The utility pole mounted lightning rod may comprise a base plate, a housing tube, and a lightning rod. The utility pole mounted lightning rod may be a lightning protection system that is adapted to be mounted at the top of a utility pole. The utility pole mounted lightning rod may divert energy from a lightning strike to a grounding wire and away from primary wires and other power utility equipment. The base plate may be coupled to a side of the utility pole at the top of the utility pole. The housing tube may be coupled to the base plate at an oblique angle and may retain the lightning rod. The utility pole mounted lightning rod may be operable on three-phase posts where contact with one of the primary wires passing directly over the top of the utility pole must be avoided.