Utah Bass Fishing Reports
Revised 05-17-13
Hypertext gives a description of the lake and facilities available. Check proclamtion for details on restrictions as some may not be listed here.
Bear River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Bullhead Catfish, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Cutthroat Trout, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Whitefish, Yellow Perch
No recent reports.
Brough Reservoir
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
(May 17) 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.
(May 11) 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.
(May 3) There haven't been any recent reports from anglers. The warmer weather should have improved fishing success. There are special catch-and-release regulations. You must use flies and lures only — bait is not allowed.
(May 3) There haven't been any recent reports from anglers. The warmer weather should have improved fishing success. There are special catch-and-release regulations. You must use flies and lures only — bait is not allowed.
(Apr 25) The lake is ice free and full, but that hasn't really helped anglers. Several groups have reported slow fishing. The water was about 48°F, but it dropped 5-10 degrees over the last week.
(Apr 19) The lake is ice free and full, but that hasn't really helped anglers. Several groups have reported slow fishing. The water is about 48°F. There are special catch-and-release regulations. You must use flies and lures only — bait is not allowed.
Regulations
Bullock Reservoir
Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Musky (hybred)
(May 17) Anglers are doing fair to good catching rainbows stocked early this spring, which included a few of the brood stock from Division hatcheries.
(May 11) Anglers are doing fair to good catching rainbows stocked early this spring, which included a few of the brood stock from Division hatcheries. Cold weather shut everything down the last few days. Fishing should pick up again with some warmer weather.
(May 3) Fishing is fair to good for rainbows stocked early this spring. Those fish included a few of the larger brood stock from Division hatcheries. Cold weather slowed everything down over the last few days. Fishing should improve with some warmer weather.
(May 3) Fishing is fair to good for rainbows stocked early this spring. Those fish included a few of the larger brood stock from Division hatcheries. Cold weather slowed everything down over the last few days. Fishing should improve with some warmer weather.
(Apr 25) Anglers report fair to good fishing for rainbows. The fish were stocked late last year and early this spring, including some of the brood stock from Division hatcheries. Cold weather has slowed fishing over the last few days. Fishing should pick up again once it warm up.
(Apr 19) Anglers report fair to good fishing for rainbows. The fish were stocked late last year and early this spring, including some of the brood stock from Division hatcheries. Cold weather has slowed fishing over the last few days.
Regulations
Clinton City Park Pond
Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
Cottonwood Reservoir
Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
(May 3) There haven't been any recent reports from anglers.
Regulations
Cutler Reservoir
Bass, Catfish, Crappie, Sunfish
(May 17) 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.
(May 10) Anglers report fair fishing for smaller catfish. An angler recently set a new state catch-and-release record for catfish at Cutler. Now is a great time to go after catfish with traditional baits.
(May 2) The new Utah record for catch-and-release for catfish was recently set at Cutler. Try fishing for catfish using traditional baits.
(Apr 25) Anglers report that catfish fishing is heating up.
Regulations
Deer Creek Reservoir
Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Yellow Perch
(May 16) Many boat anglers report fair to good fishing. Most anglers are using traditional baits and lures.
(May 2) Many boat anglers report fair to good fishing. Wallsburg Bay has been a popular place to fish over the last week or two. Most anglers are using traditional baits and lures. Come to the State Park's El dia de Playa (day at the beach) event on May 4. For more information, call Deer Creek State Park at 435-654-0171.
(Apr 28) Kent Baker of Orem fished near the state park boat ramp and caught 3 rainbows using popping gear with a fly on the end. "It was windy so we only stayed a few hours. Two 18 inchers"
(Apr 20) Scott of Provo fished Wallsburg Bay with a partner trolling Rapalas and using PowerBait and worms in 30-50 ft. of water. "We spent the first 2 hours trolling and didn't get a bite. We stayed on the lake for another 3 hour bait fishing from spot to spot trying to find the fish. Not a single bite all day."
(Apr 19) We've received mixed reports from anglers. Some report catching and releasing over 20 trout, and others report fair fishing. Wallsburg Bay has been a popular fishing spot this week. Most anglers are using traditional baits and lures. Come to the State Park's El dia de Playa (day at the beach) event on May 4. For more information, call Deer Creek State Park at 435-654-0171 .
Regulations
East Canyon Reservoir
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(May 17) 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.
(May 16) Scott of Kearns fished the east side using PowerBait. "Tried every color of the rainbow. Including rainbow. Fished 4 hours. No bites."
(May 13) Nick Lombardi caught a smallmouth bass and that's it. East Canyon is very low. I've never seen it that low before. "east canyon has a huge rock not far from the resort that's barely visible when the lake is full. i saw it today and it was completely out of the water."
