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.
Choose a region:
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 2010-09-02 Fair |
Bear Lake offers plenty to do around Labor Day. The rainbow-stocking program has produced some good shoreline fishing near the marina. To hear the latest report from DWR biologist Scott Tolentino, call 435–946-8501 after 6 p.m. |
| Birch Creek Reservoir 2010-09-02 Fair |
Cooler weather means that good tiger trout fishing is around the corner. Anglers have also caught many rainbows this summer. |
| Blacksmith Fork River 2010-09-02 Fair |
Flows are low and clear. |
| Bountiful Lake 2010-09-02 Slow |
Fishing has slowed. Anglers are using shrimp, worms and jigs but have caught only a few carp and catfish. You'll find the best fishing in the early morning or early evening hours. There isn't much action in the south end of the pond. |
| Causey Reservoir 2010-09-02 Fair |
Shoreline anglers report fair fishing. Reminder: Causey is now closed to the possession of kokanee salmon, and the forks in the back are also closed. |
| Cutler Reservoir & Marsh 2010-09-02 Good |
One angler reported good fishing for bass and crappie on the north end of the reservoir. Another angler reported that the boat ramp at Cache Junction is closed and that the next-closest open ramp is at Benson. |
| East Canyon Reservoir & State Park 2010-09-02 Slow |
Dedicated Hunter Ron Hansen reports that fishing is really slow from the shoreline. Some successful anglers used imitation minnows to catch smallmouth bass (about six inches long) south of the marina. Anglers also used green PowerBait with sparkles and worms tipped with salmon eggs to catch trout. Anglers who fished from boats reported fair fishing. They anchored in one place and cast out from the boat using worms and PowerBaits. Another group of anglers caught 14-inch rainbows and a few tiger trout in the inlet. They were trolling with brass pop gear or brass crocodiles. |
| Echo Reservoir 2010-09-02 Slow |
Dedicated Hunter Ron Hansen reports that fishing is slow around the reservoir. Some anglers used worms and flipped jigs to catch smallmouth bass south of the dam on the rocky points. Trout fishing is slow from the shore. Some anglers reported success with a worm-and-marshmallow combination floating near the bottom. Anglers who fished from boats caught a few trout with brass lures and flashy brass pop gear. |
| Farmington Pond 2010-08-26 Slow |
Dedicated Hunter Jason Simpson reports slow fishing. Most anglers were using worms and PowerBait. |
| Holmes Creek Reservoir 2010-09-02 Fair |
Cooler weather and the stocking of 5,000 rainbow trout later this fall should improve fishing. |
| Hyrum Reservoir & State Park 2010-08-19 Fair |
There haven't been any recent reports from anglers. |
| Jensen Nature Park Pond 2010-09-02 Fair |
The water level is good, and the algae seems to be thinning out. Fishing activity was light last weekend. |
| Kaysville Ponds 2010-08-26 Good |
Dedicated Hunter Jason Simpson reports the fishing was good for catfish and blue gill. Most anglers were fishing for catfish using worms or shrimp. Lots of 6–8 inch cats. Small bluegill were released. |
| Little Creek Reservoir 2010-09-02 Slow |
Irrigation use is high, and water levels are low this time of year. |
| Logan River 2010-09-02 Good |
The river has been fishing well with purple haze and copper john patterns. Anglers also report some success with dry fly patterns such as a stimulator. |
| Lost Creek Reservoir 2010-09-02 Slow |
Dedicated Hunter Ron Hansen reports that fishing is slow. Anglers are catching 8- to 14-inch rainbows at the rate of about one fish per hour. They are also catching the occasional cutthroat with PowerBait and worms. Anglers who fish from boats are having some success with Silver Jakes and Mepps spinners. They are trolling about 30 feet from the shore. |
| Mantua Reservoir 2010-09-02 Good |
One angler reported good fishing for bluegill and trout. This time of year, the bluegill appear to binge feed on insects in the evening. |
| Mirror Lake 2010-09-02 Hot |
Do not miss the best fishing of the year in the Uintas! If you encounter slow fishing, quickly move to another spot — there are hundreds of streams and lakes with good fishing. We've received many good fishing reports from the backcountry. Be prepared for cold, wet weather. Sergeant Rick Olson recently visited Whitney Reservoir in the Uintas. He reports that the water level is very low, but it's about average for this time of year. The fishing at Whitney is slower and receiving a lot of angler pressure. |
| Newton Reservoir 2010-09-02 Fair |
Anglers report that the water level is dropping rapidly. You can find fair fishing for small bass, muskies, crappie and perch. |
| Ogden River 2010-08-19 Fair |
There haven't been any recent reports from anglers. Check the online stocking report for stocking information. |
| Pineview Reservoir 2010-09-02 Good |
One angler reported good fishing for perch and crappie. They were mostly smaller fish, but there were a few keepers. |
