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Current Utah Fishing Reports

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 report

Information compiled by Phil Douglass
DWR Northern Region Conservation Outreach Manager

We need your input! Would you like to see a Utah fishing regulation change? Have an idea for a new rule? Division of Wildlife Resources biologists are already working on possible fishing changes for 2014 and we want to hear from you. Provide feedback on possible 2014 fishing changes.

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 2013-05-17 Fair	You can call 435-946-8501 for recorded updates on fishing conditions at Bear Lake.
Birch Creek Reservoir 2013-05-17 Fair	Patient anglers will find good action for rainbow and tiger trout. The Monte Cristo Road will open Friday, May 24 at 4 p.m. Check the UDOT website for updates on seasonal road closures.
Blacksmith Fork River 2013-05-17 Fair	Conditions should be good for the salmon fly hatch that typically takes place in late May or early June. This hatch produces some of the most exciting fishing of the year!
Bountiful Lake 2013-05-17 Fair	Trout stocking has ended for the summer. Check the DWR stocking report for updates on catfish stocking.
Causey Reservoir 2013-05-17 Fair	Fishing is fair with rainbow PowerBait.
Cutler Reservoir & Marsh 2013-05-17 Good	Anglers report good fishing for catfish of all sizes. Some of the fish were almost two feet long! The new state record catch-and-release mark was recently set at Cutler. Now is a great time to go after catfish with traditional baits.
East Canyon Reservoir & State Park 2013-05-17 Fair	The road is now open from Salt Lake to Morgan County (SR-65). Try using Rapalas, PowerBait and spinners from shore. Anglers who are trolling should use dodgers with spinners or spoons. The water level is low.
Echo Reservoir 2013-05-17 Fair	Fishing has been fair. Anglers are catching trout from the shoreline using PowerBait. They have also caught trout from boats while trolling with pop gear and a worm. You'll find the best fishing in either the early morning or evening hours.
Farmington Pond 2013-05-17 Fair	Trout stocking has ended for the summer. Check the DWR stocking report for updates on catfish stocking.
Holmes Creek Reservoir 2013-05-17 Good	Fishing has improved for small trout and bass. Try traditional baits, spinners or wet flies. The water level is rising and is now up to the vegetation, which could make access difficult for the summer season.
Hyrum Reservoir & State Park 2013-05-17 Good	Fishing success has started to get a little spotty, so try different areas if the action slows down. You'll find big fish and fun at Hyrum!
Jensen Nature Park Pond 2013-05-17 Fair	Trout stocking has ended for the summer. Check the DWR stocking report for updates on catfish stocking.
Kaysville Ponds 2013-05-17 Good	Trout stocking has ended for the summer. Check the DWR stocking report for updates on catfish stocking. Anglers report catching small mudcats with worms.
Little Creek Reservoir 2013-05-17 Good	Anglers report good fishing from float tubes. Try using olive-colored Pistol Petes. The Monte Cristo Road will open Friday, May 24 at 4 p.m. Check the UDOT website for updates on seasonal road closures.
Logan River 2013-05-17 Fair	Anglers report fair fishing with Panther Martins and Blue Fox Spinners. They are catching brown trout in the lower section of the river. Learn more about how the DWR is working with sportsmen on cutthroat trout conservation efforts in the Logan River Drainage.
Lost Creek Reservoir 2013-05-17 Fair	Anglers report success with streamers, marabou jigs or spinners. Also try PowerBait or nightcrawlers.
Mantua Reservoir 2013-05-17 Fair	Anglers report that bluegill are becoming more active. They are in the warmer water, in the shallows.
Mirror Lake 2013-05-17 Good	Hoop Lake is accessible by vehicle. The lake is still mostly covered with ice, but there is enough open water to fish, and the fishing is good. Stateline Reservoir is not accessible but should open up within a week or so. Whitney Reservoir is not accessible, and it may take a few weeks until conditions improve. Mirror Lake Highway is open to mile marker 22, Murdock Basin Road. Beaver Creek is running faster and higher than last week. The Provo River is higher, faster and dirtier than last week. Vehicles can get to Smith Morehouse Reservoir and there is some open water you can fish. Check the UDOT website for updates on seasonal road closures. Personnel at the Kamas Fish Hatchery regularly fish the lakes of the Uintas and can answer questions about access and fishing conditions. You can reach them at 435-783-4883.
Newton Reservoir 2013-05-17 Fair	Water clarity in early May provides great opportunities to spot cruising tiger muskies.
Ogden River 2013-05-17 Good	The water is low and crystal clear. Fishing continues to be very good for fly anglers in the canyon. They are using rainbow warriors and zebra midges. Watch for the salmon fly hatch in both the canyon and on the South Fork. This hatch is short-lived, but it's a lot of fun while it lasts!
Pineview Reservoir 2013-05-17 Hot	Crappie action is fast for anglers who fish the shallows with small jigs. Anglers report some success for smallmouth bass.
Porcupine Reservoir 2013-05-17 Slow	The water is approximately 10 feet below the spillway and rising. Anglers report slow fishing.
Rockport Reservoir 2013-05-17 Good	Boat fishing is good at Rockport Reservoir. Anglers are using all varieties of pop gear and lures. Shore anglers have not been as successful.
Weber River 2013-05-17 Good	Water levels appear to be rising in the rivers in South Summit County. The Provo and Weber Rivers are running faster and higher than last week. Water quality/clarity is starting to drop. Please remember that as of 2013 all cutthroat trout — or trout with cutthroat markings — must be immediately released from the Great Salt Lake to the Echo Reservoir dam.
Willard Bay Reservoir 2013-05-17 Slow	Catfish action should pick up soon. The south marina is open, and boats are launching. The north half of the reservoir has been closed and marked with buoys, and the closed area is being patrolled by boat.

