Here are this weeks fishing reports. Make sure to visit often as these reports are updated weekly. You can click on a region in the map or on a link to jump to the fishing report for that region.
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Northern Region
- Bear Lake
Central Region
Northeastern Region
Southeastern Region
Southern Region
Lake Powell
Northern Region report
Information compiled by Phil Douglass
DWR Northern Region Conservation Outreach Manager
Attention: Quagga and zebra mussels are a major threat to Utah waterways. Read how you can help keep them out of Utah.
| Waterbody | Report |
|---|---|
| Bear Lake 2009-07-02 Slow |
Biologist Scott Tolentino reports that you can launch at the Utah State Park marina, First Point, Cisco Beach and Rainbow Cove ramps. Courtesy docks are in place at all of these locations. Fishing for cutthroat trout picked up during the last week. Anglers should try trolling in about 35 feet of water using deep-diving, rattling crank baits on the east side from Cisco Beach to North Eden. Although few anglers are jigging, don't overlook the method — jigging can be productive this time of year. Target cutthroat and lake trout around 2nd Point, Cisco Beach and the Rockpile. Using a fish finder to find fish along the bottom can be very productive. Fish early mornings to avoid the crowds. Anglers are catching cutthroats along the west side of the lake from the marina north to Fish Haven Creek. Try trolling with Rapala X-raps or similar lures with rattles in water 10–20 feet deep. Anglers report their best success by either using planer boards or long-lining the lure up to 200 feet behind the boat. As the water continues to warm, troll at faster speeds near the surface in the early mornings or in the evenings while the fish are feeding on insects near the surface. |
| Birch Creek Reservoir 2009-07-02 Good |
The water often gets soupy during the algae blooms, so now is a good time to target tiger trout. |
| Blacksmith Fork River 2009-06-24 Good |
Dedicated Hunter TJ Davis reports that anglers had success on the river. One angler caught three brown trout (from 12 to 15 inches). A another angler, who was fishing at the dam, caught a couple of 12-inch rainbows by casting a worm and a bobber and letting it drift. Anglers along the river had success catching browns, cutthroats and rainbows using dry flies and nymphs. |
| Bountiful Lake 2009-06-24 Slow |
Anglers report slow fishing and lots of traffic. |
| Causey Reservoir 2009-07-02 Good |
Conservation Officer Chad Wilson reports good fishing with traditional baits like salmon eggs, PowerBait or worms. |
| Cutler Reservoir & Marsh 2009-07-02 Fair |
Anglers report fast fishing for small, hungry bullheads at Benson — which is a great place for kids to experience the feeling of catching a fish. |
| East Canyon Reservoir & State Park 2009-07-02 Slow |
Dedicated Hunter Justin Prince reports that anglers were having some success with PowerBait. Conservation Officer Jonathan Moser suggests that shore anglers try the rainbow or peach salmon egg, or the yellow corn flavors, use a slip bobber and slip sinker above a swivel and about 12 inches of leader, and cast out as far as they can. Then, let the PowerBait float up from the bottom. If you aren't having much luck, try changing things up by moving to a new area. Find a point or an area where the water gets deep quickly. Bass are still hitting worms or bass gear. The crappie action should heat up in the coming weeks. |
| Echo Reservoir 2009-07-02 Slow |
Dedicated Hunter Justin Prince reports that fishing pressure is light and success is slow-to-non-existent. Although, there are several fish rising to the surface. |
| Farmington Pond 2009-06-10 Slow |
No recent report. |
| Holmes Creek Reservoir 2009-06-24 Fair |
This is a good crappie, walleye and largemouth bass fishing spot — it's close to residential areas and easy to get to. No boats or float tubes allowed. |
| Hyrum Reservoir & State Park 2009-06-24 Fair |
Dedicated Hunter TJ Davis and Conservation Officer Matt Burgess report that fishing is improving. One angler was able to land a perch off the bank near the boat dock using a small jig. Other anglers said the fishing had been good in the morning, and they were successful catching 12- to 16-inch rainbows using popgear and a worm or a small spinner. |
| Jensen Nature Park Pond 2009-05-28 Fair |
Stocking took place just before Memorial Day weekend. To see the stocking report, visit wildlife.utah.gov/stocking/. |
| Kaysville Ponds 2009-03-19 Fair |
Dedicated Hunter Bill Grayson interviewed an angler who caught seven trout and released them all. Most were between eight and ten inches, but one was closer to 20 inches. The angler used worms and marshmallows about two feet off the bottom. Another group used worms and PowerBait to catch two trout that were about eight to ten inches long. |