| Porcupine Reservoir 2010-09-02 Fair |
Reminder: The reservoir is closed to the possession of kokanee salmon with any red color from Aug. 15 through 6 a.m. on Sept. 25. The area from Porcupine Reservoir upstream to the headwaters is closed from Aug. 15 through 6 a.m. on Sept. 25. |
| Rockport Reservoir 2010-09-02 Fair |
Dedicated Hunter Ron Hansen reports good fishing for smallmouth bass with a grey rubber worm. Most of the fish were caught near the dam and rocky outcroppings. Anglers cast the rubber worm and retrieved it slowly over the rocks. Fishing for trout is slow. The best times to fish are in the early morning and at dusk, using standard trout baits. Anglers who fish from boats report fair fishing with brightly colored pop gear and lures. Most of the lures were brass-colored and trolled about 50 feet behind the boat. |
| Weber River 2010-09-02 Good |
Biologist Paul Thompson reports good fishing on the river. Try smaller (#16) pheasant tails and hare's ear patterns. |
| Willard Bay Reservoir 2010-09-02 Hot |
Biologist Ben Nadolski reports that there have been some intense wiper boils in the evenings. Anglers have caught full limits in a short period of time. |
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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 2010-09-02 Good |
The ponds were stocked last week. Anglers report good fishing. |
| Canyon View Park Pond 2010-09-02 Slow |
Although anglers are catching some fish in the southwest part of the pond, fishing is generally slow. |
| Deer Creek Reservoir 2010-09-02 Fair |
Boat anglers are catching trout by trolling various lures or pop gear. Trout fishing has improved over the last two weeks. Mornings and evenings are the best times to fish the reservoir. Smallmouth bass fishing is fair. To catch smallmouth bass, try casting toward points and retrieving bass lures. Trolling is also effective. You can catch bass from the shore, but there haven't been many reports from shore anglers. |
| Diamond Fork River 2010-09-02 Fair |
Trout fishing is fair to good with flies, spinners or worms. Some anglers have reported murky water (usually after a storm). It's grasshopper-pattern time if you're a terrestrial-pattern angler! |
| Grantsville Reservoir 2010-09-02 Slow |
The water level remains moderate. Anglers report slow to fair fishing. |
| Highland Glen Park 2010-09-02 Fair |
There haven't been any recent reports. There's a two-fish limit at the pond. |
| Jordanelle Reservoir 2010-09-02 Good |
Anglers report good fishing for smallmouth bass. Many of the fish average between 10 and 15 inches. Trout fishing is fair, whether you're on the shoreline or in a boat. |
| Kidney Pond 2010-09-02 Slow |
Fishing has been slow, and there isn't much angler pressure. There's a two-fish limit at the pond. |
| Midas Pond 2010-09-02 Slow |
There's a two-fish limit at this pond. |
| Mill Hollow Reservoir 2010-09-02 Good |
DWR staffers Mike and Morgan report light to fair pressure on weekdays, now that school is in session. Anglers report good success for the smaller-sized trout. Most baits and lures are working well. |
| Nine Mile Reservoir 2010-09-02 Fair |
Fountain Green Hatchery recently stocked this reservoir, and it won't be stocked again until 2011. Fishing has been fair to good with traditional baits and lures. |
| Palisade Reservoir & State Park 2010-09-02 Good |
The reservoir was stocked last week, and it was the last scheduled stocking of the year. |
| Payson Lake 2010-09-02 Fair |
You'll find fair fishing for trout with traditional baits and lures. |
| Provo River, Lower 2010-09-02 Fair |
Trout fishing is fair to good, and you can still catch some white bass near Utah Lake. You'll have the most success in the early-morning hours. Stretches of this river have special regulations. You can review these rules on page 28 of the Utah Fishing Guidebook. |
| Provo River, Middle 2010-09-02 Good |
Anglers report good fishing with small, dark nymphs. Grasshopper imitations are also working well. Bait is allowed above Charleston Bridge to the Legacy Bridge. Please see the Utah Fishing Guidebook for the special regulations on this river. |
| Salem Pond 2010-09-02 Fair |
You'll find fair fishing for rainbow trout from the shoreline. Anglers have caught a few catfish, but most are catching trout. You'll also see bluegill and small bass along the edges of the pond. |
| Settlement Canyon Reservoir 2010-09-02 Fair |
Anglers report fair fishing for trout with traditional techniques and baits. The water level remains moderate. |
| Silver Lake 2010-09-02 Fair |
Officer Mike Roach reports that anglers have found fair to good fishing. Unfortunately, there aren't many access points because of vegetation-restoration efforts. Please be patient and allow other anglers to fish near you. |
| Spanish Oaks Reservoir 2010-09-02 Fair |
Although school has started, there are still several swimmers on the beach — give them room to recreate. Anglers report fair fishing with traditional baits. |