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 2013-05-16 Good	The ponds were recently stocked with trout. Anglers report fair to good fishing using traditional baits and lures. Please help pick up garbage that was left behind.
Canyon View Park Pond 2013-05-16 Good	The pond has been stocked and anglers report good fishing using traditional baits and lures.
Deer Creek Reservoir 2013-05-16 Fair	Many boat anglers report fair to good fishing. Most anglers are using traditional baits and lures. For more information, call Deer Creek State Park at 435-654-0171.
Diamond Fork River 2013-05-16 Fair	The water is currently a little murky. Fishing is reported as fair using small flies, nightcrawlers or spinners. There are few anglers fishing the river.
Grantsville Reservoir 2013-05-16 Good	Grantsville was recently stocked and trout fishing is fair to good. Most anglers are using traditional baits and lures.
Highland Glen Park 2013-05-16 Good	The pond was recently stocked with trout and fishing is fair to good. Traditional baits and lures are working well.
Jordanelle Reservoir 2013-05-16 Hot	State Parks reports that trout fishing is great from boats and the shoreline. Most anglers are using traditional baits and lures. Recent gill net surveys showed some big bruiser brown trout in the reservoir. Some campgrounds are now open. The water level is very low and bass fishing is slow.
Kidney Pond 2013-05-16 Good	Most community ponds are being stocked on a weekly basis. Fishing is fair to good with traditional baits and lures.
Mill Hollow Reservoir 2013-05-16 Slow	Highway 35 has been plowed, but you can't access the reservoir with a vehicle because of the snowy conditions. We checked on May 16.
Nine Mile Reservoir 2013-05-16 Good	The reservoir was recently stocked with rainbow trout. Anglers report fair to good fishing with beadhead or woolly fly patterns, or traditional baits and lures.
Palisade Reservoir & State Park 2013-05-16 Good	Palisade is one of the waters with tagged fish for the Cabela's fishing tournament. In addition to some tagged fish, Palisade was recently stocked with rainbow trout. Anglers report fair to good fishing using traditional baits and spinners. For more information, visit the Palisade State Park website or call 435-835-7275.
Payson Lake 2013-05-16 Closed	The US Forest Service states that they will open the gates on May 24. If you're able to successfully fish the lakes, send your fishing reports to scottroot@utah.gov.
Provo River, Lower 2013-05-16 Good	The river between I-15 and Utah Lake is now open to angling. The water can get a bit high and murky this time of year, so use caution. Fishing is good through town and up the canyon. Try using small dark fly patterns. You can use bait in some stretches of the river. See the Utah Fishing Guidebook for more information.
Provo River, Middle 2013-05-16 Good	Water levels can be a bit high this time of year, so use caution. Anglers report fair to good fishing. Smaller-sized flies such as Parachute Adams, scud patterns, San Juan worms, midge pattern or hare's ear are still the most popular patterns. You can use bait from above Charleston Bridge to the Legacy Bridge. Read the Utah Fishing Guidebook for details.
Salem Pond 2013-05-16 Good	The pond was stocked this week, and will continue to be stocked weekly until it gets too warm. Fishing is good. Try using traditional baits and lures. The pond closes at 11 p.m.
Settlement Canyon Reservoir 2013-05-16 Good	The reservoir was stocked on Tuesday and anglers report fair to good fishing. Try using traditional baits and lures in open water areas.
Spanish Oaks Reservoir 2013-05-16 Good	Spanish Oaks Reservoir was stocked with rainbow trout this week. Try spinners and traditional baits.
Spring Lake 2013-05-16 Good	The lake was stocked this week. Fishing is reported as good using spinners, PowerBait or nightcrawlers.
Strawberry Reservoir 2013-05-16 Good	Strawberry is now ice free! DWR has stocked over 600,000 8- to 9-inch cutthroats over the last two weeks. Some anglers report slow fishing, but most anglers report good success using various baits, lures and flies. A variety of fly and lure colors are currently effective; the fish seem to be hungry. If one technique or location isn't producing, change things up or move and success should improve. Cutthroat Trout Viewing Day will take place at the Strawberry Visitor Center on Saturday, June 1 from 9 a.m. until noon. Though the stream will be murky, we will be in the fish trap and egg-taking facility behind the visitor center holding up fish for you to see (and maybe touch!). Strawberry Reservoir has special regulations. Check the Utah Fishing Guidebook for more regulations. For help differentiating Bear Lake cutthroat trout and rainbow trout, download the identification brochure.
Thistle Creek 2013-05-16 Good	Anglers report fair fishing. The water is a little murky and the level is moderate. Baits, lures and small flies are effective. Please respect the landowners.
Tibble Fork Reservoir 2013-05-16 Fair	Anglers report fair to good fishing from the shoreline using eggs, PowerBait or other traditional baits and lures.
Utah Lake 2013-05-16 Hot	Many anglers report that channel catfish fishing is good. Several channel catfish between 25-30 inches long have been reported using baits such as worms or stink bait. White bass fishing is still considered fair, but it could improve over the next week or so. If you go out fishing for white bass, please us know how you do by sending an email to scottroot@utah.gov. Walleye fishing has been quite slow. Please do not release any of the northern pike you catch. We do not want them in the lake!
Vernon Reservoir 2013-05-16 Fair	The reservoir was recently stocked. Fishing is good using traditional baits and lures.
Vivian Park Pond 2013-05-16 Good	The pond was stocked this week. Angler Craig Clyde reports that his grandchildren had very good fishing using bait and lures.
Yuba Reservoir & State Park 2013-05-16 Good	Northern pike fishing is fair to good by casting minnow-imitating lures in shallower water (three to 12 feet. Walleye fishing is slow.