(May 10) Some anglers report good fishing for smallmouth bass in the shallow, warmer water near the rocks. Try using Rapalas, PowerBait and spinners from shore. Visit the UDOT website for updates on seasonal road closures.
(May 2) Jesse Wayment of Ogden fished along shores and dam wall with a partner and caught 25 rainbows and a brown using Jake's Spinner, and pop gear while trolling. "Fishing was amazing at East Canyon, me and my buddie caught 26 fish in 31/2 hours on the lake. Caught 13 fish trolling with pop gear and a wedding ring with a worm. Trolling with that at about 10-20ft. And caught the other 13 casting to the shores with jakes gold spinners. Bransen my buddie caught a 9lb brown with a jakes spinner right by the boat dock!"
(May 2) Try using Rapalas, PowerBait and spinners from shore. Trollers should use dodgers with spinners and spoons. The water level is low.
(Apr 25) Try using Rapalas, PowerBait and spinners from shore. Trollers should use dodgers with spinners and spoons. The water level is low.
(Apr 19) Try using Rapalas, PowerBait and spinners from shore. Trollers should use dodgers with spinners and spoons. The water level is low.
Echo Reservoir
Bass, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) 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.
(May 10) Fishing has been fair. Anglers are catching trout from the shoreline using a fly and bubble or worms. Boating anglers have found success while trolling with pop gear and a worm.
(May 2) Fishing is fair for trout from the shoreline using PowerBait. Boat anglers should try trolling with popgear and a worm. Try fishing either in the early morning or evening.
(Apr 25) Try spinners, Rapalas and spoons.
(Apr 19) Try spinners, Rapalas and spoons.
Regulations
Enterprise Reservoirs
Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(May 17) 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.
(May 3) Fishing is good to excellent in the upper reservoir with any technique. 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 longer than 20 feet, or boats that have a deep hull. Catchable-sized rainbow trout have been stocked in the lower reservoir.
(Apr 19) Both reservoirs are ice-free, and fishing is good to excellent in the upper reservoir with any technique. 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 longer than 20 feet, or boats that have a deep hull. Catchable-sized rainbow trout have been stocked in the lower reservoir within the past couple of weeks.
Farmington Pond
Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) Trout stocking has ended for the summer.
(May 10) The pond has been stocked and fishing is good. This is a great time of year to catch fish with a bead-head hare's ear.
(May 2) The pond was stocked recently and should provide great spring fishing. Spring is a great time to catch fish with a beadhead hare's ear.
(Apr 25) All community ponds have been stocked in recent weeks, and the fishing is great. Spring is a great time to catch fish with a beadhead hare's ear.
(Apr 19) All community ponds have been stocked in recent weeks, and the fishing is great.
Regulations
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Brown Trout, Burbot, Channel Catfish, Crayfish, Kokanee Salmon, Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
(May 17) 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.
(May 11) Michael Young of South Jordan fished in a group of 4 using PowerBait. "We started fishing at 5:45 am and the fishing was steady for a couple hours. We all had a different color of Power Bait on our lines and were pulling about one in every 30 minutes. I switched my Power Bait to the Corn flavored one and caught 6 fish in the next hour and a half on that bait. The rest of our group also changed to the Corn Power Bait and we ended the morning with 19 total fish. 15 of which came from the Corn Power Bait. It was an awesome weekend of fishing from the shore at the Gorge."
(May 11) You'll find slow to excellent fishing, depending on the species. Anglers reported good to excellent fishing for rainbows and lake trout before the last round of storms and cold winds.
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. Remember to make it a slow retrieve because the fish are sluggish. 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.
(May 3) You'll find slow to excellent fishing, depending on the species. Anglers reported good to excellent fishing for rainbows and lake trout before the last round of storms and cold winds.
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. Remember to make it a slow retrieve because the fish are sluggish. 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 salmon: Right now, kokanee fishing is slow at the Gorge.
Smallmouth bass: Bass fishing is slow but should improve with warmer temperatures.
(Apr 25) You'll find slow to excellent fishing, depending on the species. Before the most recent series of storms, anglers were reporting good to excellent fishing for rainbows and lake trout.
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. Remember to make it a slow retrieve because the fish are sluggish. 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: Fishing has been good to excellent. 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 new reports. Try fishing anywhere there is fishable ice. 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 salmon: Right now, kokanee fishing is slow at the Gorge.
Smallmouth bass: Bass fishing is slow but should improve with warmer temperatures.
