Post by Steve Sutton on May 28, 2010 8:49:47 GMT -5
ATTENTION: Quagga and zebra mussels are a major threat to Utah waterways. Learn more about these destructive mussels and how to decontaminate your boat.
Would you like to see a Utah fishing regulation change? Have an idea for a new rule? Our biologists are already working on possible fishing changes for 2011, and we want to hear from you. Provide feedback on possible 2011 fishing changes.
BAKER RESERVOIR: (May 27) The reservoir is full. Anglers report slow to fair fishing for recently stocked rainbows from boats and from the shoreline.
BARKER RESERVOIRS (NORTH CREEK LAKES): (May 27) Access should open in the next couple of weeks, and the ice should come off at about the same time. Dougherty Basin Lake is closed until July 10.
BEAVER MOUNTAIN LAKES: (May 27) Conservation Officer Brent Farnsworth reports that Little Reservoir and Indian Creek Reservoir are accessible by vehicle. Little Reservoir has been stocked, and Indian Creek Reservoir should be stocked this week. The gate on Kent's Lake Road is closed below Tushar Campground. All three of Kent's lakes are ice-free, but you can only access them by walking from the gate. Kent's Lake is scheduled to be stocked this week. The road to Puffer Lake is open, but the lake is still ice covered. Three Creeks Reservoir is only half full, but it's filling. It will be stocked when it is nearly full.
BEAVER RIVER, LOWER: (May 27) Irrigation water is being released below Minersville Reservoir. The water is slightly turbid but still fishable.
BEAVER RIVER, UPPER: (May 27) Conservation Officer Brent Farnsworth reports that stream flows in the Upper Beaver River continue to be high. He notes that peak runoff has not yet occurred, so the flows will get higher in the next few weeks. The water is only slightly turbid.
BOULDER MOUNTAIN: (May 27) Conservation Officer Gabe Patterson reports that Coleman Reservoir, Bobs Hole Lake and Pine Creek Reservoir are accessible. Access to higher lakes will slowly improve as warm weather continues.
CORN CREEK: (May 27) Corn Creek, Chalk Creek and Meadow Creek are running very high with runoff. Roads are now open except at Chalk Creek, which will be open as soon as the snow is cleared off the road.
DUCK CREEK POND / ASPEN MIRROR LAKE: (May 27) Duck Creek Pond is ice-free. Catchable-sized rainbow trout will be stocked later this month. Until then, fishing will be slow to fair for holdover rainbows that were planted last fall. The early season is the best time to target brook trout. Try fishing dark-colored marabou jigs and woolly buggers close to the bottom.
EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER IN KINGSTON CANYON: (May 27) The water is high and murky from runoff.
EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER, BLACK CANYON: (May 27) The water is high and murky from runoff.
ENTERPRISE RESERVOIR, UPPER: (May 27) The upper reservoir is full. One angler reported fair to good fishing for rainbows with nightcrawlers. Fishing was slower with flies. Recent sampling showed that rainbows stocked in 2009 have survived well and will be growing quickly. There are a lot of 10- to 12-inch fish, and many others that are 14 to 15 inches. Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked in the lower reservoir.
FISH LAKE: (May 27) The ice came off on May 21, and boats are now allowed on the lake. There wasn't much pressure on the first open-water weekend because strong winds made it unsafe to launch boats. Jigging for splake should provide the best fishing success for the next month. Anchor just outside the weedline in water that's 20–40 feet deep. Use light-colored jigs or flashy lures like Kastmasters within a couple feet of the bottom. Make sure you tip your jig or lure with fish meat (chub, perch or sucker) or half a minnow. Try fishing shallower for perch. This is the best time to target lake trout in shallower water as well. Fish at depths of 40–60 feet and use larger jigs and bait. Trolling for rainbows should also produce some success.
