Blue Ribbon Waters

Description

Blue Ribbon is a designation used by multiple states to identify exceptional trout fisheries, though criteria vary significantly by state.

Utah's Blue Ribbon waters are rated holistically on fishing quality, outdoor experience, habitat quality, and economic benefits—this multi-faceted approach means waters can achieve Blue Ribbon status even with stocking, provided they offer superior recreational experiences.

Wyoming's Blue Ribbon streams contain 600+ pounds of trout per mile (top 3-5% of state waters), using a biomass-centric approach similar to Colorado but with linear metrics.

Montana's Blue Ribbon streams are evaluated on availability, aesthetic value, usage, and productivity, and since 1974 Montana has managed its Blue Ribbon rivers as wild trout fisheries without stocking.

Criteria

• Utah: Holistic evaluation (quality, access, habitat, angling experience).
• Wyoming: 600+ pounds of trout per mile (top 3-5% of state waters).
• Montana: Availability, aesthetics, usage, productivity—effectively synonymous with Wild Trout since 1974.

State Resources

• Utah: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
• Wyoming: Wyoming Game & Fish Department
• Montana: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

FAQ

What is a Blue Ribbon fishery?

Blue Ribbon is a designation used by multiple states (Utah, Wyoming, Montana) to identify exceptional trout fisheries. However, the criteria vary significantly by state. Utah uses a holistic approach evaluating quality, access, habitat, and angling experience. Wyoming uses a biomass metric (600+ pounds per mile). Montana evaluates availability, aesthetics, usage, and productivity.

Do all states use the same Blue Ribbon criteria?

No, each state has fundamentally different criteria. Utah's system explicitly includes waters that are heavily stocked, provided they offer superior recreational experiences. Wyoming uses a strict biomass-per-mile metric (600+ lbs/mile for top 3-5% of waters). Montana's Blue Ribbon rivers are effectively synonymous with Wild Trout since the state abolished river stocking in 1974.

Are Blue Ribbon waters always wild trout fisheries?

It depends on the state. In Montana, yes—Blue Ribbon rivers are managed as wild trout fisheries without stocking. In Utah, Blue Ribbon waters can include heavily stocked sections (like the Lower Provo with stocked Rainbows). In Wyoming, Blue Ribbon status is based on biomass, which can be achieved through either wild or stocked populations, though most are wild.