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 2013-05-17 Good	There aren't many anglers using the reservoir. Fishing is good and bass are joining the catch as well. Expect the good fishing to continue as the weather warms up.
Brough Reservoir 2013-05-17 Slow	The weather has finally improved, but we aren't hearing much from anglers. The slow report is from a few weeks ago. The warmer weather should have improved fishing. There are special catch-and-release regulations. You must use flies and lures only — bait is not allowed. See the Utah Fishing Guidebook for details.
Browne Lake 2013-05-17 Fair	There haven't been any recent reports on fishing, but we do know the ice is off and the roads are accessible.
Bullock Reservoir 2013-05-17 Fair	Anglers are doing fair to good catching rainbows stocked early this spring, which included a few of the brood stock from Division hatcheries.
Calder Reservoir 2013-05-17 Fair	Calder is accessible and fishing is fair. 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.
Cottonwood Reservoir 2013-05-17 Slow	There haven't been any recent reports from anglers.
Crouse Reservoir 2013-05-17 Slow	Crouse is accessible on mostly dry roads. There haven't been any reports from anglers, and we haven't seen any signs of winterkill. The water level is very low.
Currant Creek Reservoir 2013-05-17 Good	There haven't been any recent reports from anglers. The reservoir should be ice free or nearly ice free.
East Park Reservoir 2013-05-17 Unstable ice	The last mile or two of the paved road in is still covered with snow. Some tried to make it in, but you can see where they had to dig themselves out. The reservoir will likely be ice free and accessible by Memorial Day.
Flaming Gorge 2013-05-17 Good	You'll find slow to excellent fishing, depending on the species. Anglers reported good to excellent fishing for rainbows and lake trout, fair to good fishing for kokanee and slow fishing for bass. Rainbow trout: Rainbows can be found at all depths, especially near the surface. In some canyon areas, the rainbows are schooling and close to shore. Look for areas where water temperatures might be warming up earlier such as the backs of bays, along sun-catching rock walls and inlets. Try casting spoons (brightly colored), jigs (white or crayfish-colored) and shallow- or deep-diving crankbaits. Shore anglers can do well this time of year by casting lures or dunking a worm-and-marshmallow combination around the launch areas. Lake trout: Lake trout fishing has been good to excellent when the winds have cooperated. Look for the fish near underwater humps, submerged ridges or out in the open water. Anglers can continue to help the Flaming Gorge fishery (kokanee, rainbows and lake trout) by harvesting a limit of small lake trout, which are tasty and abundant in the reservoir. Burbot: There haven't been any recent reports. Most anglers fish from an hour before sunset to roughly 9:30 p.m. Try fishing along the rocky points, rocky graveled slopes, under cliffs and in the old channels. Burbot can be caught during the day in the deeper waters; however, they become more active during the twilight hours. That is when they move into the shallows to forage in depths from 10 to 40 feet. Use a glow for an attractor (e.g., spoons, tube jigs, curly-tailed jigs or minnow jigs) and tip your lure with some type of bait (Cut bait, like sucker meat, is recommended). Anglers have also caught burbot on a worm-and-marshmallow combination. Using Smelly Jelly in crayfish scent may also increase the catch rates. Place your lure within inches of the bottom and recharge the glow frequently. It is common to catch a fish immediately after recharging a lure. You'll help the Flaming Gorge fishery (including kokanee) by harvesting as many burbot as possible. There is no limit on burbot, and in Utah they must be killed; they cannot be returned alive. Kokanee salon: Kokanee fishing has picked up and anglers are reporting fair to good fishing. Most fish are being caught in the first 20 feet of water, with some of the best fishing in the top 10. Smallmouth bass: Bass fishing is slow but should improve with warmer temperatures.
Green River below Flaming Gorge dam 2013-05-17 Good	Anglers report good fishing between storms. Now that the days have warmed up and the wind has mostly stopped, the good fishing has returned. Surface action is just starting, and so are the scuds; a combination might be the best bet. Try a cicada or pine beetle on top with a scud or midge larva as a trailer. Watch the hatches and match them whenever possible. Blue-winged olives and midge emergers seem to be the most productive flies. On windy days, anglers who use lures have been more successful because it's easier to cast. Try crankbaits, spinners, spoons and dark (black or crayfish) or white-colored jigs.
Long Park Reservoir 2013-05-17 Good	Fishing was reported as fair to good fishing as the ice came off. The ice should be gone and the roads accessible.
Matt Warner 2013-05-17 Good	Angler access is on mostly dry roads, and the fishing has been good. There haven't been any signs of winterkill, although there were a few dead fish on the water. They were likely angler kill from the ice-fishing season.
Moose Pond 2013-05-17 Slow	There haven't been any recent reports from anglers. The pond is open water.
Pelican Lake 2013-05-17 Fair	Fishing has been fair with a few bright spots on warm afternoons for bass. Bluegill are starting to move into the shallows so look to fish on about the third day after the weathers warms and the sun comes back out.
Red Fleet Reservoir 2013-05-17 Good	Anglers report fair to good fishing for rainbows from boats and a few from shore. We're also hearing about a few bass and bluegill being caught. Expect better fishing as it continues to warm up.
Sheep Creek Lake 2013-05-17 Slow	There haven't been any recent reports from anglers. The ice is off and the lake is accessible.
Spirit Lake 2013-05-17 Unstable ice	At 10,000 feet, the lake is frozen, but we haven't heard from any anglers. The lake was treated in September and restocked with roughly 5,000 tiger trout in early October. More fish are scheduled to be stocked this spring. Eventually, the lake and some nearby waterbodies will be restocked with Colorado River cutthroat trout, the only trout native to the area. The success of this treatment is a critical part of a management strategy to keep Colorado River cutthroat trout off of the endangered species list.
Starvation Reservoir 2013-05-17 Good	Recent reports indicate that the rainbow fishing is good to excellent. Anglers are also catching browns and walleye. Watch out for the wind; it can pick up suddenly and create cold and unsafe boating conditions. Expect the good fishing to continue as the weather warms up.
Steinaker Reservoir 2013-05-17 Good	Anglers are reporting fair to good fishing as the weather warms up. A slow troll in the deeper water near the dam seems to be the most effective technique. The lake level is very low. Shore anglers report fair to good fishing with lures and baits. Try worms with a marshmallow chaser, and PowerBait in sparkle rainbow with extra scent, and garlic with extra scent.