| Spring Lake 2010-09-02 Slow |
Fishing pressure is low, and anglers report slow success. |
| Strawberry Reservoir 2010-09-02 Good |
Fishing has improved, and the cooler weather will bring more fish to shallower water. Many anglers are catching rainbow trout. Tributaries are closed to protect spawning kokanee salmon. |
| Thistle Creek 2010-09-02 Fair |
Try using small flies or a grasshopper pattern. Worms are also a safe bet for catching brown trout. |
| Tibble Fork Reservoir 2010-09-02 Fair |
Anglers report slow to fair fishing with traditional baits and lures. |
| Utah Lake 2010-09-02 Hot |
When I visited the lake earlier this week, one angler reported catching 25 white bass on the state park jetty! Other anglers reported fair, good and terrific fishing for catfish and white bass. A few anglers were catching perch. Bait-tipped jigs or lures (like spinners) are working well for the white bass. Stinkbaits and worms will catch catfish. |
| Vernon Reservoir 2010-09-02 Slow |
The reservoir is very low. It isn't a good place to fish right now. |
| Vivian Park Pond 2010-09-02 Fair |
Anglers report slow to fair fishing. |
| Willow Pond 2010-09-02 Fair |
Anglers report fair fishing with traditional baits and lures. |
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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 2010-09-01 Good |
Anglers report fair to good fishing from boats and along the shoreline for rainbows and both species of bass. Try flipping jigs into the rocks and any submerged vegetation for bass. Trout baits and either small fish/crawfish-colored lures or brightly colored, flashy lures are working for trout. Best times to fish for trout will be early morning and later in the evening. You can access the reservoir from the boat ramp and from a new public-access point on the northeast corner. |
| Brough Reservoir 2010-09-01 Slow |
Fishing has been slow along the shoreline and from float tubes and small boats. Try fishing in the morning and late in the afternoon/evening. With the warm water, proper catch and release techniques are critical. Use a strong pole, line and leader to bring the fish in quickly. Keep the entire fish in the water to remove the hook. Barbless hooks and rubber nets make removing flies and lures much easier. The faster you bring the fish in, disengage and release, the more likely the fish will survive. Tired fish and those exposed to air may swim away, but they are much more likely to die a few days after release. |
| Browne Lake 2010-09-01 Good |
Anglers reported good fishing this week, a welcome change from slower fishing this summer. Try brightly colored lures, match flies to the latest insect hatches or use trout baits such as a worm-and-marshmallow combination or some of the new commercial baits. Watch out for storms — weather can change very quickly in the Uinta Mountains. |
| Bullock Reservoir 2010-09-01 Fair |
Anglers reported fair fishing for bass and bullheads with the occasional report of tiger muskie. |
| Calder Reservoir 2010-09-01 Fair |
Anglers reported fair to good catch rates from shore and a bit better from float tubes and small boats. Try using large terrestrial flies or minnow/leach imitations and small, brightly-colored spoons or fish imitations for lures. The reservoir has special catch-and-release regulations. You must use flies and lures only - bait is not allowed. See the Utah Fishing Guidebook for details. With the warm water, proper catch and release techniques are critical. Use a strong enough pole, line and leader to bring the fish in quickly and then keep the entire fish in the water to remove the hook. Barbless hooks and rubber nets make removing flies and lures much easier. Fish landed, disengaged and released quickly are much more likely to survive. Tired fish and fish exposed to the air may swim away, but they are much more likely to die a few days after release. |
| Cottonwood Reservoir 2010-09-01 Fair |
Anglers reported catching a few tiger muskie but not any keepers. Anglers have also caught some smallmouth bass. Fishing is fair to good for black bullhead, which are large enough to provide a nice meal from Cottonwood. |
| Crouse Reservoir 2010-09-01 Slow |
The water level is low and fishing has been slow. It was stocked with catchables. |
| Currant Creek Reservoir 2010-09-01 Good |
Anglers report fair to good fishing for both tiger and cutthroat trout. The tiger trout (a hybrid between brown and brook trout) stocked last year are now roughly 12 inches long. The area has received rain, so watch for muddy conditions that could limit access. |
| East Park Reservoir 2010-09-01 Good |
You'll find fair to good fishing for rainbows and brook trout. The reservoir is accessible, although the road was somewhat muddy after recent storms. The boat ramp is open, and it's easy to launch small boats. |
| Flaming Gorge 2010-09-01 Good |