(Apr 19) You'll find slow to excellent fishing, depending on the species. Before the most recent series of storms, anglers were reporting good to excellent fishing for rainbows and lake trout. There haven't been any new reports on the leading edge of the ice. Utah ramps (as well as many of the Wyoming ramps) were open, but the area got quite a bit of snow earlier this week.
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. Remember to make it a slow retrieve because the fish are sluggish. 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: Fishing has been good to excellent. The action is now split between those who are fishing the northern arms (through the ice) and those who are trolling the Canyon area and south of the leading edge. Look for fish near underwater humps and submerged ridges or just out in the open waters. Ice anglers should try light-colored tube jigs, curly tails, jigging spoons and minnow jigs tipped with cut bait. 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 new reports. Try fishing anywhere there is fishable ice. 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 salmon: Right now, kokanee fishing is slow at the Gorge.
Smallmouth bass: Bass fishing is slow but should improve with warmer temperatures.
Regulations
Gigliotti Pond
Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(May 3) This pond was stocked on April 29. Expect good fishing.
(Apr 25) The pond will be stocked with rainbow trout during the first week of May. After the stocking, you'll find good fishing with baits and lures.
Regulations
Glassman's Pond
Bluegill, Black Crappie, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
Gunlock Reservoir
Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(May 17) 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.
(May 3) Visit the Gunlock State Park website for the boat ramp schedule. Bass and crappie fishing should pick up at any time. You'll see a lot less pressure here than at Sand Hollow and Quail Creek.
(Apr 19) Bass and crappie fishing should pick up around late April or early May.
Regulations
Gunnison Bend Reservoir
Catfish, Largemouth Bass, White Bass
(May 17) 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.
(May 3) Water temperatures are in the 60s in both Gunnison Bend and DMAD. Fishing is slow to fair. Anglers are catching a few catfish, white bass and largemouth bass.
Holmes Creek Reservoir
Bluegill, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Walleye
(May 17) 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.
(May 10) Fishing has improved for small trout. Try traditional baits, spinners or wet flies. The water is rising (it's now up to the vegetation), which can make access difficult during the summer season. The reservoir is now open to angling from non-motorized boats. (The DWR has a cooperative agreement with the irrigation company that owns this private reservoir.) Please respect this opportunity by packing out all trash and following the guidelines posted at the reservoir.
(May 2) Fishing for small trout has picked up. Try traditional baits, spinners and wet flies. The water level is rising; it's now up to the vegetation, making access difficult for the summer season.
(Apr 25) Fishing for small trout has picked up. Try traditional baits, spinners and wet flies. The water level is rising; it's now up to the vegetation, making access difficult for the summer season.
(Apr 19) The small rainbows stocked on March 19 (and some of the holdovers from last fall's stocking) should provide some good spring fishing. Try traditional baits, spinners or wet flies.
Regulations
Huntington North Reservoir
Crayfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(May 3) The reservoir is completely open. Anglers reported good fishing in early April, but there haven't been any recent reports.
(Apr 25) The reservoir is completely open. Anglers reported good fishing in early April, but there haven't been any recent reports.
Regulations
Hyrum Reservoir
Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid), Yellow Perch
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 17) 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!
(May 10) 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!
(May 2) Park Manager Chris Haramoto says that the Hyrum State Park Fishing Classic did not disappoint. Twenty-five tagged fish were caught, and many told a story about how the big one got away. PowerBait and other floating baits worked well.
Big fish were stocked and some fun fishing waits at Hyrum!
(Apr 25) Park Manager Chris Haramoto says that the Hyrum State Park Fishing Classic did not disappoint. Twenty-five tagged fish were caught, and many told a story about how the big one got away. PowerBait and other floating baits worked well.
Big fish were stocked and some fun fishing waits at Hyrum!
(Apr 19) The tagged fish contest at Hyrum starts on April 20. Big fish were stocked and some fun fishing waits at Hyrum!
Jordan River
Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Sunfish, Walleye, White Bass
No recent reports.
Jordanelle Reservoir
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 16) 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.
(May 2) Fishing for trout is reported as fair from the shoreline and boats. Most anglers are using traditional baits and lures. Bass fishing is slow.
(Apr 19) Anglers report fair fishing for trout from the shoreline or a boat. Most anglers are using traditional baits and lures.
Regulations
Kaysville Ponds
Black bullhead, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) Trout stocking has ended for the summer. Anglers report catching small mudcats with worms.
(May 10) The pond has been stocked and offers great spring fishing.
(May 2) The ponds were stocked recently and should provide great spring fishing. Spring is a great time to catch fish with a beadhead hare's ear
(Apr 25) All community ponds have been stocked in recent weeks, and the fishing is great. Spring is a great time to catch fish with a beadhead hare's ear.
