Utah Lake: Overview

>   Utah Lake spans 24 miles in length, 13 miles in width and reaches depths of no more than 12 feet. It is one of the largest freshwater lakes west of the Mississippi River.

Utah Lake spans 24 miles in length and 13 miles in width. For generations the lake has been a gathering place, a treasured source of food and resources, and millions of plants and animals have made their home on, near or in Utah Lake.

Utah Lake literally fostered the growth of civilization in Utah. However, since humans first discovered the riches of Utah Lake, the lake has changed. The lake, its native fish population and its ecosystem are in harm’s way. Today, Utah Lake’s water is classified as impaired for total dissolved solids and has high levels of phosphorus. The lake’s ecosystem, which supported so many species of fish long ago, is now overrun with carp, and is barely able to provide to its two remaining native fish species, the June sucker and the Utah sucker.

For all the demands we place on this gift of nature, it deserves all the respect and care we can give it in return.