Post by Steve Sutton on May 28, 2010 9:02:38 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.
BEAR LAKE: (May 27) Fishing has remained consistent for cutthroat trout. The spawning run is underway, but the fish in the lake are still hitting Rapalas and spoons trolled off a downrigger or on flat lines. Try downrigging in about 60–70 feet of water and even close to the bottom (at about 150–160 feet). Try trolling deep diver lures (at 10–12 feet) parallel to shore. Go north from the marina to Fish Haven Creek and along the east side, from the scout camp to Idaho State Park.
For the first time in 24 years, you might feel a rainbow trout tugging on your fishing line at Bear Lake. The DWR stocked about 5,000 rainbows into the lake on May 25. Another 5,000 rainbows will be stocked before the July 4 weekend. The trout — which were about 10 inches long when stocked — are sterile and cannot reproduce. Because a limited number of sterile rainbows are available this year, and because Bear Lake is a large lake, it would be difficult for anglers to catch them if the fish were stocked in several places. For that reason, all of the 10,000 fish were stocked at one place, the Bear Lake State Park Marina near Garden City.
Scott Tolentino, DWR aquatic project leader at Bear Lake, says the rainbows feed mostly on terrestrial insects that blow onto the surface of the water. Both shoreline and boat anglers should find good success. To fish for rainbows, try using PowerBait, worms, flies or lures such as small spinners and spoons.
BIRCH CREEK RESERVOIR: (May 27) The water temperature is 47 degrees, and the reservoir is about eight feet below full pool. Excellent fishing opportunities await anglers at Birch Creek this spring. The reservoir is filling; however, there is no water being released, so the area below the reservoir is dry. Fishing from shore or float tubes will be your best bet. Try streamer or leech patterns on fly rods, and use small spinners or jigs from conventional equipment. Try tipping the lure with worms or using Gulp minnows in the two- to three-inch size for tiger trout. The Monte Cristo road is scheduled to open at 8 a.m. on May 28, so fishing pressure will likely increase after it's easier to reach the reservoir.
BLACKSMITH FORK RIVER: (May 20) There haven't been any recent fishing reports. The flows can change rapidly this time of year, so visit the USGS Web site for current stream flows.
BOUNTIFUL LAKE: (May 20) Catfish stocking has started at many community fishing waters. Remember, there's a two-fish daily limit at the lake and all other community fisheries.
CAUSEY RESERVOIR: (May 20) Conservation Officer Chad Wilson reports that fishing has been good on both arms of the reservoir. Anglers are catching fish with salmon eggs, worms, PowerBait and spinners (Rapalas or Panther Martins).
CUTLER RESERVOIR & MARSH: (May 20) The water level is high. The weather is warming, which should improve fishing. Access is good. This is a really fun place for kids. I recommend bringing a canoe and just drifting through the marsh. Try standard riggings with nightcrawlers if you're fishing for catfish or crappie.
EAST CANYON RESERVOIR & STATE PARK: (May 20) Conservation Officer Jonathan Moser reports that anglers caught fish while trolling with pop-gear and bait. Shore anglers were successful with PowerBait or worms and a marshmallow. Try floating your bait above the bottom of the reservoir.
ECHO RESERVOIR: (May 20) Conservation Officer Rustin Neilsen reports that water levels are very high. Shore anglers are catching trout with PowerBait and worms. Spinners have also been effective. Shore fishing has been best near the dam. Boat anglers have caught trout while trolling with pop gear.
HOLMES CREEK RESERVOIR: (May 20) There haven't been any recent reports from anglers. Plan on shore fishing only — boats are not allowed on this reservoir.
HYRUM RESERVOIR & STATE PARK: (May 20) Dedicated Hunter Lindsey Gledhill reports that the water is murky. Fishing is good from the shore. Both PowerBait and worms are working well at depths of 35–40 feet. Campers reported success while trolling in the early morning hours. They used small silver pop-gear with a worm at depths of 15–20 feet. Fishing slows by 8 a.m.
JENSEN NATURE PARK POND: (May 20) Catfish stocking has started at many community fishing waters. Remember, there's a two-fish daily limit at the pond and all other community fisheries.
LITTLE CREEK RESERVOIR: (May 27) The reservoir is full and has been stocked with rainbow trout. Fishing has been fair. Successful anglers are using woolly buggers in green or purple. You can launch a float tube from the south side of the reservoir, and fishing is allowed off the dam.
LOGAN RIVER: (May 20) Dedicated Hunter Lindsey Gledhill reports that the river is running fast, but the water is clear. You'll find slow fishing at the dams. Anglers report the most success with a floating fly, particularly midge and mayfly patterns. Shore anglers are having sporadic luck with PowerBait.
LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: (May 20) Conservation Officer Jonathan Moser reports that anglers were catching fish near the dam using spinners or other diving lures. PowerBait and worms were also producing some action. If you use PowerBait, your best bet is to try yellow, chartreuse or rainbow.
MANTUA RESERVOIR: (May 20) Conservation Officer Cory Inglet reports that anglers are catching 15-inch trout from the shore.
MIRROR LAKE: (May 20) There haven't been any recent fishing reports, probably because it's been difficult to reach the lake. Check the UDOT Web site for an update on road conditions.
NEWTON RESERVOIR: (May 20) Dedicated Hunter Lindsey Gledhill reports that tiger muskie fishing has been very slow. Shore anglers have had some success by casting about 10 feet out and then retrieving. The fish have averaged 34 inches in length. Anglers report little to no success for perch or catfish. As the water temperatures warm, strikes will increase.
OGDEN RIVER: (May 20) There haven't been any recent fishing reports. The flows can change rapidly this time of year, so visit the USGS Web site for current stream flows.
PINEVIEW RESERVOIR: (May 20) An angler who reported slow fishing for crappie had success catching tiger muskie with Rapalas.
PORCUPINE RESERVOIR: (May 20) Anglers have reported good fishing for trout near the inlet.
ROCKPORT RESERVOIR: (May 20) Conservation Officer Rustin Nielsen reports high water levels. Shore anglers report slow fishing for trout, but they've had some success using worms and rainbow-colored PowerBait. Boat anglers have caught fish while trolling.
WEBER RIVER: (May 20) Biologist Paul Thompson reports that water clarity is good along the entire river. Flows are relatively high in many areas. Lower flows have been reported between Echo and Rockport reservoirs and from the Morgan area downstream to Mountain Green. You'll find good fishing with streamers, nymphs and spinners. A recent episode of Roughin' It Outdoors was shot on the Weber. It focused on the new stream access law and highlighted some of the Weber's great brown trout fishing.
WILLARD BAY RESERVOIR: (May 20) Conservation Officer Cory Inglet reports that anglers are catching good-sized wipers and crappie in the north marina. Fishing is better from boats. This week, the DWR completed spring gillnet sampling of fish populations. Biologist Ben Nadolski says that the wipers are in good shape. Many in the sample weighed anywhere from six to eight pounds! Nadolski also noted that the catfish are getting bigger and appear to be thriving. Roughin' It Outdoors host Adam Eakle attended the gillnetting event. Be sure to catch his story this weekend!
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.
BEAR LAKE: (May 27) Fishing has remained consistent for cutthroat trout. The spawning run is underway, but the fish in the lake are still hitting Rapalas and spoons trolled off a downrigger or on flat lines. Try downrigging in about 60–70 feet of water and even close to the bottom (at about 150–160 feet). Try trolling deep diver lures (at 10–12 feet) parallel to shore. Go north from the marina to Fish Haven Creek and along the east side, from the scout camp to Idaho State Park.
For the first time in 24 years, you might feel a rainbow trout tugging on your fishing line at Bear Lake. The DWR stocked about 5,000 rainbows into the lake on May 25. Another 5,000 rainbows will be stocked before the July 4 weekend. The trout — which were about 10 inches long when stocked — are sterile and cannot reproduce. Because a limited number of sterile rainbows are available this year, and because Bear Lake is a large lake, it would be difficult for anglers to catch them if the fish were stocked in several places. For that reason, all of the 10,000 fish were stocked at one place, the Bear Lake State Park Marina near Garden City.
Scott Tolentino, DWR aquatic project leader at Bear Lake, says the rainbows feed mostly on terrestrial insects that blow onto the surface of the water. Both shoreline and boat anglers should find good success. To fish for rainbows, try using PowerBait, worms, flies or lures such as small spinners and spoons.
BIRCH CREEK RESERVOIR: (May 27) The water temperature is 47 degrees, and the reservoir is about eight feet below full pool. Excellent fishing opportunities await anglers at Birch Creek this spring. The reservoir is filling; however, there is no water being released, so the area below the reservoir is dry. Fishing from shore or float tubes will be your best bet. Try streamer or leech patterns on fly rods, and use small spinners or jigs from conventional equipment. Try tipping the lure with worms or using Gulp minnows in the two- to three-inch size for tiger trout. The Monte Cristo road is scheduled to open at 8 a.m. on May 28, so fishing pressure will likely increase after it's easier to reach the reservoir.
BLACKSMITH FORK RIVER: (May 20) There haven't been any recent fishing reports. The flows can change rapidly this time of year, so visit the USGS Web site for current stream flows.
BOUNTIFUL LAKE: (May 20) Catfish stocking has started at many community fishing waters. Remember, there's a two-fish daily limit at the lake and all other community fisheries.