(Apr 19) All community ponds have been stocked in recent weeks, and the fishing is great.
Regulations
Lake Powell
Bluegill, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, Rainbow Trout, Walleye
STOP QUAGGAG MUSCLE
(May 16) Lake elevation: 3,596 feet Water temperatures: 65-72°F
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.
(May 10) Lake elevation: 3,596 feet Water temperatures: 59-65°F
One week after the spring fishing peak and fishing is still good. A lingering cold front has slowed fishing for bass slightly, but stripers continue to eat bait in the southern lake. One disturbing note is that the lake level is still going down, making it uncertain that the lake will raise much during the normal runoff period. There is still time but the runoff is slow to start. A lower lake leaves brush out of the water and causes access problems at some ramps. Hite ramp is closed but other ramps at main access areas are in full operation.
The bass spawn is still on with many occupied bass nests seen in shallow rocky areas. The cooler weather has caused some nests to be abandoned but males will return to the nests with the warming trend scheduled for this weekend when daytime air temperatures are forecast to be near 80°F.
Walleye fishing is at its peak with many fish caught deep on live worm harnesses and bottom bouncing rigs. Bass anglers are finding success by casting soft plastic jigs tipped with a piece of nightcrawler and worked slowly along the bottom from 12-26 feet. Walleye are caught lakewide but are more abundant in the cloudy water on the north end.
You can still find crappie in the backs of the canyons. There are more fish caught in the remote areas of the San Juan and inflow areas near Hite. But crappie are caught throughout the lake in muddy water near the backs of canyons.
Stripers are still the biggest news on the fishing scene. Catches from the dam all the way uplake to Rock Creek are phenomenal. There are many tagged stripers in this area for Cabela's Fish For Millions contest. Register to win cash and merchandise.
Some tag returns have already been reported, but there are many more tagged stripers waiting to be caught. Most tagged stripers are in the southern lake where striper fishing is hot, but there are also a few near Bullfrog.
Stripers are being caught on cut bait by chumming along the canyon walls and fishing with a small piece of anchovy or sardine. These 3 to 4-pound stripers are educated and can quickly steal bait visibly attached to a hook. Those that use invisible fluorocarbon leaders catch fish that steal bait from hooks on monofilament line. Never attach a hook directly to braided line when bait fishing.
Some stripers are still hanging out in murky water at the back of the canyon. These fish are best caught by trolling or casting medium to deep diving hard plastic baits. The magic bottom depth is 25 feet where water is stained.
Stephen Maurer and his family cast tubes and cranks in the back of the Escalante Arm this week. They caught many stripers up to nine pounds. Stephen used a large gold deep diving crankbait to land a 23-pound, 37-inch striper.
If you need another option, yearling stripers are eating plankton suspended at 25-30 feet in open bays near slick rock cliffs and coves. These smaller but fatter fish can be caught on bait or by casting and trolling small jerk baits where big schools of fish are graphed.
Right now, it's hard to miss when fishing at Lake Powell. If you haven't tried fishing here yet, this is the time.
(May 2) Lake elevation: 3,596 feet Water temperatures: 58-67°F
Spring fishing peak! Now is the time to catch any of the Big Six sport fish in Lake Powell. In alphabetical order:
Catfish: Hitting bait at night on the sandy beach near camp where the boat is parked.
Crappie: These schooling fish are a bit lost without brush. While males are making nests in the dirty water at the backs of canyons and coves, many more crappie are schooling in open water in the back of canyons. The key to finding fish is to look for a significant color change from muddy to lightly muddy. Crappie feel more comfortable when they're protected by brush, but without that, they seek the cover of murky water where they may hide and feed on smaller fish. Slow trolling and casting small plastic crappie jigs in 4-6 feet of water is the most productive technique.
Largemouth bass: Like crappie, largemouth bass prefer to hide in brush. Failing that, they will use deeper water where visibility is lessened. Normally, casting to the shoreline is the best bass technique but now drifting along shore and fishing the bottom 10 feet off shore and 10-20 feet deep is better. Look for anything resembling a bush or tall rock that may harbor a bass. Of course, nesting bass can be seen and caught at their chosen nest location.
Smallmouth bass: You'll find spawning bass in shallow water over the length of the lake. The best spot is on the breaking edge of a shallow flat leading toward deep water. Find the edge of big rocks, small terraces, rocky points, or better yet, just go look for nests—they are easy to see in the clear, shallow water all along the lake shoreline. It's sight fishing time for bass!