You'll find fair to good fishing for most species: Lake trout: Lake trout fishing has been good with anglers finding schools of pup around 60 to 90 feet. There have been a few reports of fish much higher in the water column and larger fish are getting a bit more active. Anglers recommend various techniques; some have success jigging while others prefer trolling. Everyone agrees that if you can find a school, the hits will be fast and light. A good line (fluorocarbon or braid) helps you feel the strike and get a good hook-set when jigging. You can help the Flaming Gorge fishery by harvesting a limit of smaller lake trout. The limit is eight fish, with one over 28 inches. Kokanee salmon: Kokanee fishing is good if you can locate a school. Water temperatures at the surface are warm so fish down in the thermoclines, roughly 60 feet. Although the DWR has stocked millions of kokanee over the last few years, the population remains low due to predation by lake trout and burbot. Anglers need to harvest small lake trout and burbot to reduce their impact on kokanee. Rainbow trout: Anglers report good fishing from the shoreline and from boats. A boat is essential to access most of the reservoir; however, there is shore fishing near the visitors center (by the dam) and by the boat ramps. Fish are mostly in deep water but can still be found close to the shoreline. Fishing is usually better during the cooler hours of the day. Look for schools near cliffs, points and submerged ridges. Smallmouth bass: Bass fishing is slower than normal but picked up the last week or so. The fish are deeper this year due to some spring and early summer rains that added a few feet of water. Most anglers are jigging around or below the 20-foot range but a few have done well casting surface plugs or fishing with spoons or minnow imitations and casting parallel to rocks and cliff faces. Burbot: Burbot fishing was good through the ice, but now it's time to catch them from the shore or from boats. Try targeting rocky points and cliffs near the main channel, at depths from 10–50 feet. Use just about anything that glows (e.g., spoons, tube jigs, curly-tailed jigs, minnow jigs) and tip it with some type of bait. Place your baits close to the bottom and recharge the glow frequently. It is common to catch a fish immediately after re-glowing and dropping a lure. Burbot hit during the day, but they become more active during the twilight hours. You'll help the Flaming Gorge fishery by harvesting as many burbot as possible. There is no limit on burbot. |
| Green River below Flaming Gorge dam 2010-09-01 Good |
Anglers are doing well with large terrestrial imitations like grasshoppers and black ants. On windy days, anglers who use lures have been more successful because it's easier to cast. Try Rapalas (floating, countdown and husky jerk); spinners; spoons; black, brown or olive marabou jigs; and plastic jigs. Anglers fishing with flies should try a large terrestrial like a floating grasshopper over a smaller scud or shrimp imitation. As always, watch for hatches and change flies accordingly. |
| Long Park Reservoir 2010-09-01 Good |
Fishing from shore and boats is good, especially near the inlet. A worm and marshmallow combination is the favorite with anglers followed by bright shiny lures and a variety of dry flies. |
| Matt Warner 2010-09-01 Good |
Anglers report fair to good fishing, mostly depending on the time of day and weather conditions. Best fishing is during the cooler hours. Just about everything is working including common trout baits, flies and lures from the shore, small boats and float tubes. |
| Moose Pond 2010-09-01 Good |
Anglers report good fishing. The pond is stocked with catchable-sized fish from Utah hatcheries. |
| Pelican Lake 2010-09-01 Good |
Fishing has been good especially when the wind is calm. Anglers may find bass and bluegill in the shallows, however most have moved into deeper water. Note: The DWR is monitoring this lake for the presence of invasive mussels. Before and after boating, be sure to clean, drain and dry boats, fishing gear or other equipment exposed to water (like decoys, waders, rubber boots and fish finders). |
| Red Fleet Reservoir 2010-09-01 Good |
Anglers report fair to good fishing for rainbows, bass, bluegill and they are beginning to figure out how to catch walleye. Recent surveys showed an abundance of illegally introduced walleye in the nets. These fish represented several age classes with some over six pounds. Red Fleet has no limit on walleye, and all walleye must be killed and removed — no catch and release allowed. Note: The new washing station is up and running. Be sure to clean, drain and dry any equipment or gear used in the water including boats, jets skis, pull-behind floats, skis, kneeboards, fishing gear or other equipment exposed to water. |
| Sheep Creek Lake 2010-09-01 Slow |
Fishing has been slow. As the summer progresses, it's getting more difficult to find places to cast without interference from weeds. Float tubes and small boats like a canoe or float tube can help locate weed-free areas. |