| Little Creek Reservoir 2009-04-21 Slow |
Conservation Officer Casey McVay reports that fishing is slow. The average angler is landing two fish per hour. The best bait has been rainbow PowerBait fished 6–10 inches off the bottom. |
| Logan River 2009-07-02 Fair |
Fishing conditions are improving as the water levels drop and the water becomes clearer. |
| Lost Creek Reservoir 2009-07-02 Good |
Conservation Officer Jonathan Moser reports good fishing with PowerBait. Rainbow, chartreuse and peach salmon egg are the most popular. |
| Mantua Reservoir 2009-06-24 Fair |
Anglers are reporting success for small perch and bluegills from shore. |
| Mirror Lake 2009-07-02 Good |
Dedicated Hunter Mark Wagner reports good success for trout from the shore using worms or PowerBait on the surface. #0 Mepps, Jakes lures and wooly buggers were not as successful as last week. Most groups fished Mirror Lake with worms, PowerBait or a combination. Fishing pressure peaks in early morning, but anglers are catching fish all day. At Pass Lake, Dedicated Hunter Mark Wagner reports anglers great success for rainbows and brook trout with orange PowerBait and worms suspended 18 inches from the bottom. At Smith and Morehouse, Dedicated Hunter Justin Prince reports fair-to-good fishing. Anglers were using marshmallow-worm combinations or PowerBait. At Stateline Reservoir, Dedicated Hunter Jantzen Fugate reports that great success for trout using PowerBait and black Rooster Tails. At Whitnew Reservoir, Dedicated Hunter Jantzen Fugate reports great success for rainbow and tiger trout using PowerBait, worms and dry flies. Biologist Ben Nadolski said that population surveys indicated that the reservoir had a lot of fish. |
| Newton Reservoir 2009-07-02 Slow |
The Division stocked 1,400 fingerling tiger muskie in Newton for the first time since 2005. Anglers should practice good catch-and-release techniques to ensure that fishing for tiger muskie will continue while this generation of muskies grows. There is a lot of boating pressure during evenings and on the weekends, especially with the high water levels. |
| Ogden River 2009-07-02 Good |
Biologist Paul Thompson reports that water levels are great on the Ogden River and its South Fork. One angler fished the Ogden River Parkway and caught his limit of brown trout with a worm. He also caught and released a nice tiger trout. |
| Pineview Reservoir 2009-07-02 Slow |
Mike Bolinski reports that, as of June 28, the surface temperatures at Pineview are in the low-70s. Anglers report that improved fishing for tiger muskies and smallmouth bass. Try targeting bass with plastic worms along the flooded shorelines. Tiger muskie action is consistent and most anglers report at least seeing fish. Anglers are throwing medium-sized crankbaits or spinnerbaits on the edge of flooded willows. We highly recommend a steel leader since a tiger muskie's sharp teeth can quickly cut through any line. If you are lucky enough to land a tiger muskie, please unhook it and release it immediately. Anglers fishing for yellow perch or black crappie report no success. This season has been a struggle for perch and crappie anglers, likely because of the large amount of juvenile yellow perch in Pineview. With a high amount of forage, the crappies and larger perch are probably full of food and simply not biting angler offerings. |
| Porcupine Reservoir 2009-06-24 Slow |
Dedicated Hunter Erik Swensen and Conservation Officer Matt Burgess report that fishing is slow, and anglers haven't had much success. |
| Rockport Reservoir 2009-07-02 Good |
Joseph Donnell reports great fishing at Rockport with anglers catching their limits of 12- to 18-inch rainbows. Try different depths as the fish are moving around. The water temperature is about 65 degrees. Bass fishing is really good right now. Try using soft plastics on a drop shot or jig head and focus on the shallow, warmer waters. Bank fishing is also very productive. If one spot doesn't work, move around to locate fish. |
| Weber River 2009-07-02 Slow |
Conservation Officer Bruce Johnson reports that the Weber River between Wanship and Coalville is running very high and fast. Fishing success is limited. Remember to respect the landowner rights if you fish the Weber. |
| Willard Bay Reservoir 2009-07-02 Fair |
Anglers report catching fat, healthy walleye. |
Central Region report
Information compiled by Scott Root
Central Region Conservation Outreach Manager
Attention: Quagga and zebra mussels are a major threat to Utah waterways. Read how you can help keep them out of Utah.