Striped bass: From Moki Canyon to Glen Canyon Dam, you can pull up to the main channel wall, drop anchovy bait and catch fish after fish. Bait fishing is much better in the south, but now Moki and Lake Canyon near Bullfrog have turned on too. There are stripers all along the shallows where bass anglers catch them on grubs, cranks and spinner baits. They are in deep water in open bays where they can be caught on spoons and swim baits. They are at medium depths near the mouth of coves where trolling shallow to medium runners is very effective. If you don't catch stripers at the first spot, try a couple more places in the same area — find a waiting school. The best bait fishing spot in the south is near Buoy 25 in the south shoreline slick rock coves. The best bait spot mid-lake is Moki Wall. The best trolling spot in the north is mouth of White Canyon.
Walleye: For all the night owls: walleye are very active after dark in the same areas where bass are found in the daytime. I've been able to find hungry walleye by getting out before first light and fishing the mouth of coves at a depth of 12 feet. This early-morning bite is very dependable, but it slams shut as soon as the sun hits the water. Fish the eastern slope in the shade of steep walls to prolong the bite an extra hour. Muddy water from White Canyon to the Horn is particularly good for walleye.
In summary, this is the peak of spring fishing. There is no reason to wait. Try to get here as soon as possible to take advantage of the ideal conditions. The water is stable and warming. The weather is good without high winds in the forecast. Now is the time. Have fun!
(Apr 25) Lake elevation: 3,597 feet Water temperatures: 53–60°F
It's a typical year: Bass move onto their nest sites as the water warms, and then pull off as the water cools. If the home cove is protected from wind, it stays warm and the bass spawn. If strong wind cools the water, then spawning is delayed until the next calm period. The big selling point for visiting early to fish for spawning bass is lake level. The lake is stabilizing and will soon start filling. Sight fishing is best in crystal clear water. Rising water causes bank sloughing, which clouds the shallow water and reduces visibility. All these factors suggest that the last week of April and first week of May are the peak times for spring bass fishing success.
(Apr 19) Lake Elevation: 3597 Water Temperature 53-63 F
By: Wayne Gustaveson:
As this report is written the wind is howling keeping water temperature down in the low 50s. Don’t be discouraged. The wind will stop before the weekend allowing the temperature to rise. Warming water will usher in the annual bass spawn. If sight fishing for bass is high on your list then the fun begins as the water calms and continues into the first part of May.
Largemouth bass will be searching for some structure, like an old tree stump or submerged tumbleweed before sweeping a nest site. Smallmouth will be fine nesting on a rocky point or ledge. Crappie will search for tumbleweeds or other dense cover. The males of these species guard the nest and offer parental care to protect their young. However, brushy cover that has provided so much habitat the past few years is currently out of the water. Without dense cover it will be difficult for the hatchlings to survive. It is imperative to return MALE bass and crappie caught guarding nests to allow them to protect their young in the absence of cover. Female bass and crappie can be harvested without impacting young survival. Be advised that young crappie and largemouth bass produced this spring will have very low survival without brush shelter. It is possible that an early runoff could raise the lake high enough that old brush could be covered and protect some fish spawned in May but that is yet to be determined.
Striped bass are being caught in large numbers over the length of the lake. Deep water on the southern end, from the Dam to Navajo Canyon, offers anglers an unlimited opportunity to harvest stripers. The strategy is to chum near the main channel canyon wall. Attach a chunk of anchovy to a lead head jig or a hook weighted with a sliding sinker. Cast the bait 30-50 feet from the boat and let it settle in the water column at the same rate the chum descends. Striper schools move along the wall searching for food. Chum excites the whole school and many can be caught in one location. The only hard part is to find the school. Be patient for 10 minutes while waiting for the first bite, but if it does not come then move along the wall and chum again until the school lights up.
Hot spots are at the Dam, Buoy 3, Antelope Canyon, Power Plant intake, and Navajo Canyon points. A new spot is found in the main channel upstream from Dominguez Rock Floating restroom and the mouth of Face Canyon in the largest slick rock cove near Buoy 25.
Midlake reports indicate bait fishing success is improving at Lake Canyon mouth and along Moki wall. It will be another week or so before these spots show the massive striper harvest now being achieved in the southern lake.
From Good Hope north shad forage is more available and anchovies are less successful. Trolling and casting for stripers and bass provides much more success. Trolling near the White Canyon channel marker has been very good for fat, healthy stripers.
On a personal note, my weekly fishing trip was on a breezy morning before the current windy storm front arrived. Trolling close to shore for stripers in murky water caused by recent wind events was steady but not fast. Mid morning the wind quit for an hour before changing direction. Calm water warmed rapidly causing all fish in the cove to respond. Trolling was no longer necessary. We cast jerk baits to the shallow shoreline and caught healthy stripers of all sizes and smallmouth bass to 3 pounds on every cast. Then the wind blew hard from the opposite direction and we went in.
