Post by Steve Sutton on Jun 24, 2010 16:18:49 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.
BAKER RESERVOIR: (June 11) The reservoir is full. Shore and float tube anglers report slow to fair fishing for the recently stocked rainbows.
BARKER RESERVOIRS (NORTH CREEK LAKES): (June 24) Access is good, and fishing pressure is moderate. Rainbows have been stocked in Barker and Lower Barker. Fishing is fair to good at most lakes. Dougherty Basin Lake is closed until July 10.
BEAVER MOUNTAIN LAKES: (June 24) Conservation Officer Brent Farnsworth reports that Kent's Lake Road is now open, so all the lakes on Beaver Mountain are now accessible to vehicles. All lakes have been stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout except Labaron Reservoir, which is scheduled to be stocked this week. All lakes are full, and water conditions are good. Fishing pressure is increasing, especially on weekends. Fishing has been generally good. Both PowerBait and nightcrawlers are effective. Fishing with flies in the evening is improving, as more insects have emerged with warmer weather.
BEAVER RIVER, LOWER: (June 24) Conservation Officer Brent Farnsworth reports that flows on the Beaver River (below Minersville Reservoir) are stable because of controlled releases from the reservoir. Over the past few weeks, turbid flows coming into the reservoir have muddied its water. As a result, the water being released into the Beaver River is also muddy. Water clarity has started to improve lately, however, because the silt is settling.
BEAVER RIVER, UPPER: (June 24) Conservation Officer Brent Farnsworth reports that runoff on the upper Beaver River peaked about three weeks ago. Since then, flows have diminished, and the water has cleared. Flows are still higher than normal but are much more fishable.
BOULDER MOUNTAIN: (June 24) All areas of the mountain are now accessible, except the Boulder Top. The gate to the top will remain closed until all snowdrifts are off the roads, hopefully within the next couple of weeks. Anglers report good to excellent fishing in several areas across the mountain. Some of the best tactics for Boulder Mountain include marabou jigs, streamers, flashy lures and spinners, natural baits like nightcrawlers, and dry flies during morning and evening hatches. Don't overlook the shoreline — many fish will cruise shallow water when feeding. Be prepared to try multiple tactics until you find what works best. Expect to see evidence of winterkill in some of the shallow lakes, but keep in mind that not all winterkills are complete. Even if it looks like all the fish in the lake are dead, there are usually some that survive the winter. Those remaining fish will grow faster due to less competition.
CLEAR CREEK: (June 24) High runoff from Fish Creek is making lower Clear Creek turbid. Above Fish Creek, flows are clearer and fishable. Fishing is fair to good for small rainbows with spinners and flies.
CORN CREEK: (June 24) There haven't been any recent reports from Corn Creek. Runoff is starting to subside in Chalk Creek, and the fishing is improving.
DUCK CREEK POND / ASPEN MIRROR LAKE: (June 24) Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked, and fishing is fair to good. You'll find moderate to heavy fishing pressure.
EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER IN KINGSTON CANYON: (June 24) Releases from Otter Creek Reservoir have been minimal, so flows are only moderately turbid. The river is very fishable.
EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER, BLACK CANYON: (June 24) Runoff has subsided, and flows are clear. You'll find good fishing for browns (and the occasional rainbow) with streamers and bead-head nymphs.
EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER, UPPER: (June 11) The water is high and murky from runoff.
ENTERPRISE RESERVOIR, UPPER: (June 11) Anglers report fair to good fishing for rainbows with popular techniques. A recent survey found that the rainbows that were stocked in 2009 have survived well and are growing fast. There are a lot of 10- to 12-inch fish, with a good number reaching 14 to 15 inches. Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked in the lower reservoir.
FISH LAKE: (June 24) Shore fishing for rainbows has been fairly good at the Twin Creek inlet, although it can get crowded quickly. Trolling success has improved for rainbows (and the occasional splake) with popgear and a worm or Rapalas. Jigging for splake is also a productive method. Anchor just outside the weedline in 30–60 feet of water. Use light-colored jigs — or flashy lures like Kastmasters — within a couple feet of the bottom. Make sure to tip your jig or lure with fish meat (chub, perch or sucker) or half a minnow. Some anglers also have success tipping jigs with nightcrawlers. Perch action is fairly fast if you're jigging in 15–20 feet of water. The action is less predictable for lake trout, although anglers have caught a few nice fish.
FORSYTH RESERVOIR: (June 24) 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.