| Waterbody | Report |
|---|---|
| Burraston Ponds 2009-07-02 Fair |
The water is very clear. Most anglers are using traditional baits and lures. |
| Canyon View Park Pond 2009-07-02 Good |
The pond was recently stocked. You'll find the most fish in the southwest corner of the pond. Try traditional baits. |
| Deer Creek Reservoir 2009-07-02 Fair |
The warmer weather has lured a number of boats onto the water. Anglers report fair fishing. Trolling for trout has been fair-to-good with pop-gear and a worm or with minnow-imitating lures. Anglers report good success casting for smallmouth bass toward the points. Try tube jigs or other bass lures. Shore fishing is slow-to-fair with traditional baits. Overall the water level is high and morning has been the best time to catch trout. |
| Diamond Fork River 2009-05-21 Fair |
Anglers report fair-to-good success. Bait is allowed, but most anglers are using small nymphs like pheasant tails and gold-ribbed hares ear. |
| Grantsville Reservoir 2009-07-02 Fair |
Anglers report fair success. Most anglers are using traditional baits and lures. |
| Highland Glen Park 2009-07-02 Good |
Highland Glen Park was recently stocked. Anglers are doing well with traditional baits. |
| Jordanelle Reservoir 2009-07-02 Fair |
Anglers report only fair success for trout, but the warmer weather should bring better success for both trout and bass. |
| Kidney Pond 2009-07-02 Good |
The pond was recently stocked. |
| Midas Pond 2009-07-02 Good |
The pond was recently stocked. |
| Mill Hollow Reservoir 2009-05-21 Closed |
Mill Hollow has been drained because of the construction on the dam. The reservoir will not be refilled and stocked with fish until approximately August 1, 2009. |
| Nine Mile Reservoir 2009-07-02 Fair |
Most anglers are using traditional baits. |
| Palisade Reservoir & State Park 2009-07-02 Fair |
The reservoir was recently stocked. Anglers report fair-to-good success with traditional baits and lures. |
| Payson Lake 2009-07-02 Fair |
The lake was recently stocked with fish. Anglers report fair-to-good success. |
| Provo River, Lower 2009-07-02 Fair |
Water levels and flows are up, so please use caution. Fly anglers are struggling a little in the high water, but doing fair with small, dark nymphs. (Gold-ribbed hares ear is always a good bet.) |
| Provo River, Middle 2009-07-02 Good |
Officer Dave Swenson reports that the Provo river is running very high. The best fishing seems to be with sub-surface patterns like san juan worms, or sow bugs. Spin fisherman are using Rapalas or maribu jigs. The upper stretch of the Provo River is also running very high, with little fishing pressure. |
| Salem Pond 2009-07-02 Good |
Anglers report fair-to-good success. The pond was recently stocked with trout and catfish. |
| Settlement Canyon Reservoir 2009-07-02 Fair |
Anglers report fair success with traditional methods. Fishing pressure is light. |
| Spanish Oaks Reservoir 2009-07-02 Good |
The reservoir was recently stocked. Officer Bagley reports that traditional baits and lures are working well. |
| Spring Lake 2009-07-02 Fair |
The lake was recently stocked with trout and catfish. Anglers report that traditional baits and lures working well. |
| Strawberry Reservoir 2009-07-02 Fair |
Anglers are reporting fair success from boats and slow-to-fair success from shoreline. Try casting pointer minnows toward shore, or trolling with Rapalas or other action lures. Anglers have caught cutthroats with stomachs gorged with bugs, so make sure you match the hatch if you're fly-fishing. There are special regulations for Strawberry Reservoir. See the Utah Fishing Guidebook for details. |
| Tibble Fork Reservoir 2009-07-02 Good |
Anglers report fair-to-good success using traditional baits. |
| Utah Lake 2009-07-02 Hot |
Anglers report good success for channel catfish and hot success for white bass. move around until you locate a school of bass and use bait-tipped action lures or jigs for best results. For best results, move around until you locate a school of bass and then use bait-tipped action lures or jigs. Other fish, like bluegill, are biting as well. You may catch an occasional walleye too. |
| Vernon Reservoir 2009-07-02 Fair |
The reservoir has been stocked and anglers report fair success. |
| Vivian Park Pond 2009-07-02 Good |
The pond was recently stocked. The Vivian Park Pond is a good location for kids. It is located in Provo Canyon and has a playground and restroom facilities. |
| Willow Pond 2009-07-02 Good |
The pond was recently stocked with trout and catfish. Anglers report good success with traditional techniques. |
| Yuba Reservoir & State Park 2009-07-02 Slow |
Though success is slow, gillnetting surveys have found a number of large northern pike. It may take a few hundred casts, but it will be worth your while once you hook a northern pike! |
Northeastern Region report
Information compiled by Ron Stewart
Northeastern Region Conservation Outreach Manager
Warnings: Several lakes in northeastern Utah may contain quagga and/or zebra mussels. Learn more about these destructive mussels and how to decontaminate your boat.
Whirling disease was found in the northeastern region of the state. Please make sure you clean, dry and sterilize waders, livewells and other fishing gear before venturing to another water.
Cleaning fish: Biologists now believe the disposal of fish parts, especially the head and skeleton, is one of the primary reasons whirling disease has spread to new waters. To avoid moving whirling disease and other undesired organisms, you should clean fish at home and send the parts to a landfill. If that isn't possible, please clean the fish and bury the parts at least 100 yards away from the water's edge. Do not move fish or fish parts from one water to another.