These wide open catching opportunities will be repeated many times during the next two weeks as water warms, spawning begins and fishing gets HOT.
Regulations
LaSal Mountains
Albino Trout, Bluegill, Grayling, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Splake (hybrid)
(May 3) 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.
(Apr 25) Kens Lake is open. There haven't been any recent reports on fishing success.
(Apr 19) Kens Lake is open. There haven't been any recent reports on fishing success.
Locomotive Springs
Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Mabey Pond
Crappie, Catfish, Largemouth Bass
No recent reports.
Regulations
Mantua Reservoir
Bluegill, Cutthroat Trout, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) Anglers report that bluegill are becoming more active. They are in the warmer water, in the shallows.
(May 10) Anglers report that bluegill are active in the warm shallows.
(May 9) Paul Larsen fished the east side and caught 1 rainbow and 1 laremouth using Kamlooper spoon, Panther Martin spinner. "Five pound largemouth, 2 pound rainbow, within 1/2 hour, lots of rising trout"
(May 2) Anglers report slow fishing.
(Apr 25) Anglers report slow fishing.
(Apr 19) The reservoir is open and available for boating. Now is a great time to fish for trout planted last fall.
Regulations
Minersville Reservoir
Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 17) 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.
(May 3) Fishing pressure is moderate to high, even on weekdays. Fishing success is slowing down, but still can be good at times. Look for trolling success to improve as trout move out to deep water. A few smallmouth bass and wipers have been caught lately, and fishing should improve for those species throughout May.
(Apr 19) Fishing pressure is moderate to high, even on weekdays. Success has varied — those catching the most fish have been drifting beadhead nymphs off points and gravel shorelines. Streamers stripped slowly are also catching some fish. The main thing to remember is that the fish will often cruise very close to shore, so don't cast or wade out too far. Fishing also seems to be better when there is a breeze or wind. (The fish often get more wary when the water is calm.) If you're fishing with spinning tackle, try lipless crankbaits, spoons or marabou jigs. Rainbow trout are in great condition. Anglers are catching a lot of fish that are 20 inches long or longer.
Regulations
Newcastle Reservoir
Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Wiper (hybrid)
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(May 17) 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.
(May 3) Trout fishing is fair to good for shore anglers. Look for bass and wiper fishing to pick up soon.
(Apr 19) Trout fishing is fair to good for shore anglers. Bass and wiper fishing should improve in May.
Regulations
Newton Reservoir
Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Musky (hybrid), Yellow Perch
(May 17) Water clarity in early May provides great opportunities to spot cruising tiger muskies.
(May 10) Water clarity in early May provides great opportunities to spot cruising tiger muskies.
(May 2) Fishing is fair. The water clarity in early May makes it easy to spot fish for cruising tiger muskies.
(Apr 25) The water level is low, but boats can still be launched.
(Apr 19) The water level is low, but boats can still be launched.
Regulations
Pelican Lake
Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass
(May 17) 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.
(May 11) Fishing has been somewhat slow because of the weather, but there are a few bright spots on warm afternoons for bass. Bluegill are just 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.
(May 3) Fishing has been slow because of the weather. The water warmed up into the high 40s and low 50s, which triggered an early bite. Then, the recent storms and cold, windy weather slowed everything down again. Water temperatures dropped more than 10 degrees. Try fishing on about the third day after the weather warms and the sun comes back out.
(Apr 25) Fishing is slow. The water has warmed into the high 40s and low 50s, which has triggered the spring bite; however, fishing has slowed because of the recent cold weather. Try fishing on about the third day after the sun comes back out.
(Apr 19) Fishing has been slow or good, depending on the weather. The water has warmed into the high 40s and low 50s, which has triggered the spring bite; however, fishing has slowed because of the recent cold weather. Try fishing on about the third day after the sun comes back out.
Regulations
Pineview Reservoir
Bluegill, Bullhead Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Tiger Musky (hybrid), Trout, Yellow Perch
(May 17) Crappie action is fast for anglers who fish the shallows with small jigs. Anglers report some success for smallmouth bass.
(May 10) Anglers report catching some smallmouth bass. Fishing will really improve as the weather gets warmer.
(May 2) The water is rising noticeably every day. Boats and a few shore anglers are testing the waters, but there are no reports on results yet.
(Apr 25) Anglers report that spring fishing is here! The water is rising noticeably every day. Anglers are fishing — in boats and from the shore — but there haven't been any recent reports.