FORSYTH RESERVOIR: (May 27) Small tiger trout (up to 14 inches) are hitting spinners. You can catch larger tigers and splake on spoons and cutbait (chub, sucker or half a minnow). Recent sampling found a few perch, which were the result of an illegal stocking. This news will be very disappointing to anglers who love Forsyth, because perch can negatively impact a great trout fishery. A chemical removal of all fish may eventually be necessary to solve this problem. If you have any knowledge of — or ever witness — an illegal fish introduction, please report it by calling 1–800-662–3337.
GUNLOCK RESERVOIR: (May 27) The reservoir is filling. Largemouth bass were restocked in 2009 and enjoyed a very successful spawn. Many small fish will be available this year, some up to 10 inches long. Don't plan on targeting the large brood fish — there are not many of them.
IRON COUNTY COMMUNITY FISHERIES: (May 27) Rainbow trout have been stocked in Parowan Pond. Leigh Hill Reservoir in Cedar City will open to fishing on July 1.
JOHNSON RESERVOIR: (May 27) The reservoir is full but murky from runoff. Tiger muskie will be active as soon as the water clears, likely sometime in the next month.
KOLOB RESERVOIR: (May 27) If you plan to fish at Kolob this year, please take a minute to review the new regulations. NEW REGULATIONS: The trout limit is two fish less than 15 inches or over 22 inches. You must release all fish between 15 and 22 inches. Fishing with bait will be allowed from May 15 to Sept. 11. Access is good from Virgin, and the ice is off. The reservoir is full, and it's a little murky from runoff. There haven't been any recent reports on fishing success. Remember that the tributaries are closed to fishing until July 10 to protect spawning fish.
KOOSHAREM RESERVOIR: (May 27) The ice is off. There haven't been any recent reports on fishing success.
LOWER BOWNS RESERVOIR: (May 14) The road has been plowed. There haven't been any recent reports from anglers.
MAMMOTH CREEK: (May 27) Flows are high and murky with runoff.
MILL MEADOW RESERVOIR: (May 27) Anglers report fair to good fishing for brown trout with minnow-imitating lures and streamers. You'll have the most success during the morning and evening hours, and on cloudy days. Please make an effort to harvest perch because it helps the population stay in balance with available food. The perch limit has been increased to 50. Recent sampling found that wild browns and perch are abundant. Rainbows, splake and tiger trout are not doing as well, likely due to competition with perch and Utah suckers.
MINERSVILLE RESERVOIR: (May 27) Trout fishing is slow. As a result, fishing pressure is light. Fishing for smallmouth bass is slow due to low water temperatures. Fishing for both smallmouth bass and trout should improve as the water warms. Recent surveys found that trout are making a comeback. There are good numbers of 12- to 14-inch rainbows as well as some larger fish (up to 21 inches). Trout should grow quickly this year with the higher reservoir level and improved water quality. You'll also find some very nice smallmouth bass (up to four pounds) in the reservoir. Remember that the use or possession of bait, including scented lures, is prohibited at Minersville Reservoir.
NAVAJO LAKE: (May 14) You'll need a snowmobile to access the lake. There's no fishing pressure.
NEWCASTLE RESERVOIR: (May 27) Recent surveys found good numbers of 10- and 14-inch rainbows as well as both medium and large wipers. Trout fishing has been slow to fair with bait. Anglers have not yet reported catching any wipers.
OTTER CREEK RESERVOIR & STATE PARK: (May 27) Fishing is slow to fair. Anglers who use bait to fish from the shore have had the most success. Recent surveys found that rainbow trout numbers are still as high as ever, although the population has shifted slightly toward smaller fish. Many 10- to 12-inch fish are in the reservoir, and they should grow quickly this year. Good numbers of larger rainbows (16–20 inches) are also available, but not in quite the abundance we've seen in recent years. Heavy fishing and harvest pressure have likely contributed to the shift in size structure, as well as the spotty fishing success experienced by many anglers over the last year. Good water levels this year should result in fast growth, and anglers will likely catch some larger fish.