| Spirit Lake 2010-09-01 Good |
Fishing for rainbows and small tiger trout has been good from shore and small boats like canoes and float tubes. Commercial trout baits, worms and marshmallows, and a wide variety of small flashy lures and flies are all working well. If one doesn't work, switch and try another as fish in high mountain lakes can often be finicky. |
| Starvation Reservoir 2010-09-01 Fair |
Anglers report good fishing for rainbows and perch and fair for bass and walleye. Check out the rocky points, inlets and shallow bays. Try fishing parallel and close to the shoreline in the early morning and late evening. Big fish often cruise the shore looking for newly hatched fry and terrestrial insects washed in by the waves. |
| Steinaker Reservoir 2010-09-01 Good |
Anglers report good fishing for rainbows, bass and bluegill. You'll do equally well fishing with baits and lures from the shoreline or from boats. Bass and bluegill may be in the shallows or in water up to 25 feet deep. The Family Fishing Event is over for 2010. Anglers turned in 136 tags and the Grand Prize went to a 4-year-old. Also, approximately 13,000 albino rainbows were stocked last fall, so do not be surprised if you catch a very pale fish with pink eyes. |
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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 2010-08-26 Fair |
Blanding 3&4: Fishing is slow. Foy Lake: Fishing is good with marshmallows. Lloyds Lake: Fishing is slow. Monticello Lake: Fishing is good with marshmallows. Recapture Reservoir: The pike hit well on diving crankbaits and most plastic bass lures. Bass fishing is fair. Fishing is best early or late in the day. |
| Cleveland Reservoir 2010-08-26 Fair |
On August 25, Tom Ogden fly fished with beadhead black/yellow wooly buggers on fast sinking line and caught five rainbows in two hours. They ranged from 12–13 inches and were found near the bottom. Other boat and shoreline fishermen didn't seem to catch as many fish as Tom. Earlier reports indicated that PowerBait, worms, silver spoons or trout-imitating crankbaits were the most popular end tackle. |
| Duck Fork Reservoir 2010-08-26 Fair |
Try a silver Jakes lure or #2 Mepps. Tiger trout range from 13–18 inches. This water has special regulations. |
| Fairview Lakes 2010-09-02 Good |
On August 25, Tom Ogden flyfished from a tube with size 8 soft hackle flies on slow sinking line and caught 24 fish in four hours. The fish ranged from 12 to 14 inches. The best fly colors were green, green and copper, and green and black. Boat and shoreline bait fishermen were catching fish as well. |
| Ferron Reservoir 2010-08-26 Good |
Fishing is good, especially with PowerBait. Anglers may take a limit of four rainbows and an additional four brook trout. One angler reported finding the outlet full of cutthroats. He used a #1 Mepps spinner with good results. |
| Grassy Lake 2010-09-02 Fair |
Randall Stilson reported that the water level is extremely low. No anglers were present when he visited the water. |
| Huntington Creek 2010-09-02 Fair |
On August 28, Tom Ogden flyfished with a size 6 Canada blood leech or a black and green soft hackle fly on fast sinking line. The fish were all less than 16 inches long. Huntington Creek has special regulations. Make sure you read the Utah Fishing Guidebook before you visit. |
| Huntington Reservoir 2010-09-02 Fair |
On August 28, Tom Ogden flyfished from a tube. He said that a number of patterns worked well if they were fished deep in 20 to 30 feet of water. He used a size 6 Canada blood leech, or a size 8 black/green soft hackle fly, and caught fish in the 12- to 13-inch range. The water level has dropped four feet in the last three weeks. Shoreline anglers did poorly, but Tom rated fishing success as fair. |
| Joes Valley Reservoir 2010-09-02 Slow |
Fishing is slow. The best technique is to stillfish or troll in deep water with chub or minnow meat as bait. |
| La Sal Mountains 2010-09-02 Slow |
The only report comes from Oowah Reservoir, which was almost emptied due to a blockage in the outlet structure. This led the DWR director to lift the limit on all fish caught at Oowah Lake. The lake has refilled since, but restocking will not resume until next spring. Anglers may continue to take as many trout as they wish. |
| Petes Hole 2010-09-02 Fair |
Randall Stilson reported fair fishing with worms and PowerBait. |
| Scofield Reservoir 2010-09-02 Slow |
In most cases, fishing success has been slow. Likely because of last weekend's bad weather. Anglers on bigfishtackle.com reported good fishing with crayfish, worms and PowerBait. Anglers in one thread caught a mix of trout species, including one that weighed 6- or seven pounds and measured 25.5 inches. Aquatics Technician Bob Thompson reported slow fishing from the shore or an anchored boat. Trolling has been the most effective technique with some anglers taking home their limit of trout. Fisheries Biologist Justin Hart suggests trolling with Rapalas or stillfishing with jigs tipped with chubs. Scofield has special regulations. Make sure you read the Utah Fishing Guidebook before you visit. |