(Apr 19) Anglers report that spring fishing is here! The water is rising noticeably every day. Anglers are fishing — in boats and from the shore — but there haven't been any recent reports.
Regulations
Pioneer Park Pond
Black Bullhead, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
Piute Reservoir
Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
(May 17) 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.
(May 3) The reservoir is 96-percent full. A recent netting survey found that Utah suckers and Utah chubs are abundant. Rainbow trout numbers are down, but the fish that are there are in good condition. There isn't much fishing pressure. Look for smallmouth bass fishing to pick up soon.
(Apr 19) The reservoir is 98 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 improve in May.
Quail Creek Reservoir
Bluegill, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) The bass have moved up to their spawning beds in shallow water, and fishing is good. Crappie fishing is also good.
(May 3) Bass are staring to move onto spawning beds, and fishing is improving. Trout fishing is also fair to good, especially from boats.
(Apr 19) The cold weather this week has delayed the spring warming, and the water temperature remains in the low 50s. Trout fishing is slow to fair.
Regulations
Red Fleet Reservoir
Bluegill, Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) 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.
(May 11) Prior to the cold and windy weather, anglers reported fair to good fishing for rainbows from boats, and a few from shore. Expect better fishing when the weather warms up.
(May 3) Tomorrow (May 4), biologists will be onsite at the boat ramp from 1–5 p.m. to hear anglers' ideas about Utah's 2014 fishing regulations. Before the recent cold weather, anglers reported fair to good fishing for rainbows from boats and the shore. We'll see better fishing when it warms up again.
(Apr 25) Before the recent cold weather, anglers were reporting fair to good fishing for rainbows from boats, and a few from shore. Expect the fishing to pick up when the weather warms up again.
(Apr 19) Before the recent storms and cold weather, anglers were reporting fair to good fishing for rainbows from boats, and a few from shore. Expect the fishing to pick up when the weather warms up again.
Regulations
Redmond Reservoir
Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike
No recent reports.
Rockport Reservoir
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid), Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 17) Boat fishing is good at Rockport Reservoir. Anglers are using all varieties of pop gear and lures. Shore anglers have not been as successful.
(May 10) Fishing has been good. Anglers are doing well from the shoreline with PowerBait, or worms. Boaters report success with Rapalas, spinners or bait.
(May 2) Anglers report good fishing from the shore using PowerBait or worms. Boat anglers report good fishing using Rapalas, spinners or bait. The fish seem to be in the top 20 feet of the reservoir and they aren't picky when they're feeding.
(Apr 25) Fishing is good. Anglers are doing well from shore with PowerBait and worms. Boaters have had good success with Rapalas, spinners and bait. The fish seem to be in the top 20 feet. When the schools start feeding, they aren't picky about which lures or baits that they'll hit.
(Apr 20) Steven Athay of Bountiful fished the west side with a partner and caught 2 rainbows using PowerBait, worms, and spinners. "spinners and worms didn't see any action, powerbait brought in the two fish we caught"
(Apr 19) Fishing is good. Anglers are doing well from shore with PowerBait and worm. Boaters have had good success with Rapalas, spinners and bait. The fish are near the top of the lake. When the schools start feeding, they aren't picky about which lures or baits that they'll hit.
Regulations
Sand Cove Reservoirs
Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Sand Hollow Reservoir
Bluegill, Largemouth Bass
STOP QUAGGAG MUSCLE
(May 17) 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.
(May 3) The water temperature ranges from the low to mid 60s, and bass are starting to move onto spawning beds. Bass fishing is fair to good, both on the beds and in deep water. One angler also reports good fishing for crappie on spawning beds. Quagga mussels are present in Sand Hollow, so plan extra time to have your boat washed before leaving.
(Apr 19) This week's cold weather this week dropped the water temperature back into the low 50s. Most fish are still holding at 20 to 30 feet. The primary key to cold-water bass fishing is slowing down the presentation, even employing a dead-sticking technique. Plastics like senkos, swimbaits, hula grubs and drop-shots are all effective, with the right presentation. A drop-shot rig is one of the more popular cold-weather techniques, due to its natural slow presentation. Concentrate on deeper water (approximately 20 to 30 feet down). Crankbaits and spinnerbaits can also be effective during the warmest part of the day. Quagga mussels are present in Sand Hollow, so plan extra time to have your boat washed before leaving.
Regulations
Starvation Reservoir
Brown Trout, Crayfish, Smouthmouth Bass, Walleye
(May 17) 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.
(May 11) Recent reports indicate that the rainbow fishing is starting to pick up again. Anglers are also catching a few browns and walleyes. 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.
