the heart of Moab, Ken's Lake is the place to cast your line!
I wouldn’t call this a destination location . To me it’s not small enough to be considered a pond but not big enough to be considered a lake. I wouldn’t seek it out for any real adventure. It is on BLM land and it’s not exactly the cleanest . Signs do say it has been known to have algae. So my advice is if you smell the guck it’s a yuck . The bathrooms were pretty gross
Really calm lake and quiet. Water feels great and appears cold, which is fed from the falls up above. Paddleboard are the way to go and appears the fishing is great (saw several jumping and folks fishing. Rocky bottom to the lake and flip flops are helpful. You can access a few sides but the parking lot had plenty of room on the east side.
Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.
Nice place to cool off. Plenty of parking and bathrooms. Water is really cold in this man made reservoir
Love paddleboarding here! Absolutely beautiful. Parking lot can fill up quickly. There is plenty of room to paddle.
7.80 miEnjoy fishing at Ken's Lake near Moab, Utah, a serene destination perfect for family outings. Cast for rainbow trout and channel catfish in a quiet setting, while hiking and birding opportunities abound. Best visited in spring and fall.
7.50.04 miEnjoy stand-up paddleboarding at Ken's Lake in Moab, UT. This serene lake is perfect for beginners with stunning views of the La Sal Mountains. Ideal for spring and fall visits, it offers activities like kayaking and wildlife viewing. Drive-in access makes it easy to reach this picturesque spot.
7.81.43 miModerateExplore canyoneering in Entrajo Canyon near Moab, UT, featuring moderate difficulty with stunning views. Ideal for adventure seekers, this location is accessible in spring and fall with options for stargazing. Safety gear is recommended due to technical sections.
6.25 miA concise, skill‑building climbing experience on Looking Glass Dome in Moab that teaches rope management and rappelling while topping out on a spacious summit.
6.35 miThis 3-hour guided group tour on the iconic Hurrah Pass Trail takes families and photographers along cliff-edge vistas, petroglyph overlooks and seasonal waterfalls in a custom 4x4 built for both thrill and safety.
6.56 miA focused, 4-hour climb at Fisher Towers that takes intermediate to advanced climbers up the nearly 400-foot corkscrew pinnacle known as Ancient Art.
6.62 miA guided, 4-hour offroad run along the iconic Poison Spider Trail in Moab covering sandy washes, slickrock sections, and technical obstacles; this guide explains what to expect and what’s provided.
6.73 miA concise field guide to the Chamisa Canyon walking tour in Moab, covering the route’s water‑carved narrows, technical hiking and summer swimming sections.
7.12 miFour‑hour private guided rides (8:00–12:00 or 1:00–5:00) customized to each rider’s skill and goals, with optional motorcycle and full‑gear rentals to make the day turnkey.