| Willow Lake 2010-08-26 Good |
PowerBait appears to catch more fish than worms. |
| Wrigley Springs Reservoir 2010-08-26 Good |
Fishing is good with both PowerBait and spinners. One 16-inch trout was taken with a Jakes spinner. |
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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 2010-09-02 Slow |
Warm water and low oxygen have led to a partial fish kill at Baker. We have observation reports of numerous dead rainbows and browns. The numbers do not indicate a complete kill of the reservoir, but fishing will be slow until the water cools this fall. |
| Barker Reservoirs (North Creek Lakes) 2010-09-02 Fair |
Fishing pressure is moderate and fishing is fair to good at most lakes. Try using marabou jigs, streamers, flashy lures and spinners, natural baits like nightcrawlers, and dry flies during morning and evening hatches. A float tube can help you cover more water, but is more likely to spook fish in shallow lakes. Don't overlook the shoreline; many fish cruise fairly shallow when feeding. Be prepared to try multiple tactics until you find what works best. |
| Beaver Mountain Lakes 2010-09-02 Fair |
Conservation officer Brent Farnsworth reports that all of the lakes have good water levels, except for Three Creeks Reservoir which is dropping due to irrigation releases. Three Creeks will be empty by the end of the summer. The lakes have been continually stocked with catchable rainbow trout. Fishing pressure is moderate to heavy with most of the pressure coming on weekends. Fishing is fair to good. Most anglers are using PowerBait or worms. For faster fishing, use a dry fly on the surface in the late evening hours when the fish are rising. |
| Beaver River, Lower 2010-09-02 Fair |
Fishing is fair and water flows are stable. |
| Beaver River, Upper 2010-09-02 Fair |
Water flows are low and clear. Small trout are abundant and will hit a variety of bait, lures and flies. Flashy spinners and nymphs can be particularly effective. |
| Boulder Mountain 2010-09-02 Good |
Fishing is good in most areas. The key is to try fishing with several tactics and at several different lakes until you find good fishing. Some of the more shallow lakes on the mountain have experienced some winterkill. We recommended trying marabou jigs, streamers, flashy lures and spinners, natural baits like nightcrawlers, and dry flies during the morning and evening hatches. Circle Valley Anglers in Circleville report good success on damsel patterns, both dries and size 12 nymphs. A float tube can help you cover more water, but is more likely to spook fish in shallow lakes. Don't overlook the shoreline; many fish cruise fairly shallow when feeding. |
| Clear Creek 2010-09-02 Good |
Small trout are abundant and will hit a variety of bait, lures and flies. Circle Valley Anglers in Circleville report that they caught several nice browns. ranging from 8 to 14 inches, with dry flies. Try using elk hair caddis, x caddis, iris caddis, parachute hoppers and PMD sparkle duns. |
| Corn Creek 2010-09-02 Fair |
Flows are low and clear. Brown trout are abundant and will hit a variety of bait, lures and flies. Flashy spinners and nymphs can be particularly effective. Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked near the campground. Fishing for rainbows has been good in Chalk Creek using worms. |
| Duck Creek Pond / Aspen Mirror Lake 2010-09-02 Fair |
Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked and fishing is fair to good. Fishing pressure is moderate to heavy. |
| East Fork Sevier River in Kingston Canyon 2010-09-02 Fair |
Flows are high and slightly turbid from irrigation releases. Circle Valley Anglers in Circleville report that a lot of people stop fishing Kingston Canyon when the irrigation flows increase, but flows have been pretty stable this summer. They have fished Kingston all summer and have been caught nice-sized fish with olive and brown wooly buggers in size 4 and 6 and a variety of sculpin imitations. |
| East Fork Sevier River, Black Canyon 2010-09-02 Good |
The river has been a little turbid after the recent rain storms, but should clear up soon. Circle Valley Anglers in Circleville report that the prize fly for this time of year is a size 16 bead head caddis pupa either as a dropper or dead drifted alone. You should also try size 16 elk hair caddis, X Caddis, pale morning dun emerger, and size 14 tan parachute hoppers. Size 14 prince, size 14 and 16 pheasant tail, and size 16 caddis larva nymphs always produce in Black Canyon. |
| East Fork Sevier River, Upper 2010-09-02 Fair |
Flows are low and clear. Small trout are abundant and will hit a variety of bait, lures and flies. Flashy spinners and nymphs can be particularly effective. |
| Enterprise Reservoir, Upper 2010-09-02 Slow |