PANGUITCH LAKE: (May 27) The ice is off, and trout have moved into the shallows. Ice-off fishing can be fair to good with most techniques, but the key is to concentrate on shallow water right next to shore. Some of the best shore fishing of the year will occur in the next month. If you're fishing from a boat, try to get as close to shore as possible. Flyfishing with nymphs and streamers off points and gravel shorelines usually provides some of the best success. Recent sampling found high numbers of trout, and about 20 percent of those were over two pounds. The largest was five pounds! All fish are very healthy and strong. There is a good mix of rainbow and cutthroat trout available, with a few tiger trout as well. Remember that cutthroat and tiger trout from 15 to 22 inches must be released. For help with fish identification, refer to page 40 in the Utah Fishing Guidebook or visit wildlife.utah.gov/trout.pdf.
PARAGONAH RESERVOIR: (May 27) Access is good. Anglers report good to excellent success for 14-inch rainbows with woolly buggers in black, olive, brown and yellow. Some fish up to 18 inches have also been caught. Remember that tributary streams are closed until July 10 to protect spawning fish. Feel free to walk upstream to look at the fish, but leave the fishing pole at the lake and don't try to chase or catch the fish by hand.
PINE LAKE: (May 27) Access is good, and rainbows have been stocked. Fishing should be fair to good.
PIUTE RESERVOIR: (May 27) Recent surveys found that fish stocked last fall (after the reservoir refilled) have survived and done well. Decent numbers of 12- to 14-inch rainbow trout are present, as well as a few brood rainbows and browns. Eight- to 10-inch rainbows were also stocked recently. Improved water levels this year should result in fast growth. In addition, extra hatchery-grown fish will be stocked in Piute as often as possible.
QUAIL LAKE: (May 27) The reservoir is full, so there is a lot of flooded brush. You'll find large bass in the shallows on spawning nests. Fishing has been fair to good.
SAND HOLLOW RESERVOIR: (May 27) Please read about the recent discovery of an invasive mussel at Sand Hollow. Bass fishing has been good to excellent, but be prepared to wait in line for boat decontamination before you leave the reservoir. This could take quite some time with the high boat number of boats that regularly visit Sand Hollow.
SEVIER RIVER IN MARYSVALE CANYON: (May 27) Irrigation releases are making it difficult to fish.
THOUSAND LAKE MOUNTAIN: (May 27) Solomon Basin is accessible from Emery County and may be accessible from Forsyth Reservoir as well. Anglers report good fishing for rainbows, brooks and cutthroat at Meeks. Spring fishing should be fair to good at other lakes as well.
TROPIC RESERVOIR: (May 27) Access is good, and the ice is off. Rainbows will be stocked soon.
WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY FISHERIES: (May 27) All Utah community fisheries have a new limit of two fish, in any combination of species. (For example: two trout, or one trout and 1 bluegill, or 2 bluegill, etc.) The new limit has been in effect since Jan. 1, 2010. As the weather warms, trout fishing slows down, and action for bass and bluegill picks up. Unfortunately, most anglers quit fishing the ponds as the trout disappear. Bluegill can provide great fishing for kids, with even faster success than you'll often see with trout. Bluegill fishing is very simple: suspend a nightcrawler one to two feet below a bobber. If you want to get really fancy, use a small brightly-colored jig instead of a baithook, but still use the bobber and worm. Largemouth bass will also hit this rig, and you even have the chance to catch bass up to three pounds on it.
WIDE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: (March 04) The reservoir has been drained so that the dam can be rebuilt. It will be filled again in 2011.
YANKEE MEADOW RESERVOIR: (May 27) As of Monday, May 10, the road was mostly open. There were only a few small snow drifts, which were easily crossed with four-wheel drive. With warm weather predicted for the weekend, look for all that snow to melt off fairly soon. The ice has begun to retreat and could come off within a week. Ice-off fishing can be good to excellent for rainbows that cruise the shallows while feeding. Target them with nymphs, spinners or your favorite bait but remember not to cast too far — the fish are right next to the bank. This is also the best time to go after nice brook trout. Dark-colored streamers and marabou jigs fished near the bottom will produce the best success.