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.

Waterbody	Report
Abajo Mountains 2013-05-03 Good	Conservation Officer Dennis Shumway reports that the fishing in San Juan County is heating up. Fishing is good for pike and bass at Recapture Reservoir. One angler caught a 4-pound, 11-ounce largemouth bass last weekend. Try using traditional bass lures. On April 28, Shumway caught several 18- to 22-inch pike by jigging a gold-colored spinner. Blanding 3 & 4, Loyds Lake, Monticello Lake and Foy Reservoir were all stocked with rainbow trout within the last two weeks. Shumway says that fishing has been pretty hot at these waters. Try using spinners, PowerBait, worms or marshmallows. The water levels at Recapture Reservoir, Blanding 3 and Loyds Lake are very low. If the summer is hot and dry, there could be a fish kill. Take advantage of the good fishing while it lasts.
Benches Pond 2013-05-03 Unstable ice	There is still an ice cap covering the pond. Please wait to fish until ice-off.
Boulger Reservoir 2013-05-03 Unstable ice	Anglers need to wait until ice-off to fish Boulger.
Carbon County Community Fishing Pond 2013-05-03 Good	The pond was stocked on April 29. Expect good fishing.
Cleveland Reservoir 2013-05-03 Unstable ice	The reservoir was covered with ice as of April 28. Ice fishing, however, is strongly discouraged. Please wait until the ice recedes. Don't risk the ice.
Duck Fork Reservoir 2013-05-03 Closed	The U.S. Forest Service access gate is closed. Access to the reservoir is blocked.
Electric Lake 2013-05-03 Unstable ice	The ice pack is starting to thaw. There are pockets of open water, and the shoreline ice is beginning to recede. Ice fishing season is over. Please don't venture onto the ice.
Ferron Creek 2013-05-03 Closed	The access road has been closed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Ferron Reservoir 2013-05-03 Closed	The access road has been closed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Gigliotti Pond 2013-05-03 Good	This pond was stocked on April 29. Expect good fishing.
Gooseberry Reservoir 2013-05-03 Closed	You can access the reservoir with a snow machine, but the gate will be closed until sometime after Memorial Day weekend.
Huntington Creek 2013-05-03 Slow	All of the fish were killed by the Seeley Fire last year. The creek won't be restocked until the vegetation on the burnt hillsides has been restored and the stream banks have been stabilized.
Huntington North Reservoir 2013-05-10 Fair	On May 9, DWR aquatics biologists pulled gill nets as part of their annual sampling regimen. They found multiple age classes of wipers, which included several 5-pound fish. That was encouraging since the wipers were only four years old. One largemouth bass weighed in at five pounds. A number of 18- to 20-inch rainbow trout were also caught.
Huntington Reservoir 2013-05-03 Unstable ice	As of April 28, there was still an ice cap with little or no open water along the shoreline. Please wait until the ice recedes before fishing the reservoir.
Joes Valley Reservoir 2013-05-03 Good	On April 25, Aquatics Biologist Calvin Black fished the rocky shoreline on the east side. He reported good fishing and caught splake, cutthroat and tiger trout. Fishing was better in the afternoon. He used 3- to 4-inch orange crankbaits, tube jigs with chub meat and gold Jakes Spin-a-Lures. Black had more hits with the tube jigs when he varied the pattern and speed of his retrieval. Dan Keller reported fair fishing last week. He caught cutthroat, splake, tiger trout and a tiger muskie using white tube jigs with chub meat and Berkley's Gulp minnows. Fish were more aggressive in the late afternoon. J.D. Abbott and a friend fished for four hours one afternoon last week. They caught and released about 75 fish. Most of the fish were splake with a few cutthroat trout. They also caught one 29-inch tiger muskie. Abbott fished the west side of the reservoir and used gold Jakes and Kastmasters.
La Sal Mountains 2013-05-03 Slow	Most of the La Sal lakes remain inaccessible, with the possible exception of Hidden Lake. Division Director Sheehan has ordered an emergency change in fishing regulations at Kens Lake that goes into effect on May 13. The change will increase the daily bag limit for rainbow trout to 8 fish. The limit is being temporarily liberalized to allow anglers to harvest rainbow trout that might otherwise be lost due to drought and the resultant low water levels. The change will remain in effect until January 2014.
Miller Flat Reservoir 2013-05-03 Closed	The road from Cleveland to Joes Valley will remain closed until after Memorial Day weekend, blocking access to the reservoir.
Millsite Reservoir & State Park 2013-05-03 Fair	On April 28, Conservation Officer J.D. Abbott reported fair fishing. Nightcrawlers and marshmallows thrown from the bank were the most popular baits. One week ago, Conservation Officer Devin Christensen reported good fishing.
Potters Ponds 2013-05-03 Closed	The U.S. Forest Service road is closed, blocking access to the ponds.
Right Fork of Huntington Creek 2013-05-03 Slow	The 2012 Seeley Fire killed all fish in the creek. Fish won't be stocked until the vegetative cover is restored and the stream banks are stabilized.
Scofield Reservoir 2013-05-10 Fair	Fishing success has been variable. Weather systems, time of day, reservoir location, water depth, baits and angler knowledge all figure into the equation of fishing success. Some anglers have reported good fishing, while others characterize the catch rate as slow. On April 29, Tom Ogden fished from a kick boat for two hours on the southeast side, catching only two trout with a size 6 bead head olive leech on sinking line. Later the same day, Tom fished the west side for a little more than two hours. He caught eight trout. All were less than 16 inches.
Willow Lake 2013-05-03 Closed	The U.S. Forest Service expects to open the gate to Willow sometime around mid-May, depending on weather and road conditions.
Wrigley Springs Reservoir 2013-05-03 Good	The U.S. Forest Service road is open. Ray Manning fished the reservoir this week and reported good fishing for 8- to 11-inch rainbow trout. He used Captain America PowerBait with the red, white and blue color combination.