| Waterbody | Report |
|---|---|
| Big Sandwash Reservoir 2009-07-01 Good |
Fishing for rainbows has been good. With the return of summer, fishing is generally better in the early mornings and evenings when temperatures are cooler. Sandwash is part of the Fun Fishing Event, so check to see if your fish is marked with a winning tag. Local posters contain details. |
| Brough Reservoir 2009-07-01 Good |
Anglers report variable success rates ranging from good to poor. The weather has also been highly variable with warm sunny days changing into sudden storms. Note: A recent news article reported that Brough is a good bass fishery, but it is not. Brough is stocked and managed as a trophy rainbow and brown trout fishery. |
| Browne Lake 2009-07-01 Fair |
Anglers report spotty fishing. Generally, you'll find good access to Brownie and to Sheep Creek Reservoir but watch out for sudden storms. |
| Bullock Reservoir 2009-07-01 Good |
Anglers report good fishing for bullheads. These catfish are large for their species and make a nice fillet. Some good-sized bass have also been reported. |
| Calder Reservoir 2009-07-01 Good |
Anglers report fair to good fishing. They are catching some larger fish from both shore and boats. There are special regulations at this water; see the Utah Fishing Guidebook for details. |
| Cottonwood Reservoir 2009-07-01 Good |
Anglers report good fishing for large bullhead catfish. Due to their size, they make a nice fillet. |
| Crouse Reservoir 2009-07-01 Good |
Anglers report fair to good fishing for different sizes of rainbows. The reservoir had an incomplete winterkill due to last fall's low water conditions. It has now been restocked with catchable rainbows. |
| Currant Creek Reservoir 2009-07-01 Fair |
Anglers report muddy conditions from the numerous rainstorms. In between storms, the fishing has been fair to good for trout. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and then plan your trip for a few days after the rains end. By then, the roads should be dry. The campground is open. |
| East Park Reservoir 2009-07-01 Good |
The most recent report was of good fishing. |
| Flaming Gorge 2009-07-01 Hot |
The area received some highly changeable weather, which is common to the Uinta Mountains. Water temperatures have crept up to the 60s. Note the regulation changes for spearfishing in the Utah portion of the reservoir as of Jan. 1. See the Utah Fishing Guidebook for details. Lake trout: Anglers report good fishing for 12- to 24-inch lake trout in the Canyon, Antelope and Lucerne areas. Fishing for these smaller lake trout should continue to be good, and catch rates on larger fish have also improved. Try points next to deep water in Sheep Creek, Red Canyon, the Skull Creeks, Jarvies Canyon, Hideout Canyon and in the Antelope Flat/Lucerne area. Fish are scattered down to around 150 feet, and anglers report that they are most active in the 70-foot range. Smaller fish are suspending off the bottom while feeding on zooplankton. If you are jigging, try tube jigs in white, chartreuse, glow or brown. Tipping your jig with a small chunk of sucker or chub meat may increase interest. Airplane jigs and jigging spoons are also working well. Using no-stretch line will help you feel strikes and set the hook better. Use a graph to see where fish are located and place the jig at the same depth. When trolling, check your graphs and use downriggers to get lures like needlefish, other spoons and Rapalas down near the bottom. Long-lining near the surface with small or large fish-imitating lures may produce large fish that are trying to fatten up on rainbows and kokanee near the surface. Let out a couple hundred feet of line behind the boat or use planer boards to get lures out to the side of the boat. This technique works best when surface temperatures remain cool. Kokanee salmon: Fishing is has been good but spotty, depending on the weather. Try fishing from the surface to the 25- to 35-foot range around Buckboard, Big Bend, Pipeline, Sheep Creek and Jarvies Canyon. Downriggers, long-lining, lead weights and planer boards can get the small spoons (like needlefish, triple teasers or other erratic-moving lures) down to the right depths. Recommended trolling speed is from 1.5 to 2.5 miles per hour. Rainbow trout: Anglers continue to report good fishing for rainbows from boats and shore. Try fishing near the dam, Jarvies, Sheep Creek, Hideout and Antelope/Lucerne areas in Utah. We have also heard some good reports from the Wyoming end of the reservoir. Fish longer than 22 inches have been reported and seen in the trend netting. If you are fishing from a boat, try casting fish-imitation lures (like spoons or crankbaits) or jigs (like marabou or plastic grubs) to shore and letting them bounce on the bottom back to the boat. If you are shore fishing, try spoons, crankbaits or other lures or use a bobber/worm combo set 4 or five feet below the surface. PowerBait or a worm/marshmallow combo will also work on the bottom. Fish can be deep or shallow, so try different depths. Shore anglers should try areas like Mustang Ridge, Sheep Creek, Lucerne Bay and Antelope Flats. Don't be afraid of harvesting some rainbows. They are really tasty from the cold waters of the Gorge. Burbot: Anglers are catching a few burbot from boats and shore using the same techniques they used when ice fishing. Depths of 20–40 feet should hold the most fish from dusk until a couple hours after dark. Try to use glowing jigs and spoons at night or early in the morning off the points in areas like Antelope Flat, Linwood Bay or Sheep Creek in Utah. In Wyoming, you'll have the best success at Firehole, Lost Dog, Sage Creek, Confluence, Buckboard, Holmes Crossing, Anvil Draw, Skunk Cliffs and Marsh Creek. Tipping your lures with sucker or crayfish meat and using smelly jelly or similar scents in crayfish also seems to help. Smallmouth bass: Anglers are reporting hot fishing almost everywhere in the canyon area. Crayfish-colored grubs on leadhead jigs or small plastic worms, senkos, twitch and crankbaits are all working well because the fish are near the surface. If you are fishing in the canyon, keep a limit of 10 fish smaller than 10 inches to help thin out the population and increase growth on the remaining fish. Throw the big fish back, if possible — it takes many years for them to reach that size. |