FREMONT RIVER: (June 24) Flows above Mill Meadow are a little murky but still fishable. One angler reported catching small browns with spinners.
GUNLOCK RESERVOIR: (June 24) Largemouth bass were restocked in 2009 and enjoyed a 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.
GUNNISON BEND RESERVOIR: (June 24) Conservation Officer Kody Jones reports that fishing for catfish and bluegill has been good this week. Fishermen are finding success with nightcrawlers and liver. Bass fishing is improving.
IRON COUNTY COMMUNITY FISHERIES: (June 24) The grand-opening ceremony for Leigh Hill Reservoir will take place July three at 10 a.m. in Cedar City. Catchable-sized rainbow trout and catfish will be stocked, and you might also catch a few bass. Rainbows and catfish have also been stocked at Parowan Pond.
JOHNSON RESERVOIR: (June 24) Fishing for tiger muskies could pick up at any time, especially if the water clears up. Try casting or trolling large lures near weeds.
KOLOB RESERVOIR: (June 24) New regulations are in place at Kolob Reservoir in 2010: 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. The reservoir is full, and fishing is fair to good with all techniques. Many fish are spawning, so you may see fish cruising the shoreline that are not willing to bite. Remember that the tributaries are closed to fishing until July 10 to protect spawning fish.
LOWER BOWNS RESERVOIR: (June 24) Anglers report catching rainbows with woolly buggers and PowerBait.
MAMMOTH CREEK: (June 11) Water flows are very high and muddy with runoff.
MILL MEADOW RESERVOIR: (June 24) Anglers are catching perch by using jigs tipped with perch meat in 15–20 feet of water. They're also catching a few browns. 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.
MINERSVILLE RESERVOIR: (June 24) Conservation Officer Brent Farnsworth reports that fishing for trout on Minersville Reservoir has improved, especially for those trolling from boats. Most fish are in the 10- to 14-inch range. Water levels peaked last week and are now starting to drop. The lake is about nine feet below capacity. The water is starting to clear as the runoff-produced silt is now settling. Fishing for smallmouth bass has improved with warmer water temperatures. 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.
MONROE MOUNTAIN LAKES: (June 24) Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked in the Box Creek reservoirs as well as the north-end lakes and ponds. Access to Barney Lake is good, and the lake is full but murky. Fishing is slow to fair for tigers with lures and streamers. Manning Meadow Reservoir is closed to fishing until July 10.
NAVAJO LAKE: (June 24) The water level is a few feet above the top of the dike. Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked, and fishing is good to excellent from the shore and from boats. Bait, trolling and casting lures are all effective tactics. Anglers are also catching a few splake and brook trout.
NEWCASTLE RESERVOIR: (June 24) Fishing for rainbows is fair to good with bait, lures and flies. Trolling from the surface to 12 feet down produces great results. Action for wipers is very spotty, but smallmouth bass fishing is fair to good with standard bass techniques.
OTTER CREEK RESERVOIR & STATE PARK: (June 24) Anglers report fair success with bait from the shore as well as trolling. Most fish are 12–14 inches, but you may find a few larger fish.
PANGUITCH LAKE: (June 24) Shore anglers are catching fish with PowerBait as well as worm-and-marshmallow combinations. Trolling has also produced good success with lures that have neon yellow or orange. 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: (June 24) Fly anglers who are willing to get wet and try lots of different patterns are finding the best success. The action has been slower for bait anglers. 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: (June 24) Anglers report good fishing. They are catching rainbows with PowerBait.
QUAIL LAKE: (June 11) Bass fishing is fair to good. Large fish appear to be in shallow water. Trout fishing is good early in the morning and late in the evening.
SAND HOLLOW RESERVOIR: (June 24) 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. Bluegill still appear to be in deeper water, but they should come in to spawn as the water warms a little more.
SEVIER RIVER IN MARYSVALE CANYON: (June 24) Irrigation releases are making it difficult to fish.
THOUSAND LAKE MOUNTAIN: (June 24) You can access all roads and find good fishing just about anywhere. If fishing is slow, try changing techniques or moving to a different lake.
TROPIC RESERVOIR: (June 24) Anglers report catching rainbows with PowerBait.
WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY FISHERIES: (June 24) 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: (June 24) Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked, and fishing is slow to fair. You'll find moderate fishing pressure that increases during the weekends. Anglers are also catching some nice brook trout. Target brooks by fishing near the bottom with dark-colored jigs.