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 2013-05-17 Fair	Rainbow trout have been stocked. The water level is dropping because of irrigation releases. Fishing is slow to fair.
Barker Reservoirs (North Creek Lakes) 2013-05-17 Good	Dougherty Basin Lake is closed to fishing until July 13. You can now drive to the Barker reservoirs. There are still a few small snowdrifts on the trails, but they should melt off soon. Fishing is fair to good. Now is a great time to target larger brook trout. Fish around structure — including logs, boulders, undercut banks, springs, inlets and floating grass mats — with marabou jigs or streamers in black, olive or purple. Small midges are hatching and can provide some good surface action. Natural baits like nightcrawlers are also effective.
Beaver Mountain Lakes 2013-05-17 Fair	Little Reservoir is accessible and ice free. Fishing is fair, and some anglers report catching tiger trout up to 10 inches long. The gate below Lower Kent's Lake is still closed. Indian Creek Reservoir has been stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout.
Beaver River, Lower 2013-05-17 Fair	Irrigation releases have raised the river to more fishable flows. Catchable-sized rainbow trout have been stocked. Fishing is fair to good for both rainbows and browns.
Beaver River, Upper 2013-05-17 Fair	Anchor ice is gone. Flows are starting to pick up but are not excessive yet. Small brown and rainbow trout are abundant.
Boulder Mountain 2013-05-17 Good	Access continues to improve. Many areas are accessible to ATVs or four-wheel-drive trucks. There are still a few snowdrifts on the highest roads and trails under the rim, so use caution. The Boulder Top road is typically closed until mid to late June. Fishing varies from fair to fast, depending on the lake. Now is a great time to target larger brook trout. Fish around structure — including logs, boulders, undercut banks, springs, inlets and floating grass mats — with marabou jigs or streamers in black, olive or purple. Small midges are hatching and can provide some good surface action. Natural baits like nightcrawlers are also effective. Call the Quiet Fly Fisher fly shop at 435-616-2319 for up-to-date conditions and fishing reports.
Clear Creek 2013-05-17 Slow	Flows are very high and muddy. Bonneville cutthroat trout have been stocked in Clear Creek but will be fairly small this year.
Corn Creek 2013-05-17 Slow	Access should be improving, but there haven't been any recent reports on fishing success or runoff.
Duck Creek Pond / Aspen Mirror Lake 2013-05-17 Fair	Duck Creek Pond, Duck Creek and Aspen-Mirror Lake have all been stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout. There is no snow in the area, so access is good.
East Fork Sevier River in Kingston Canyon 2013-05-17 Fair	Irrigation releases from Otter Creek Reservoir have begun. The flow is only up to 40 cfs, however, so the river is still fishable. Recent sampling found good numbers of fish. There were some very nice brown trout as well as a few rainbows and cutthroats. The Circle Valley Anglers fly shop reports fair fishing for browns and rainbows with small mayfly nymphs and streamers. Call the shop at 435-577-2168 for up-to-date conditions and fishing reports.
East Fork Sevier River, Black Canyon 2013-05-17 Slow	The river is running high and muddy with runoff. Call the Circle Valley Anglers fly shop at 435-577-2168 for up-to-date conditions and fishing reports.
East Fork Sevier River, Upper 2013-05-17 Slow	Access should be improving, but there haven't been any recent reports on fishing success or runoff.
Enterprise Reservoir, Upper 2013-05-17 Good	Anglers report good fishing for rainbows with PowerBait. Fishing is slower with lures. Smallmouth bass are also becoming more active. Recent sampling found lots of fat, healthy rainbows. Most measure 12 to 14 inches, but there are a fair number of 15- to 16-inch fish as well. The reservoir level is pretty low, so don't expect to launch boats that are longer than 20 feet or that have a deep hull. Catchable-sized rainbow trout have been stocked in the lower reservoir.