| Green River below Flaming Gorge dam 2009-07-01 Good |
Anglers are reporting spotty fishing, depending on the flows from the dam. Try fishing on top. Anglers should bring a variety of patterns. Although cicadas and flying ants recently supplied most of the action, their peak seems to be over. However, there are plenty of other hatches to match. Spin anglers should try Rapalas (floating, countdown and husky jerk); spinners; spoons; black, brown or olive marabou jigs; and plastic jigs. |
| Matt Warner 2009-07-01 Good |
Anglers report fair to good fishing from both shore and boats. Reports and a recent survey indicate that anglers can expect to catch several age classes of fish. |
| Moose Pond 2009-07-01 Good |
The Moose Pond is refilled and stocked, and it offers some good fishing. The Pond was drained to make some needed enhancements. Now, anglers will find considerably more space from which to fish. Enhancements to the pond also deepened it and helped place some of the deepest areas near the angler access. Note: the pond now has paved handicapped access. |
| Pelican Lake 2009-07-01 Hot |
Cold weather and high winds kept the waters cool for several months, but it has warmed up. Now, anglers are catching both bass and bluegill. Watch out for the high winds in the afternoon. Note: A new fishing pier has been placed in the northwest corner on DWR property. |
| Red Fleet Reservoir 2009-07-01 Hot |
Anglers report good to excellent fishing for rainbows, bass and bluegill. Bass and bluegill anglers should target the shallows and the submerged brush. Rainbow fishing is best in the cooler temperatures of early morning and evening. Anglers have also caught a few walleye. Note: Boaters and other reservoir users will be asked to clean and dry their boats, toys and other equipment when leaving the reservoir. These efforts will help prevent the spread of quagga mussels. |
| Starvation Reservoir 2009-07-01 Good |
Anglers report good fishing for small walleyes. They're also catching a few larger fish. The recommended technique seems to be bottom bouncing. Rig your line so it keeps your jig, crankbait or bait right on the bottom, stirring up some sediment as you bring it in. |
| Steinaker Reservoir 2009-07-01 Hot |
Anglers report good to excellent fishing for trout, bass and bluegill from the shore and in boats. Bass and bluegill have been in the shallows and may be starting to move toward deeper water. Rainbow trout fishing is generally better during the cooler hours of early morning and evening. Steinaker is part of the Fun Fishing Event, so check to see if your fish is marked with a winning tag. Local posters contain details. |
Southeastern Region report
Information compiled by Brent Stettler
DWR Southeast Region Outreach Manager
Attention: Quagga and zebra mussels are a major threat to Utah waterways. Read how you can help keep them out of Utah.
Freeze/thaw cycles: Depending on elevation and weather conditions, lakes and reservoirs may be open or frozen on any given day. Smaller mountain waters generally freeze overnight and thaw by early afternoon. Larger bodies of water are more resistant to the daily freeze/thaw cycles. Unless you plan to fish a large body of water, schedule your fishing trip for the afternoon.
| Waterbody | Report |
|---|---|
| Abajo Mountains 2009-07-02 Slow |
Tommi Budd reports slow fishing. He talked to two groups of anglers last weekend, and no one had caught any fish. |
| Benches Pond 2009-07-02 Good |
Conservation Officer Ben Riley reported good fishing last weekend. Rainbow PowerBait has been effective. |
| Boulger Reservoir 2009-07-02 Good |
Anglers report good fishing with a variety of baits. |
| Cleveland Reservoir 2009-07-02 Slow |
Anglers report slow fishing with little pressure. |
| Duck Fork Reservoir 2009-07-02 Good |
Anglers report good fishing. Fly anglers should try a size 12 to 14 beadhead hares ear nymph on fast-sinking line. Spincasters should bring along a Jakes Spin-A-Lure. Duck Fork has special regulations, including the use of artificial flies or lures only and a two tiger trout. Duck Fork is closed to the possession of cutthroat trout, and its tributaries are closed until the second Saturday in July. |
| Electric Lake 2009-07-02 Fair |
The trout limit at Electric Lake and its tributaries has NOT changed: The statewide limit of four trout is still in effect. Anglers report fair fishing. Boat anglers should try trolling with a green flatfish. Bank anglers should try dead red-side shiners. Anglers are reminded that if they catch shiners or other minnows at a water body, the fish must be dead before being moved from the lake. |
| Ferron Reservoir 2009-07-02 Slow |
Conservation Officer Casey Mickelsen reports slow shoreline fishing, and fair fishing from a tube or pontoon. Lures and artificial flies have been more effective than baits. |