(May 3) Recent reports indicate that the rainbow fishing is starting to pick up again. Anglers are also catching a few browns and walleyes. 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.
(Apr 25) Rainbow trout fishing is starting to pick up again, and anglers have been catching a few browns as well. Watch out for unexpected high winds — they come suddenly and create cold and unsafe boating conditions. Expect good fishing when the weather warms up again.
(Apr 19) Before the recent cold weather and high winds, anglers reported good fishing for rainbows from shore and boats. We haven't received any recent reports on brown trout or walleye. The recent weather has shut down fishing and kept anglers off the water. Expect the fishing to improve when the weather warm up again.
Regulations
Steinaker Reservoir
Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) 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.
(May 11) 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.
(May 3) 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.
(Apr 25) Before the last set of storms, anglers reported fair to good fishing for rainbows. Fishing has slowed. Expect the fishing to improve when the weather warms up. A slow troll in the deeper water near the dam seems to be the most effective. The lake level is quite low.
(Apr 19) Before the last set of storms, anglers reported fair to good fishing for rainbows. Fishing has slowed. Expect the fishing to improve when the weather warms up. A slow troll in the deeper water near the dam seems to be the most effective. The lake level is quite low.
Regulations
Strawberry Reservoir
Crayfish, Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
(May 16) 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!).
(May 2) The ice is leaving the reservoir and there are many open water areas available for shore angling or float tubing. Fishing has been good for many anglers. White tube jigs tipped with bait are popular. Minnow-imitating lures are another good choice. Traditional baits work fairly well.
(Apr 19) The ice is weak on the edges. On warm days, we're seeing some open water along the edges. The ice is 18 inches thick in some areas, but access to the ice is beginning to be unsafe. Please use caution because the ice could rot at any time. Anglers report fair to good fishing this week. Try using tube jigs tipped with bait. White tube jigs continue to be the most popular color.
Regulations
Utah Lake
Bluegill, Bullhead Catfish, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Smouthmouth Bass, Walleye, White Bass
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(May 16) 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. 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!
(May 2) Anglers report fair to good fishing for channel catfish. There have been several catfish caught between 25-30 inches using worms or stink baits. Walleye fishing is slow. Tributaries open up this Saturday. Please do not release any of the northern pike you catch. We do not want them in the lake!
(Apr 19) Both channel catfish and walleye fishing is slow to fair. Anglers are reporting an occasional lunker walleye. Most walleye anglers are using twist-tail jigs tipped with a worm (casting and retrieving). The tributaries to Utah Lake are now closed until May 4. Please do not release any of the northern pike you catch. We do not want them in the lake!
Regulations
Wide Hollow Reservoir
Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) The state park reports good trout fishing. Anglers are also catching a few largemouth bass in the one- to two-pound range.
(May 3) The state park reports good trout fishing for bait anglers on the dam.
(Apr 19) The ice is gone, and rainbow trout have been stocked. Fishing is fair to good.
Willard Bay
Bullhead Catfish, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Perch, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Wipers (hybrid), Yellow Perch
(May 17) 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.
(May 10) Anglers report good fishing for walleye along the west dike.
(May 2) The south marina is open, and it is possible to launch a boat. The north half of the reservoir is closed. The closed area is marked with buoys and is being patrolled by boat. You can access to the north dike by taking the dirt road north of the State Park entrance gate back to the outlet gate. This can be a good area to fish for wipers in the spring.
(Apr 25) Anglers are predicting that post-spawn walleye will become more active in about a month. The North Marina and North Dike access from the State Park are closed until further notice because of the diesel oil spill. The northern half of the reservoir is closed. The closed areas are marked with buoys and are being patrolled by boat. Division of Wildlife Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife personnel are investigating the possible impacts to the fisheries and the surrounding areas. So far, the impacts seem to be minimal and no dead fish have been found.
You can still access the north dike by taking the dirt road north of the State Park entrance gate back to the outlet gate. This can be a good area for springtime wiper fishing.
(Apr 19) Anglers are predicting that post-spawn walleye will become more active in about a month. The North Marina and North Dike access from the State Park are closed until further notice because of the diesel oil spill. The northern half of the reservoir is closed. The closed areas are marked with buoys and are being patrolled by boat. Division of Wildlife Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife personnel are investigating the possible impacts to the fisheries and the surrounding areas. So far, the impacts seem to be minimal and no dead fish have been found.
You can still access the north dike by taking the dirt road north of the State Park entrance gate back to the outlet gate. This can be a good area for springtime wiper fishing.
Regulations
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TODAY'S MOON PHASE