Would you like to see a Utah fishing regulation change? Have an idea for a new rule? Our biologists are already working on possible fishing changes for 2011, and we want to hear from you. Provide feedback on possible 2011 fishing changes.
BAKER RESERVOIR: (May 27) The reservoir is full. Anglers report slow to fair fishing for recently stocked rainbows from boats and from the shoreline.
BARKER RESERVOIRS (NORTH CREEK LAKES): (May 27) Access should open in the next couple of weeks, and the ice should come off at about the same time. Dougherty Basin Lake is closed until July 10.
BEAVER MOUNTAIN LAKES: (May 27) Conservation Officer Brent Farnsworth reports that Little Reservoir and Indian Creek Reservoir are accessible by vehicle. Little Reservoir has been stocked, and Indian Creek Reservoir should be stocked this week. The gate on Kent's Lake Road is closed below Tushar Campground. All three of Kent's lakes are ice-free, but you can only access them by walking from the gate. Kent's Lake is scheduled to be stocked this week. The road to Puffer Lake is open, but the lake is still ice covered. Three Creeks Reservoir is only half full, but it's filling. It will be stocked when it is nearly full.
BEAVER RIVER, LOWER: (May 27) Irrigation water is being released below Minersville Reservoir. The water is slightly turbid but still fishable.
BEAVER RIVER, UPPER: (May 27) Conservation Officer Brent Farnsworth reports that stream flows in the Upper Beaver River continue to be high. He notes that peak runoff has not yet occurred, so the flows will get higher in the next few weeks. The water is only slightly turbid.
BOULDER MOUNTAIN: (May 27) Conservation Officer Gabe Patterson reports that Coleman Reservoir, Bobs Hole Lake and Pine Creek Reservoir are accessible. Access to higher lakes will slowly improve as warm weather continues.
CORN CREEK: (May 27) Corn Creek, Chalk Creek and Meadow Creek are running very high with runoff. Roads are now open except at Chalk Creek, which will be open as soon as the snow is cleared off the road.
DUCK CREEK POND / ASPEN MIRROR LAKE: (May 27) Duck Creek Pond is ice-free. Catchable-sized rainbow trout will be stocked later this month. Until then, fishing will be slow to fair for holdover rainbows that were planted last fall. The early season is the best time to target brook trout. Try fishing dark-colored marabou jigs and woolly buggers close to the bottom.
EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER IN KINGSTON CANYON: (May 27) The water is high and murky from runoff.
EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER, BLACK CANYON: (May 27) The water is high and murky from runoff.
ENTERPRISE RESERVOIR, UPPER: (May 27) The upper reservoir is full. One angler reported fair to good fishing for rainbows with nightcrawlers. Fishing was slower with flies. Recent sampling showed that rainbows stocked in 2009 have survived well and will be growing quickly. There are a lot of 10- to 12-inch fish, and many others that are 14 to 15 inches. Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked in the lower reservoir.
FISH LAKE: (May 27) The ice came off on May 21, and boats are now allowed on the lake. There wasn't much pressure on the first open-water weekend because strong winds made it unsafe to launch boats. Jigging for splake should provide the best fishing success for the next month. Anchor just outside the weedline in water that's 20–40 feet deep. Use light-colored jigs or flashy lures like Kastmasters within a couple feet of the bottom. Make sure you tip your jig or lure with fish meat (chub, perch or sucker) or half a minnow. Try fishing shallower for perch. This is the best time to target lake trout in shallower water as well. Fish at depths of 40–60 feet and use larger jigs and bait. Trolling for rainbows should also produce some success.
FORSYTH RESERVOIR: (May 27) Small tiger trout (up to 14 inches) are hitting spinners. You can catch larger tigers and splake on spoons and cutbait (chub, sucker or half a minnow). Recent sampling found a few perch, which were the result of an illegal stocking. This news will be very disappointing to anglers who love Forsyth, because perch can negatively impact a great trout fishery. A chemical removal of all fish may eventually be necessary to solve this problem. If you have any knowledge of — or ever witness — an illegal fish introduction, please report it by calling 1–800-662–3337.