| Gigliotti Pond 2009-07-02 Good |
Attendees at last weekend's special even for persons with disabilities experienced good fishing. Worms with salmon eggs, fished off the bottom, were especially effective. The DWR thanks the U.S. Forest Service and Arch Coal for their extraordinary efforts in making last Saturday's event so successful. |
| Gooseberry Reservoir 2009-07-02 Fair |
Conservation Officer Ben Riley reports fair fishing. |
| Huntington Creek 2009-07-02 Slow |
The creek is still running high, which makes for difficult fishing. |
| Huntington North Reservoir 2009-07-02 Slow |
Anglers reports slow fishing. Bass boat anglers are fishing in the shallow backwaters. Trout anglers are concentrating on the higher elevations. |
| Huntington Reservoir 2009-07-02 Slow |
No recent report on angling success. |
| Joes Valley Reservoir 2009-07-02 Slow |
A week ago, Conservation Officer Casey Mickelsen said that bank fishing had been fair with chub meat. There is no new report this week. Joes Valley Reservoir has special regulations, including a four-trout limit (only one of which may be over 18 inches). See the Utah Fishing Guidebook for more information. |
| La Sal Mountains 2009-07-02 Fair |
The following reports were provided by Conservation Officer TJ Robertson for the La Sal Mountain waters (in alphabetical order): Dark Canyon Reservoir—Anglers report good fishing with all types of bait as well as small flies. Dons Lake—There is very little fishing pressure. Hidden Lake—Anglers report that fishing has slowed down since last week. Bright-colored PowerBait seem to be working best, although nightcrawlers have also been successful. Kens Lake—Anglers report good fishing. For trout anglers, green, orange and rainbow PowerBait has been the most effective commercial bait. Nightcrawlers and salmon eggs have also been effective. Bass anglers have been using small jigs in a variety of colors. White and silver tube jigs have been working well. If one color doesn't work, try the next, until you find the color that's getting the most bites. Medicine Lake—Anglers report good fishing. A variety of baits have been used successfully. Oowah Reservoir—The catch rate and fishing pressure are both up. Try a combination of nightcrawlers with yellow or orange marshmallows. Bright PowerBait colors or artificial flies have also been effective. Warner Lake—Fishing pressure is light. The catch rate has been fair-to-good. All types of baits are working. Officer Robertson encourages all anglers and recreationalists to pick up litter when they leave a fishing spot, picnic area or campground. Please pick up any litter you see, even if it's not yours. Litter has become a serious problem, and it will take everyone's help to keep our mountains free from trash. Persons who do not pick up their garbage can expect to receive a citation. |
| Lower Fish Creek 2009-07-02 Fair |
Lisa Verzella of the Bureau of Reclamation reported that the water released from Scofield Reservoir has dropped from 250 to 115 cubic feet per second. |
| Miller Flat Reservoir 2009-07-02 Good |
Last week, Conservation Officer Casey Mickelsen reported good fishing with worms and marshmallows. Fishing has been best from the north bank. |
| Millsite Reservoir & State Park 2009-07-02 Fair |
Boaters report success trolling with pop gear and nightcrawlers. The annual Tagged Fish Contest will continue through the end of July. Anglers can win prizes by catching marked fish. Call State Park Manager Dan Richards for more information. |
| Petes Hole 2009-07-02 Good |
This high elevation water is traditionally good in the summer. Try a variety of baits and lures. |
| Right Fork of Huntington Creek 2009-04-02 Fair |
Fly fishermen will have the best success with a #12 bead head Montana nymph on floating line and with a small split sinker clamped about 12 inches above the fly. |
| Scofield Reservoir 2009-07-02 Fair |
Conservation Officer Ben Riley reports good fishing from boats with Zeke's bait in lemon twist or neon green. Shoreline anglers have had fair success with dead minnows. On June 29, Tom Ogden fly-fished the reservoir from a tube with slow sinking line in 5 to 12 feet of water. In five hours, he caught five tigers, four rainbows and two cutthroats, all less than 16 inches. Tom tried a size 10 wooly bugger in several colors, a size 16 beadhead prince nymph and a size 6 beadhead black leech. The new regulations, including the slot limit that protects tiger and cutthroat trout, were designed to control the growing chub problem. Please refer to page 28 in the Utah Fishing Guidebook under the section entitled Rules for Specific Waters for more information. The Scofield tributaries are closed until the second Saturday in July. The U.S. Forest Service plans to ignite a controlled burn in the higher country to the west of the reservoir as early as June 15 that should last a week. |
| Straight Canyon Creek 2009-05-14 Slow |
Anglers report slow fishing, with no recommendations on bait or tackle. |
| Willow Lake 2009-06-17 Fair |
Conservation Officer Casey Mickelson recommends fishing from the south bank with worms and salmon eggs. |
| Wrigley Springs Reservoir 2009-07-02 Good |
A week ago, Conservation Officer Casey Mickelsen reported good fishing with worms and salmon eggs or rainbow PowerBait. |
Southern Region report
Information compiled by Mike Hadley
DWR Southern Region Aquatics Biologist
Attention: Quagga and zebra mussels are a major threat to Utah waterways. Read how you can help keep them out of Utah.