CAUSEY RESERVOIR: (May 20) Conservation Officer Chad Wilson reports that fishing has been good on both arms of the reservoir. Anglers are catching fish with salmon eggs, worms, PowerBait and spinners (Rapalas or Panther Martins).
CUTLER RESERVOIR & MARSH: (May 20) The water level is high. The weather is warming, which should improve fishing. Access is good. This is a really fun place for kids. I recommend bringing a canoe and just drifting through the marsh. Try standard riggings with nightcrawlers if you're fishing for catfish or crappie.
EAST CANYON RESERVOIR & STATE PARK: (May 20) Conservation Officer Jonathan Moser reports that anglers caught fish while trolling with pop-gear and bait. Shore anglers were successful with PowerBait or worms and a marshmallow. Try floating your bait above the bottom of the reservoir.
ECHO RESERVOIR: (May 20) Conservation Officer Rustin Neilsen reports that water levels are very high. Shore anglers are catching trout with PowerBait and worms. Spinners have also been effective. Shore fishing has been best near the dam. Boat anglers have caught trout while trolling with pop gear.
HOLMES CREEK RESERVOIR: (May 20) There haven't been any recent reports from anglers. Plan on shore fishing only — boats are not allowed on this reservoir.
HYRUM RESERVOIR & STATE PARK: (May 20) Dedicated Hunter Lindsey Gledhill reports that the water is murky. Fishing is good from the shore. Both PowerBait and worms are working well at depths of 35–40 feet. Campers reported success while trolling in the early morning hours. They used small silver pop-gear with a worm at depths of 15–20 feet. Fishing slows by 8 a.m.
JENSEN NATURE PARK POND: (May 20) Catfish stocking has started at many community fishing waters. Remember, there's a two-fish daily limit at the pond and all other community fisheries.
LITTLE CREEK RESERVOIR: (May 27) The reservoir is full and has been stocked with rainbow trout. Fishing has been fair. Successful anglers are using woolly buggers in green or purple. You can launch a float tube from the south side of the reservoir, and fishing is allowed off the dam.
LOGAN RIVER: (May 20) Dedicated Hunter Lindsey Gledhill reports that the river is running fast, but the water is clear. You'll find slow fishing at the dams. Anglers report the most success with a floating fly, particularly midge and mayfly patterns. Shore anglers are having sporadic luck with PowerBait.
LOST CREEK RESERVOIR: (May 20) Conservation Officer Jonathan Moser reports that anglers were catching fish near the dam using spinners or other diving lures. PowerBait and worms were also producing some action. If you use PowerBait, your best bet is to try yellow, chartreuse or rainbow.
MANTUA RESERVOIR: (May 20) Conservation Officer Cory Inglet reports that anglers are catching 15-inch trout from the shore.
MIRROR LAKE: (May 20) There haven't been any recent fishing reports, probably because it's been difficult to reach the lake. Check the UDOT Web site for an update on road conditions.
NEWTON RESERVOIR: (May 20) Dedicated Hunter Lindsey Gledhill reports that tiger muskie fishing has been very slow. Shore anglers have had some success by casting about 10 feet out and then retrieving. The fish have averaged 34 inches in length. Anglers report little to no success for perch or catfish. As the water temperatures warm, strikes will increase.
OGDEN RIVER: (May 20) There haven't been any recent fishing reports. The flows can change rapidly this time of year, so visit the USGS Web site for current stream flows.
PINEVIEW RESERVOIR: (May 20) An angler who reported slow fishing for crappie had success catching tiger muskie with Rapalas.
PORCUPINE RESERVOIR: (May 20) Anglers have reported good fishing for trout near the inlet.
ROCKPORT RESERVOIR: (May 20) Conservation Officer Rustin Nielsen reports high water levels. Shore anglers report slow fishing for trout, but they've had some success using worms and rainbow-colored PowerBait. Boat anglers have caught fish while trolling.
WEBER RIVER: (May 20) Biologist Paul Thompson reports that water clarity is good along the entire river. Flows are relatively high in many areas. Lower flows have been reported between Echo and Rockport reservoirs and from the Morgan area downstream to Mountain Green. You'll find good fishing with streamers, nymphs and spinners. A recent episode of Roughin' It Outdoors was shot on the Weber. It focused on the new stream access law and highlighted some of the Weber's great brown trout fishing.
WILLARD BAY RESERVOIR: (May 20) Conservation Officer Cory Inglet reports that anglers are catching good-sized wipers and crappie in the north marina. Fishing is better from boats. This week, the DWR completed spring gillnet sampling of fish populations. Biologist Ben Nadolski says that the wipers are in good shape. Many in the sample weighed anywhere from six to eight pounds! Nadolski also noted that the catfish are getting bigger and appear to be thriving. Roughin' It Outdoors host Adam Eakle attended the gillnetting event. Be sure to catch his story this weekend!