GUNLOCK RESERVOIR: (May 27) The reservoir is filling. Largemouth bass were restocked in 2009 and enjoyed a very successful spawn. Many small fish will be available this year, some up to 10 inches long. Don't plan on targeting the large brood fish — there are not many of them.
IRON COUNTY COMMUNITY FISHERIES: (May 27) Rainbow trout have been stocked in Parowan Pond. Leigh Hill Reservoir in Cedar City will open to fishing on July 1.
JOHNSON RESERVOIR: (May 27) The reservoir is full but murky from runoff. Tiger muskie will be active as soon as the water clears, likely sometime in the next month.
KOLOB RESERVOIR: (May 27) If you plan to fish at Kolob this year, please take a minute to review the new regulations. NEW REGULATIONS: The trout limit is two fish less than 15 inches or over 22 inches. You must release all fish between 15 and 22 inches. Fishing with bait will be allowed from May 15 to Sept. 11. Access is good from Virgin, and the ice is off. The reservoir is full, and it's a little murky from runoff. There haven't been any recent reports on fishing success. Remember that the tributaries are closed to fishing until July 10 to protect spawning fish.
KOOSHAREM RESERVOIR: (May 27) The ice is off. There haven't been any recent reports on fishing success.
LOWER BOWNS RESERVOIR: (May 14) The road has been plowed. There haven't been any recent reports from anglers.
MAMMOTH CREEK: (May 27) Flows are high and murky with runoff.
MILL MEADOW RESERVOIR: (May 27) Anglers report fair to good fishing for brown trout with minnow-imitating lures and streamers. You'll have the most success during the morning and evening hours, and on cloudy days. Please make an effort to harvest perch because it helps the population stay in balance with available food. The perch limit has been increased to 50. Recent sampling found that wild browns and perch are abundant. Rainbows, splake and tiger trout are not doing as well, likely due to competition with perch and Utah suckers.
MINERSVILLE RESERVOIR: (May 27) Trout fishing is slow. As a result, fishing pressure is light. Fishing for smallmouth bass is slow due to low water temperatures. Fishing for both smallmouth bass and trout should improve as the water warms. Recent surveys found that trout are making a comeback. There are good numbers of 12- to 14-inch rainbows as well as some larger fish (up to 21 inches). Trout should grow quickly this year with the higher reservoir level and improved water quality. You'll also find some very nice smallmouth bass (up to four pounds) in the reservoir. Remember that the use or possession of bait, including scented lures, is prohibited at Minersville Reservoir.
NAVAJO LAKE: (May 14) You'll need a snowmobile to access the lake. There's no fishing pressure.
NEWCASTLE RESERVOIR: (May 27) Recent surveys found good numbers of 10- and 14-inch rainbows as well as both medium and large wipers. Trout fishing has been slow to fair with bait. Anglers have not yet reported catching any wipers.
OTTER CREEK RESERVOIR & STATE PARK: (May 27) Fishing is slow to fair. Anglers who use bait to fish from the shore have had the most success. Recent surveys found that rainbow trout numbers are still as high as ever, although the population has shifted slightly toward smaller fish. Many 10- to 12-inch fish are in the reservoir, and they should grow quickly this year. Good numbers of larger rainbows (16–20 inches) are also available, but not in quite the abundance we've seen in recent years. Heavy fishing and harvest pressure have likely contributed to the shift in size structure, as well as the spotty fishing success experienced by many anglers over the last year. Good water levels this year should result in fast growth, and anglers will likely catch some larger fish.