| Waterbody | Report |
|---|---|
| Baker Reservoir 2009-06-25 Fair |
The reservoir is full and stocked with catchable-sized rainbows. Anglers report fair-to-good fishing with bait and spinners both morning and evening. There is a lot of fishing pressure on the weekend. Camping is no longer allowed within one mile of the reservoir. Camping is only allowed at the campground. |
| Barker Reservoirs (North Creek Lakes) 2009-06-25 Good |
Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked in Barker and Lower Barker reservoirs. Try marabou jigs, wooly buggers or scud patterns near structure—like grass, boulders or logs—for brook and tiger trout. Remember that Dougherty Basin Lake is closed to fishing until the second Saturday in July. |
| Beaver Mountain Lakes 2009-06-25 Good |
All of the mountain lakes are now open and full or nearly full. Anglers report fair-to-good fishing. Catchable-sized rainbow trout have been stocked. Fishing pressure is moderate-to-heavy with most of the pressure coming on the weekends. Most anglers are using PowerBait or worms. For faster fishing, try a dry fly on the surface in the late evening hours when the fish are rising. |
| Beaver River, Lower 2009-06-25 Fair |
The irrigation releases have increased the flow levels, though the water is still fairly clear. Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked. The private lands that make up the first two miles below Minersville Reservoir are now posted as closed to trespass. |
| Beaver River, Upper 2009-06-25 Good |
Runoff has now subsided, so the Upper Beaver River is much more fishable. The flows are good and the water is clear. Catchable-sized rainbow trout have been stocked near the campgrounds, but there are also good numbers of wild rainbows and browns. |
| Boulder Mountain 2009-06-25 Good |
All areas of the mountain are now accessible, including the top. Anglers report good fishing in almost any area. Move around to new spots or to a new lake until you find success. For brook trout, try marabou jigs, wooly buggers or scud patterns near structures like grass, boulders or logs. We've received several reports of winterkill about a few areas of the mountain. Winterkill is common on Boulder Mountain, especially in the shallow lakes. Don't be surprised if you see a few dead fish, but most lakes don't have complete kills. |
| Clear Creek 2009-06-25 Fair |
The runoff has subsided and fishing should be fair-to-good for rainbows and browns. |
| Corn Creek 2009-06-25 Fair |
The runoff has subsided. Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked in Chalk Creek. Anglers report good success with night crawlers. |
| Duck Creek Pond / Aspen Mirror Lake 2009-06-25 Fair |
Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked. Fishing should be fair-to-good with any technique. There is a lot of fishing pressure on weekends. |
| East Fork Sevier River in Kingston Canyon 2009-06-25 Slow |
The irrigation releases are making the river fairly cloudy. |
| East Fork Sevier River, Black Canyon 2009-06-25 Fair |
Water flows are generally low and clear. Fishing should be fair-to-good. |
| East Fork Sevier River, Upper 2009-06-25 Fair |
Waters flows are low and clear. Fishing is fair-to-good for small trout with flies, spinners and natural baits. |
| Enterprise Reservoir, Upper 2009-06-25 Good |
Catchable-sized rainbow trout have been stocked in both reservoirs. Fishing is fair-to-good for rainbows up to 18 inches in the lower reservoir. There is slower action in the upper reservoir for 9- to 12-inch fish. Try popular techniques, like bait or spinners. |
| Fish Lake 2009-06-25 Good |
It's transition time at Fish Lake. Splake and lake trout are moving deeper. For splake, try jigging in 40 to 60 feet of water. For lake trout, you should troll at 60 to 70 feet. Troll for rainbows at 25 to 35 feet. You can catch perch just outside the weed line in 10 to 20 feet of water. Perch can provide fast action for kids. |
| Forsyth Reservoir 2009-06-25 Good |
Anglers report good fishing with a worm and popgear. |
| Fremont River 2009-04-30 Slow |
Lower sections near Bicknell are a little murky. |
| Gunlock Reservoir 2009-06-25 Slow |
The reservoir was drained in fall 2008 for dam repairs, and has since been refilled. There is a limited number of stocked adult bass and bluegill, but it will take a few years for populations to fully reestablish. |
| Johnson Reservoir 2009-06-25 Fair |
Tiger muskie fishing should improve at any time and will be fair-to-good through late July. |
| Kolob Reservoir 2009-06-25 Fair |
A few fly anglers report fair success with olive wooly buggers on rocky points. Remember that the tributaries are closed to fishing until the second Saturday in July. |
| Koosharem Reservoir 2009-06-25 Slow |
Anglers report slow fishing. According to recent samples, some trout survived the last fall's low water. There are mostly cutthroat trout in the reservoir, but you can find a few tigers. Most of the fish are eating the abundant chubs and are in very good condition. |
| Lower Bowns Reservoir 2009-06-25 Good |
Anglers report good-to-excellent fishing for 12- to 16-inch rainbows with any technique. |
| Mammoth Creek 2009-06-25 Fair |
Runoff has subsided and fishing should be fair-to-good with flies and spinners. |
| Mill Meadow Reservoir 2009-06-25 Good |
Anglers report good fishing for browns using natural baits like nightcrawlers. Perch fishing is productive, but the fish are on the smaller side. |
| Minersville Reservoir 2009-06-25 Fair |
Smallmouth bass fishing is still the main attraction on Minersville Reservoir. Anglers are catching some really nice bass. Concentrate on rocky shorelines and points. Trout fishing is slow. Catchable-sized rainbow trout have been stocked and should grow quickly, but they won't provide much excitement until they reach 14 inches later in the year. There are some larger fish, but they are tough to catch because abundant food available. |
| Monroe Mountain Lakes 2009-06-25 Fair |