BAKER RESERVOIR: (June 11) The reservoir is full. Shore and float tube anglers report slow to fair fishing for the recently stocked rainbows.
BARKER RESERVOIRS (NORTH CREEK LAKES): (June 24) Access is good, and fishing pressure is moderate. Rainbows have been stocked in Barker and Lower Barker. Fishing is fair to good at most lakes. Dougherty Basin Lake is closed until July 10.
BEAVER MOUNTAIN LAKES: (June 24) Conservation Officer Brent Farnsworth reports that Kent's Lake Road is now open, so all the lakes on Beaver Mountain are now accessible to vehicles. All lakes have been stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout except Labaron Reservoir, which is scheduled to be stocked this week. All lakes are full, and water conditions are good. Fishing pressure is increasing, especially on weekends. Fishing has been generally good. Both PowerBait and nightcrawlers are effective. Fishing with flies in the evening is improving, as more insects have emerged with warmer weather.
BEAVER RIVER, LOWER: (June 24) Conservation Officer Brent Farnsworth reports that flows on the Beaver River (below Minersville Reservoir) are stable because of controlled releases from the reservoir. Over the past few weeks, turbid flows coming into the reservoir have muddied its water. As a result, the water being released into the Beaver River is also muddy. Water clarity has started to improve lately, however, because the silt is settling.
BEAVER RIVER, UPPER: (June 24) Conservation Officer Brent Farnsworth reports that runoff on the upper Beaver River peaked about three weeks ago. Since then, flows have diminished, and the water has cleared. Flows are still higher than normal but are much more fishable.
BOULDER MOUNTAIN: (June 24) All areas of the mountain are now accessible, except the Boulder Top. The gate to the top will remain closed until all snowdrifts are off the roads, hopefully within the next couple of weeks. Anglers report good to excellent fishing in several areas across the mountain. Some of the best tactics for Boulder Mountain include marabou jigs, streamers, flashy lures and spinners, natural baits like nightcrawlers, and dry flies during morning and evening hatches. Don't overlook the shoreline — many fish will cruise shallow water when feeding. Be prepared to try multiple tactics until you find what works best. Expect to see evidence of winterkill in some of the shallow lakes, but keep in mind that not all winterkills are complete. Even if it looks like all the fish in the lake are dead, there are usually some that survive the winter. Those remaining fish will grow faster due to less competition.
CLEAR CREEK: (June 24) High runoff from Fish Creek is making lower Clear Creek turbid. Above Fish Creek, flows are clearer and fishable. Fishing is fair to good for small rainbows with spinners and flies.
CORN CREEK: (June 24) There haven't been any recent reports from Corn Creek. Runoff is starting to subside in Chalk Creek, and the fishing is improving.
DUCK CREEK POND / ASPEN MIRROR LAKE: (June 24) Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked, and fishing is fair to good. You'll find moderate to heavy fishing pressure.
EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER IN KINGSTON CANYON: (June 24) Releases from Otter Creek Reservoir have been minimal, so flows are only moderately turbid. The river is very fishable.
EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER, BLACK CANYON: (June 24) Runoff has subsided, and flows are clear. You'll find good fishing for browns (and the occasional rainbow) with streamers and bead-head nymphs.
EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER, UPPER: (June 11) The water is high and murky from runoff.
ENTERPRISE RESERVOIR, UPPER: (June 11) Anglers report fair to good fishing for rainbows with popular techniques. A recent survey found that the rainbows that were stocked in 2009 have survived well and are growing fast. There are a lot of 10- to 12-inch fish, with a good number reaching 14 to 15 inches. Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked in the lower reservoir.
FISH LAKE: (June 24) Shore fishing for rainbows has been fairly good at the Twin Creek inlet, although it can get crowded quickly. Trolling success has improved for rainbows (and the occasional splake) with popgear and a worm or Rapalas. Jigging for splake is also a productive method. Anchor just outside the weedline in 30–60 feet of water. Use light-colored jigs — or flashy lures like Kastmasters — within a couple feet of the bottom. Make sure to tip your jig or lure with fish meat (chub, perch or sucker) or half a minnow. Some anglers also have success tipping jigs with nightcrawlers. Perch action is fairly fast if you're jigging in 15–20 feet of water. The action is less predictable for lake trout, although anglers have caught a few nice fish.
FORSYTH RESERVOIR: (June 24) 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.