Fish Lake 2013-05-17 Fair	The ice is gone, and boats are on the lake. Fishing varies from slow to fair. Jigging or night fishing for splake is providing the best action. A few boats are trolling for lake trout, but this requires a lot of time and patience. Call the Fish Lake Lodge at 435-638-1000 or the Quiet Fly Fisher fly shop at 435-616-2319 for up-to-date conditions and fishing reports.
Forsyth Reservoir 2013-05-17 Slow	The reservoir was drained in fall 2012 for irrigation needs, and the remaining water was chemically treated to remove illegally introduced yellow perch. The reservoir is now full, but tiger and splake trout will not be available for stocking until summer. Stocked fish will be small, so fishing opportunities will be very limited during 2013.
Fremont River 2013-05-17 Good	The Quiet Fly Fisher fly shop reports that fishing on the upper Fremont has slowed down, but hatches are just starting to get underway, including a decent blue-wing olive hatch on overcast days. The river below Highway 12 is clear, and stonefly and blue-wing olive hatches have provided some good to excellent fishing. Call the shop at 435-616-2319 for up-to-date conditions and fishing reports.
Gunlock Reservoir 2013-05-17 Good	Visit the Gunlock State Park website for the boat ramp schedule. Anglers report good to excellent fishing for small crappie. Bass fishing should also be improving. There is a lot less pressure here than you will see at Sand Hollow and Quail Creek.
Gunnison Bend Reservoir 2013-05-17 Fair	Water temperatures are in the 60s at both Gunnison Bend and DMAD. Fishing is slow to fair with anglers catching a few catfish, white bass and largemouth bass. Gunnison Bend Reservoir is taking part in Cabela's Fish for Millions fishing contest. A number of catfish and bass have been tagged. Go to www.cabelas.com/fishformillions to register.
Iron County Community Fisheries 2013-05-17 Good	Catchable-sized rainbow trout have been stocked in both Leigh Hill Reservoir (Lake at the Hills) and Parowan Pond. Fishing is fair to good. Leigh Hill Reservoir is taking part in Cabela's Fish for Millions fishing contest, so look for tags on any rainbows you catch. Go to www.cabelas.com/fishformillions to register. According to recent reports, one of the tagged fish has already been caught.
Johnson Reservoir 2013-05-17 Slow	The ice is off, and access is good. Look for tiger muskie fishing to improve whenever the water clears up. Call the Quiet Fly Fisher fly shop at 435-616-2319 for up-to-date conditions and fishing reports.
Kolob Reservoir 2013-05-17 Fair	The reservoir is accessible from Virgin, and the ice is gone. Access from Cedar Canyon and Kanarraville is still impossible due to snowdrifts and downed trees. Fishing has been fair to good for fly anglers from shore. Bait fishing will be allowed at Kolob Reservoir from May 18 until September 14. The trout limit is two fish, and all trout between 15 and 22 inches must be immediately released.
Koosharem Reservoir 2013-05-17 Fair	Spring is a good time to target large cutthroat trout. Try fishing with cut bait, frozen minnows, white tube jigs or minnow-imitating lures and flies from shore.
Lower Bowns Reservoir 2013-05-17 Good	The reservoir is accessible, and the ice is gone. Fishing is good to excellent for healthy 14- to 16-inch rainbows. Call the Quiet Fly Fisher fly shop at 435-616-2319 for up-to-date conditions and fishing reports.
Mammoth Creek 2013-05-17 Slow	Mammoth Creek and the upper Sevier River in Hatch are running high and murky from runoff. Asay Creek is still low and clear. Call the Circle Valley Anglers fly shop at 435-577-2168 for up-to-date conditions and fishing reports.
Mill Meadow Reservoir 2013-05-17 Good	The reservoir has refilled. Rainbow trout have been restocked, and brown trout are moving back into the reservoir from the tributaries. Fishing for rainbows is good to excellent. All trout should grow well this year in the absence of Utah suckers.
Minersville Reservoir 2013-05-17 Good	Fishing pressure is still moderate on weekends. The Circle Valley Anglers fly shop reports good to excellent fly-fishing success, thanks to hatches of large midges. Trolling success will improve as the trout move out to deep water. Smallmouth bass are becoming more active, and wiper fishing should pick up soon.