The reservoirs that normally receive catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked. Anglers report fair-to-good success for rainbows and brooks at Upper Box Creek with any technique. Please remember that Manning Meadow is closed to fishing until the second Saturday in July. Also, special regulations apply at Barney Lake. |
| Navajo Lake 2009-06-25 Good |
Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked. Anglers report fair-to-good fishing for rainbows with bait, lures and trolling. Now is a great time to target splake. Splake will hit lures, jigs and flies like wooly buggers. The best way to catch splake is with minnows, pieces of chub or sucker meat on a bait hook or jig. |
| Newcastle Reservoir 2009-06-25 Good |
Wiper fishing is picking up. Try fishing in the early morning or late evening. Anglers report fair-to-good fishing for smallmouth. Anglers are catching a lot of small fish with a few bigger fish mixed in. |
| Otter Creek Reservoir & State Park 2009-06-25 Good |
Anglers report good-to-excellent fishing from a boat, either trolling or stillfishing with bait. Anglers have caught a few large fish recently. Shore anglers are still catching fish on the deeper shorelines. |
| Panguitch Lake 2009-06-25 Slow |
A few shore anglers report limited success for large fish with flies or bait. Trollers are catching a few of the recently stocked 10-inch rainbows. Morning and evening are the best times to fish. Remember that 15- to 22-inch cutthroat and tiger trout must be released. For help with fish identification, refer to page 40 in the Fishing Guide. |
| Paragonah Reservoir 2009-06-25 Fair |
Please remember that the tributaries are closed to fishing until the second Saturday in July. Take a look at the spawning fish, but leave the rod at the reservoir. |
| Pine Lake 2009-06-25 Good |
There is a lot of fishing pressure on the weekend. Rainbows have been stocked recently and fishing is good-to-excellent with any technique. |
| Piute Reservoir 2009-06-25 Good |
Anglers report good-to-excellent fishing from a boat, either trolling or stillfishing with bait. Shore anglers are still catching fish on the deeper shorelines. |
| Quail Lake 2009-06-25 Fair |
The water temperature is in the mid-70s. Anglers report fair-to-good bass fishing. |
| Sand Hollow Reservoir 2009-06-25 Hot |
The water temperature is in the mid- to upper-70s. Anglers report good-to-excellent fishing for largemouth bass. Plastics work best for small fish in the shallows. For larger fish, use diving crankbaits in 15 to 20 feet of water. The best time to catch a big fish is in the morning. You can catch small fish all day. Bluegill fishing is also good. |
| Sevier River in Marysvale Canyon 2009-06-25 Slow |
The irrigation flows are making the river very high and murky. |
| Thousand Lake Mountain 2009-06-25 Fair |
Access is good, and the lakes have been stocked recently. |
| Tropic Reservoir 2009-06-25 Fair |
Catchable rainbows have been stocked. Fishing should be fair-to-good. |
| Washington County Community Fisheries 2009-06-25 Fair |
Trout fishing is slowing down. Try targeting bass and bluegill with a small jig tipped with a worm suspended one to two feet below a bobber. Adults are encouraged to use lures and flies. |
| Wide Hollow Reservoir 2009-06-25 Fair |
Anglers report fair-to-good fishing for rainbows, largemouth bass and bluegill. |
| Yankee Meadow Reservoir 2009-06-25 Fair |
Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked. There is a lot of pressure on the weekends. Fishing has slowed down, but anglers are still catching a few nice rainbows. |
Lake Powell report
Information compiled by Wayne Gustaveson, www.wayneswords.com
Attention: Quagga and zebra mussels are a major threat to Utah waterways. Read how you can help keep them out of Utah.
| Waterbody | Report |
|---|---|
| Lake Powell 2009-07-02 Hot |
Lake elevation: 3,640 ft., water temperature: 77–82°F. Lake Powell is still rising and the water temperature took a big jump, which should make the many Independence Day visitors very happy. And yes, the stripers will still be boiling!
If you're chasing stripers on the surface during busy traffic times, concentrate your fishing efforts in the early morning and late evening. You will see boils all day long, but will have an easier time catching fish during the quieter times. The best fishing locations will be in the quieter lake areas like Good Hope Bay to Hite, the Escalante and San Juan Arms, and the main channel between those canyons. The best angler report came from the main channel near buoy 67. If the opportunity arises, it is well worth the effort to fish near the busy marinas. Start looking in the main channel areas in the busy travel lanes. In the southern lake, cruise around Antelope Island between Wahweap and Antelope Point Marinas, and watch for boils. The number of boils varies with the day and your location, but overall boils are steady and often repeat. While most boils are small, with perhaps 25 fish working together, there are some boils where over 100 fish group and eat shad from the surface. Any well-presented lure will work, so use your favorite confidence lure. Cast the lure over and slightly beyond the lead fish in the fast moving school. Then quickly swim the lure along the surface or in the upper two feet of water and through the school. Schooling stripers spend their lives getting to the bait before the next fish. They will react quickly to a lure placed in the right spot. The strike zone is two to four feet in front of the lead fish. Bass fishing is somewhat slower than it was, but is still very good for surface fishing early and late — particularly around striper boils. Largemouth are in the newly submerged green brush and smallmouth are on the rocky points and drop-offs. You can catch an occasional walleye by fishing grubs along the bottom for bass or trolling the submerged tree tops. Catfish are very active at night and easy to catch. Sunfish are in the trees and are easy prey for a child of any age with a small hook and live worm. Life and fishing are great. Enjoy the holiday week at Lake Powell. |