There are no recent reports, but fishing tends to slow down during the summer. Look for fishing to improve as the water cools over the next month. |
| Fish Lake 2010-09-02 Fair |
Fishing pressure has decreased. Trolling for rainbows is the main attraction at Fish Lake in the summer. Pop gear with a worm is the most popular setup, though Rapalas and other flashy lures can also be effective. anglers are catching a few splake while trolling. Splake have gone deeper and scattered, so jigging has slowed down. Jig in 15 to 20 feet for fairly fast perch action. |
| Forsyth Reservoir 2010-09-02 Slow |
Fishing is slow. |
| Fremont River 2010-09-02 Fair |
Fishing is fair, and flows above Mill Meadow are low and mostly clear. |
| Gunlock Reservoir 2010-09-02 Fair |
Largemouth bass were restocked in 2009 and got off a very successful spawn. A lot of small fish, up to 10 inches, will be available this year. Don't plan on targeting the large brood fish; there are not many of them. |
| Gunnison Bend Reservoir 2010-09-02 Good |
Conservation officer Kody Jones reports good catfish fishing at DMAD and Gunnison Bend. Night fishing is producing the best success. |
| Iron County Community Fisheries 2010-09-02 Fair |
Catfish have been stocked in Parowan Pond and Leigh Hill Reservoir. Fishing pressure is very heavy at Leigh Hill. Rainbow trout and catfish are the main attraction, though a few anglers have also caught bluegill and largemouth bass. |
| Kolob Reservoir 2010-09-02 Fair |
Fishing is slow to fair with some success on PowerBait and spinners. Fishing with bait is allowed from May 15 to September 11. Make sure you read the Utah Fishing Guidebook before you head out. |
| Koosharem Reservoir 2010-09-02 Slow |
Fishing is slow and fishing pressure is light. |
| Lower Bowns Reservoir 2010-09-02 Good |
Anglers report good success for rainbows with wooly buggers and PowerBait. Look for fast action with dry flies during the evening midge hatches. |
| Mammoth Creek 2010-09-02 Good |
Circle Valley Anglers in Circleville report that fishing is very good this summer with pale morning dun emergers and dries, along with elk hair caddis and X Caddis—all in size 16. Try parachute or Dave's hoppers in size 14. The Circle Valley Anglers also like pheasant tails, zebra midges and caddis larva in sizes 14 and 16. |
| Mill Meadow Reservoir 2010-09-02 Fair |
Fishing is fair. For perch, use jigs tipped with perch meat in 15 to 20 feet of water. Anglers are encouraged to harvest perch in order to help the population stay in balance with available food. The perch limit has been increased to 50. |
| Minersville Reservoir 2010-09-02 Fair |
Fishing is slow for trout. There is moderate fishing pressure and fair success for smallmouth bass. You can find bass in shallow water early in the morning, but they go deeper when the water warms up in the middle of the day. Fishing will improve for bass and trout as the water starts to cool in September. |
| Monroe Mountain Lakes 2010-09-02 Fair |
Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked in the Box Creek reservoirs as well as the north end lakes and ponds. Anglers report fair fishing at Manning Meadow using streamers and nymphs. Evening hatches can also be productive. |
| Navajo Lake 2010-09-02 Good |
The water level has dropped below the dike. Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked and fishing is good to excellent from the shore or a boat. Any technique works well in the morning. Flashy lures produce best through the rest of the day. One angler reported fast action for splake fishing with sucker meat from the shore. Try other cutbaits, like chub meat and frozen minnows. |
| Newcastle Reservoir 2010-09-02 Fair |
Smallmouth bass fishing is fair to good with standard bass techniques. |
| Otter Creek Reservoir & State Park 2010-09-02 Good |
Success has picked up for shore anglers fishing with bait or flies. Fly anglers should try crayfish- and minnow-imitating patterns. Trolling still produces fair to good action. Anglers are catching mostly 12- to 14-inch fish, with a few larger fish mixed in. |
| Panguitch Lake 2010-09-02 Fair |
Anglers who fish from boats are having fair success with flies or bait. Remember that cutthroat and tiger trout from 15–22 inches must be released. For help with fish identification, see page 40 in the Utah Utah Fishing Guidebook or go to wildlife.utah.gov/trout.pdf. |
| Paragonah Reservoir 2010-09-02 Good |
Anglers report good success trolling gold spinners and spoons. Fly anglers will find success if they try a lot of different patterns. Fishing is slow for bait anglers. |
| Pine Lake 2010-09-02 Fair |
Anglers report fair success for catchable-sized rainbows with PowerBait and lures. |
| Piute Reservoir 2010-09-02 Slow |
The water is cloudy from exposed mud flats. Fishing is slow and there is little pressure. |
| Quail Lake 2010-09-02 Fair |
Fishing is fair to good for bass early in the morning and late in the evening. Bass go deep during the heat of the day. |
| Sand Hollow Reservoir 2010-09-02 Good |