FREMONT RIVER: (June 24) Flows above Mill Meadow are a little murky but still fishable. One angler reported catching small browns with spinners.
GUNLOCK RESERVOIR: (June 24) Largemouth bass were restocked in 2009 and enjoyed a 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.
GUNNISON BEND RESERVOIR: (June 24) Conservation Officer Kody Jones reports that fishing for catfish and bluegill has been good this week. Fishermen are finding success with nightcrawlers and liver. Bass fishing is improving.
IRON COUNTY COMMUNITY FISHERIES: (June 24) The grand-opening ceremony for Leigh Hill Reservoir will take place July three at 10 a.m. in Cedar City. Catchable-sized rainbow trout and catfish will be stocked, and you might also catch a few bass. Rainbows and catfish have also been stocked at Parowan Pond.
JOHNSON RESERVOIR: (June 24) Fishing for tiger muskies could pick up at any time, especially if the water clears up. Try casting or trolling large lures near weeds.
KOLOB RESERVOIR: (June 24) New regulations are in place at Kolob Reservoir in 2010: 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. The reservoir is full, and fishing is fair to good with all techniques. Many fish are spawning, so you may see fish cruising the shoreline that are not willing to bite. Remember that the tributaries are closed to fishing until July 10 to protect spawning fish.
LOWER BOWNS RESERVOIR: (June 24) Anglers report catching rainbows with woolly buggers and PowerBait.
MAMMOTH CREEK: (June 11) Water flows are very high and muddy with runoff.
MILL MEADOW RESERVOIR: (June 24) Anglers are catching perch by using jigs tipped with perch meat in 15–20 feet of water. They're also catching a few browns. 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.
MINERSVILLE RESERVOIR: (June 24) Conservation Officer Brent Farnsworth reports that fishing for trout on Minersville Reservoir has improved, especially for those trolling from boats. Most fish are in the 10- to 14-inch range. Water levels peaked last week and are now starting to drop. The lake is about nine feet below capacity. The water is starting to clear as the runoff-produced silt is now settling. Fishing for smallmouth bass has improved with warmer water temperatures. 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.
MONROE MOUNTAIN LAKES: (June 24) Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked in the Box Creek reservoirs as well as the north-end lakes and ponds. Access to Barney Lake is good, and the lake is full but murky. Fishing is slow to fair for tigers with lures and streamers. Manning Meadow Reservoir is closed to fishing until July 10.
NAVAJO LAKE: (June 24) The water level is a few feet above the top of the dike. Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked, and fishing is good to excellent from the shore and from boats. Bait, trolling and casting lures are all effective tactics. Anglers are also catching a few splake and brook trout.
NEWCASTLE RESERVOIR: (June 24) Fishing for rainbows is fair to good with bait, lures and flies. Trolling from the surface to 12 feet down produces great results. Action for wipers is very spotty, but smallmouth bass fishing is fair to good with standard bass techniques.
OTTER CREEK RESERVOIR & STATE PARK: (June 24) Anglers report fair success with bait from the shore as well as trolling. Most fish are 12–14 inches, but you may find a few larger fish.
PANGUITCH LAKE: (June 24) Shore anglers are catching fish with PowerBait as well as worm-and-marshmallow combinations. Trolling has also produced good success with lures that have neon yellow or orange. 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: (June 24) Fly anglers who are willing to get wet and try lots of different patterns are finding the best success. The action has been slower for bait anglers. 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: (June 24) Anglers report good fishing. They are catching rainbows with PowerBait.
QUAIL LAKE: (June 11) Bass fishing is fair to good. Large fish appear to be in shallow water. Trout fishing is good early in the morning and late in the evening.
SAND HOLLOW RESERVOIR: (June 24) 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. Bluegill still appear to be in deeper water, but they should come in to spawn as the water warms a little more.
SEVIER RIVER IN MARYSVALE CANYON: (June 24) Irrigation releases are making it difficult to fish.
THOUSAND LAKE MOUNTAIN: (June 24) You can access all roads and find good fishing just about anywhere. If fishing is slow, try changing techniques or moving to a different lake.
TROPIC RESERVOIR: (June 24) Anglers report catching rainbows with PowerBait.
WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY FISHERIES: (June 24) 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: (June 24) Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked, and fishing is slow to fair. You'll find moderate fishing pressure that increases during the weekends. Anglers are also catching some nice brook trout. Target brooks by fishing near the bottom with dark-colored jigs.