Monroe Mountain Lakes 2013-05-17 Fair	The Box Creek reservoirs are accessible and have been stocked with rainbow trout. All other lakes are still inaccessible.
Navajo Lake 2013-05-17 Fair	The ice is off, and access is good all around the lake. There didn't appear to be any winterkill. Anglers report catching some nice splake with cut bait and frozen minnows. Fishing is often spotty but can be very good at times. Catchable-sized rainbow trout will be stocked soon.
Newcastle Reservoir 2013-05-17 Fair	Trout fishing is slowing down, but anglers are still catching some 12- to 15-inch fish. The water temperature is near 60°F, so bass and wiper fishing should pick up soon.
Otter Creek Reservoir & State Park 2013-05-17 Fair	The reservoir is 77-percent full, but irrigation releases have begun. Shore fishing has been fair to good, with the best fishing in the morning. Bait anglers are consistently catching fish. The Circle Valley Anglers fly shop reports good fishing from shore with zebra midges and woolly buggers. A recent netting survey found that rainbows are abundant and healthy. There are lots of fish in the 12- to 14-inch range, many that measure from 16 to 18 inches and a few that are longer than 20 inches. Anglers have also caught a few large brown trout, some of which weighed up to eight pounds.
Panguitch Lake 2013-05-17 Fair	Fishing is fair to good on the north and east shores. The Circle Valley Anglers fly shop reports good fishing from shore with woolly buggers, midge patterns or nymphs. You can also catch large cutthroats and tigers with minnow-imitating lures or white tube jigs tipped with cut bait.
Paragonah Reservoir 2013-05-17 Good	Bait fishing is slow right now, but the fly fishing is good. Remember that all tributary streams are closed to fishing until July 13. Paragonah Reservoir is taking part in Cabela's Fish for Millions fishing contest, so look for tags on any rainbows you catch. Go to www.cabelas.com/fishformillions to register.
Pine Lake 2013-05-17 Fair	Access is good, and catchable-sized rainbow trout should be stocked soon.
Piute Reservoir 2013-05-17 Slow	The reservoir is 91-percent full. A recent netting survey found that Utah suckers and Utah chubs are abundant. Rainbow trout numbers are down, but the fish are in good condition. There isn't much fishing pressure. Smallmouth bass fishing should pick up soon.
Quail Lake 2013-05-17 Good	Visit the Quail Creek State Park website for the current boat ramp schedule. The bass have moved up to their spawning beds in shallow water, and fishing is good. Crappie fishing is also good.
Sand Hollow Reservoir 2013-05-17 Hot	Bass fishing is good to excellent. There are lots of bass in shallow water on spawning beds, and just about any technique is working well. Early morning and late evening provide the best fishing. Crappie fishing has also been fair to good. Look for lots of boat traffic on weekends. Quagga mussels are present in Sand Hollow, so plan on extra time to have your boat washed before you leave the reservoir.
Sevier River in Marysvale Canyon 2013-05-17 Slow	Irrigation releases are higher than 350 cfs, which makes it difficult to fish.
Thousand Lake Mountain 2013-05-17 Fair	Solomon Basin is accessible from both sides. Fishing is fair to good there and at Round Lake. Deep Creek Lake should be accessible within a few weeks. Call the Quiet Fly Fisher fly shop at 435-616-2319 for up-to-date conditions and fishing reports.
Tropic Reservoir 2013-05-17 Fair	Access is good. Catchable-sized rainbow trout will be stocked soon.
Washington County Community Fisheries 2013-05-17 Good	Trout fishing will slow down as the weather gets warmer, while bass and bluegill will become more active.
Wide Hollow Reservoir 2013-05-17 Good	The state park reports good trout fishing. Anglers are also catching a few largemouth bass in the one- to two-pound range.
Yankee Meadow Reservoir 2013-05-17 Good	The reservoir is accessible, and fishing is good from the shoreline. Anglers are catching nice rainbows, some up to 16 inches long. PowerBait, nightcrawlers and fly fishing have all been effective.