Bass are shallow early in the morning and late in the evening. Bass fishing is good to excellent with a variety of plastics, (like drop shots, hula grubs, swim baits, curly-tail, senkos, kreature baits, etc). Top water techniques can also be very effective if the water is calm in the morning. Most bass head to 20 feet during the heat of the day, though some smaller fish remain shallow and can be caught with most any technique. Bluegill fishing is good to excellent. They are suspended in the 20 to 30 feet range. The bluegill limit is 50, so count carefully. Try fishing early and late to avoid the heat and water skiers. Quagga mussels are present in Sand Hollow, so plan extra time to have your boat decontaminated before you leave. |
| Sevier River in Marysvale Canyon 2010-09-02 Slow |
Fishing is slow. Irrigation releases are making fishing difficult. |
| Thousand Lake Mountain 2010-09-02 Good |
Access, and fishing, is good. If you aren't catching anything, change your technique or move to a different lake. |
| Tropic Reservoir 2010-08-28 Good |
Anglers report catching rainbows with PowerBait. |
| Washington County Community Fisheries 2010-09-02 Fair |
Trout fishing slows down and bass and bluegill fishing picks up as the weather warms. Unfortunately, most anglers quit fishing the ponds as the trout disappear. Bluegill can provide great fishing for kids since success is even faster than what you'll experience with trout. To catch bluegill, suspend a nightcrawler one to two feet below a bobber. You can also use a small, brightly-colored jig instead of a baithook, but still use the bobber and worm. Largemouth bass will also hit this rig, so you have a chance to catch bass up to three pounds. |
| Wide Hollow Reservoir 2010-09-02 Closed |
Wide Hollow Reservoir has been drained for dam reconstruction and will be dry for all of 2010. |
| Yankee Meadow Reservoir 2010-09-02 Fair |
Fishing is slow for shore anglers. Success is fair for rainbows trolling silver spoons and gold Jake's Spin-a-lure. |
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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 2010-09-02 Good |
Lake elevation: 3,634 feet Water temperatures: 75–78°F Two distinct patterns now in place are making it much easier for anglers to find stripers. Striped bass adults are hungry for the shad that hide in the backs of coves and canyons. Since shad are shallow, stripers are deep enough to guard the migration route leading to the shad sanctuary. You can find stripers by graphing the submerged creek channel leading to the back of most short coves. Most striper schools are holding a consistent depth of 40 to 60 feet.
The First Pattern: My search pattern involves graphing the breaking edge of the submerged channel. I like to look at the bottom very near the edge leading to shallower water from 45 to 50 feet. Most of the fish traces that I've graphed in this zone lately have been striped bass. Shad, both gizzard and threadfin, are shallow. Bass are in the brush. So any traces in deeper water are likely stripers. To confirm the identity of the fish drop a spoon straight down, let it hit the bottom, then jig it two feet off bottom and let it fall back a couple of times. If you don't find any takers, speed reel quickly in 15 foot bursts and then jig the spoon once more at mid-depth. This gets the attention of resting stripers who then may show interest as the spoon again descends to the bottom. You can usually gets a striper school going early in the morning within 5 minutes using this combination of speed reeling and rapidly descending spoons. The Second Pattern: You can find stripers more often after 9 a.m. on steep canyon walls. Cut bait, first chummed and then hooked on a short shank, lightweight jig head is an unbeatable combination right now. Look for a cliff wall than ends near a rocky flat or rockslide—where resting stripers have a close venue to forage on crayfish. Chum excites the resting school. Once excited, the school feeds for about an hour before shutting down again. Anglers are commonly catching 25 to 50 3-pound fish right now. Striper schools will have larger fish resting on the bottom (50 to 60 feet), mid-sized fish in the middle and small, young stripers near the surface. Once the school starts feeding, the size classes mix and you can catch any size fish. A few fish will hit the surface, but we have found that surface action includes only the small- and mid-sized stripers. Bigger fish are usually deeper. Regular boils with adult stripers are still happening in the morning and evening near the inflowing water of the Colorado and San Juan. Bass fishing is steady for anglers using drop shot rigs and fishing the ends of rocky points, which lead into the main channel, or the submerged creek channels leading to shad sanctuaries. Fishing is great! Expect to catch lots of stripers. The lake water is still warm so put fish in a cooler on ice. Don't put them on a stringer in the warm water where decomposition will be accelerated. |