PANGUITCH LAKE: (May 27) The ice is off, and trout have moved into the shallows. Ice-off fishing can be fair to good with most techniques, but the key is to concentrate on shallow water right next to shore. Some of the best shore fishing of the year will occur in the next month. If you're fishing from a boat, try to get as close to shore as possible. Flyfishing with nymphs and streamers off points and gravel shorelines usually provides some of the best success. Recent sampling found high numbers of trout, and about 20 percent of those were over two pounds. The largest was five pounds! All fish are very healthy and strong. There is a good mix of rainbow and cutthroat trout available, with a few tiger trout as well. Remember that cutthroat and tiger trout from 15 to 22 inches must be released. For help with fish identification, refer to page 40 in the Utah Fishing Guidebook or visit wildlife.utah.gov/trout.pdf.
PARAGONAH RESERVOIR: (May 27) Access is good. Anglers report good to excellent success for 14-inch rainbows with woolly buggers in black, olive, brown and yellow. Some fish up to 18 inches have also been caught. Remember that tributary streams are closed until July 10 to protect spawning fish. Feel free to walk upstream to look at the fish, but leave the fishing pole at the lake and don't try to chase or catch the fish by hand.
PINE LAKE: (May 27) Access is good, and rainbows have been stocked. Fishing should be fair to good.
PIUTE RESERVOIR: (May 27) Recent surveys found that fish stocked last fall (after the reservoir refilled) have survived and done well. Decent numbers of 12- to 14-inch rainbow trout are present, as well as a few brood rainbows and browns. Eight- to 10-inch rainbows were also stocked recently. Improved water levels this year should result in fast growth. In addition, extra hatchery-grown fish will be stocked in Piute as often as possible.
QUAIL LAKE: (May 27) The reservoir is full, so there is a lot of flooded brush. You'll find large bass in the shallows on spawning nests. Fishing has been fair to good.
SAND HOLLOW RESERVOIR: (May 27) Please read about the recent discovery of an invasive mussel at Sand Hollow. Bass fishing has been good to excellent, but be prepared to wait in line for boat decontamination before you leave the reservoir. This could take quite some time with the high boat number of boats that regularly visit Sand Hollow.
SEVIER RIVER IN MARYSVALE CANYON: (May 27) Irrigation releases are making it difficult to fish.
THOUSAND LAKE MOUNTAIN: (May 27) Solomon Basin is accessible from Emery County and may be accessible from Forsyth Reservoir as well. Anglers report good fishing for rainbows, brooks and cutthroat at Meeks. Spring fishing should be fair to good at other lakes as well.
TROPIC RESERVOIR: (May 27) Access is good, and the ice is off. Rainbows will be stocked soon.
WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY FISHERIES: (May 27) All Utah community fisheries have a new limit of two fish, in any combination of species. (For example: two trout, or one trout and 1 bluegill, or 2 bluegill, etc.) The new limit has been in effect since Jan. 1, 2010. As the weather warms, trout fishing slows down, and action for bass and bluegill picks up. Unfortunately, most anglers quit fishing the ponds as the trout disappear. Bluegill can provide great fishing for kids, with even faster success than you'll often see with trout. Bluegill fishing is very simple: suspend a nightcrawler one to two feet below a bobber. If you want to get really fancy, use a small brightly-colored jig instead of a baithook, but still use the bobber and worm. Largemouth bass will also hit this rig, and you even have the chance to catch bass up to three pounds on it.
WIDE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: (March 04) The reservoir has been drained so that the dam can be rebuilt. It will be filled again in 2011.
YANKEE MEADOW RESERVOIR: (May 27) As of Monday, May 10, the road was mostly open. There were only a few small snow drifts, which were easily crossed with four-wheel drive. With warm weather predicted for the weekend, look for all that snow to melt off fairly soon. The ice has begun to retreat and could come off within a week. Ice-off fishing can be good to excellent for rainbows that cruise the shallows while feeding. Target them with nymphs, spinners or your favorite bait but remember not to cast too far — the fish are right next to the bank. This is also the best time to go after nice brook trout. Dark-colored streamers and marabou jigs fished near the bottom will produce the best success.