Lake Powell report

Information compiled by Wayne Gustaveson, www.wayneswords.com

Attention: Quagga mussels have been detected at Lake Powell, so plan extra time to get your boat decontaminated before you leave. Learn more about these destructive mussels.

Waterbody

Report

Lake Powell
2013-05-14
Good

Lake elevation: 3,596 feet

Water temperatures: 65-72°F

http://www.wayneswords.com

Triessa Hepworth and daughter Whitni celebrated Mother's Day with their family on Lake Powell catching stripers. Fishing is amazing in the southern lake. It's a wonderful time to teach kids how to fish.

Photo courtesy of Wayne Gustaveson

Warm-water fish really respond to changes in water temperature. Lake Powell water temperature is now ranging from 65-72°F, meaning that spring fishing responses are on the way out and summer personality traits are setting in.

The most noticeable sign of warming water is the appearance of phytoplankton which gives lake water a green hue. Formerly crystal-clear water now has much less visibility. Normally we blame runoff for clouding the water but this year runoff has just barely started and plankton lessens clarity.

It's time to say goodbye to spawning bass and crappie. There were still some active nests this past week but the bass spawn is now concluding. Bass fishing is not over; it just changes to summer mode. Nest builders are leaving the shallows to go deeper. Wise anglers will adjust and do the same following the bigger bass to 15-25 feet. Crappie will move to open water and suspend making them harder to find but susceptible to slow trolling with small plastic grubs.

Fishing tip: Free floating Carolina rigged baits behind a sliding sinker are more effective in the summer. Use the same plastic grubs, tubes and senkos, just rig them differently for more consistent success. Follow the 25-foot depth contour for best success.

Smallmouth bass will be fun and easy to catch in the shallow rocks all along the shore. But if you prefer the bigger fish, then the advice just given about fishing deeper should be heeded. Big smallmouth are moving deeper once they leave the nest and will be caught at 25 feet as the water temperature climbs into the upper 70s.

Stripers will continue to hang out on the canyon walls until shad spawn and fry grow large enough to become striper food. For the remainder of the month, stripers will continue to be caught like crazy with bait in the southern lake. Right now each shallow ledge extending out to 20 feet then falling into deep water holds a striper school. Stripers are eating plankton in the surface layer and crayfish on the 20-foot ledge while waiting for shad to appear.

You'll find hot fishing spots all over Padre Bay. Good camping beaches often have a striper school nearby that can be caught from shore. Locate stripers by slow trolling lures in the upper 30 feet while graphing to find a school. When a striper is caught or a school seen on the graph, toss out a handful of chum and go to work. Stripers will rise to the chum but can be caught on an assortment of lures. Anchovies are a sure thing, but everything from fly fishing to bottom bouncing works to catch these hungry fish. Please keep all the stripers you can use, or give them away to family and friends. It's population adjustment time and the southern lake will benefit from a smaller striper population.

Some stripers are still in the backs of canyons and easy to find and catch. Just work the mudline or color changes from brown to green water. Troll medium to deep divers at the color change where bottom depth is between 20 and 45 feet. Fishing is not as fast as that found on the canyon walls, but the stripers you catch will generally be larger and fatter.

Walleye are enjoying the greener/murkier water and not very patiently waiting for shad to spawn. They are eating anything they can find all day long. Walleye fishing success will be at its peak for the next two weeks. The most effective technique this week was to put a nightcrawler on a quarter ounce jig head and slowly drag it along the bottom in 12-26 feet of colored water. The technique can be dressed up with worm harnesses, beads, spinners and bottom bouncers but the message here is that walleye are hungry and willing right now. There are more walleye north of Bullfrog than south, but many are being caught all over the lake. That will continue for the rest of the month.

The muddy water near White and Farleys Canyon was great for walleye and fat stripers earlier in the month, but runoff is now starting which will decrease visibility to zero, cool the water and reduce fishing success. The backs of canyons will provide better fishing than the main channel on the far north end of the lake.

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