Utah Fishing Reports
Statewide
Links give descriptions of the lake and facilities available. Check proclamtion for details on fishing restrictions as these may not be complete.
WHIRLING DISEASE -- For waters indicated, please prevent the spread of WHIRLING DISEASE by cleaning mud from waders and equipment. DO NOT TRANSPORT any parts of fish caught here to other waters. Click here for DWR information.
Abajo Mountain
Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout
(May 3) 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.
(Apr 29) Jesse Wayment of Ogden fished with a partner and caught 25 rainbows and 1 brown using Jakes Spinners, 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!"
American Fork River
Rainbow Trout
(Apr 29) Wes Womble of Lehi fished Swinging Bridge Picnic Area using rooster tail spinner. "caught 2 planter browns in 30 minutes of fishing while waiting for our campfire to warm up."
Regulations
Baker Reservoir
Crayfish, Brown Trout, Green Sunfish, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) Rainbow trout have been stocked. The water level is dropping because of irrigation releases. Fishing is slow to fair.
Bear Lake
Cisco, Cutthroat Trout, Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout, Whitefish
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 10) The surface water temperature is 38°F. Shoreline anglers are catching cutthroat trout in the morning by casting spoons off the Utah state park marina and off Cisco Beach. Fish average between three and seven pounds. Gill nets have caught cutthroat trout at depths ranging from 15 to 175 feet, but the shallow areas along the shoreline have produced more and larger fish. Anglers are also doing well for cutthroat trout by trolling minnow-type lures in 10 to 40 feet of water. They are near the state park marina rockpiles, heading north toward the Utah-Idaho state line. Anglers are also trolling the east side, traveling from First Point north to the South Eden delta, finding success in the same depth of water with the same type of lures. Consider releasing some of the big pre-spawn cutthroat trout so they can spawn in the tributaries this spring. Remember, in order to keep a cutthroat trout from Bear Lake, it must have a healed fin clip (usually the adipose fin). Cutthroat trout with all fins intact must be released. Lake trout fishing is fair in 90–100 feet of water off Gus Rich point. Anglers are using large flatfish and Rapalas off downriggers.
Garden City Community Fishery Pond: The water has been drained to allow repairs at the pond. Once repaired, the pond will be filled and stocked with sterile rainbow trout.
Laketown Reservoir: The ice has melted, and the reservoir is full. Rainbow trout fishing has been good, using small spinners and woolly bugger flys. Also try PowerBait, worms and marshmallows.
Regulations
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.
Beaver Mountain Lakes
Rainbow Trout
(May 17) 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
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 17) Lower: 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.
Upper: Anchor ice is gone. Flows are starting to pick up but are not excessive yet. Small brown and rainbow trout are abundant.
Regulations
Benches Pond Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(May 3) There is still an ice cap covering the pond. Please wait to fish until ice-off.
Regulations
Big Sandwash Reservoir
Brown Trout, Crayfish, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) 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.
Birch Creek Reservoir
Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(May 16) Patient anglers will find good action for rainbow and tiger trout. The Monte Cristo Road will open Friday, May 24 at 4 p.m.
Blacksmith Fork River
Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Whitefish
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 17) 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!
Blue Mountains
Brook Trout, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Boulder Mountain Lakes
Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) 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.
Regulations
Boulger Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(May 3) Anglers need to wait until ice-off to fish Boulger.
Regulations
Bountiful Pond
Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) Trout stocking has ended for the summer.
Regulations
Box Creek Reservoirs
Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout
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.
Regulations
Brown's Draw Reservoir
Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Whitefish
No recent reports.
Browne Reservoir
Brook Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
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.
Regulations
Burraston Ponds
Albino Trout, Bluegill, Rainbow Trout
(May 16) 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.
Regulations
Calder Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(May 17) 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.
Regulations
Causey Reservoir
Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Splake (hybrid), Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(May 17) Fishing is fair with rainbow PowerBait.
Regulations
Chalk Creek
Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Clear Creek
Rainbow Trout
(May 17) Flows are very high and muddy. Bonneville cutthroat trout have been stocked in Clear Creek but will be fairly small this year.
Cleveland Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(May 3) 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.
Clinton City Park Pond
Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
Corn Creek
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) Access should be improving, but there haven't been any recent reports on fishing success or runoff.
Cottonwood Reservoir
Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
(May 3) There haven't been any recent reports from anglers.
Regulations
Crouse Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(May 17) 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
Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Currant Creek Reservoir
Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 11) There haven't been any recent reports from anglers. Two weeks ago, an angler reported that his group fished a couple of stretches of open water on the west side. The road, after reaching the dam, is a bit questionable because of the snow and mud.
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.
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.
(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"
Regulations
Duck Fork Reservoir
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(May 3) The U.S. Forest Service access gate is closed. Access to the reservoir is blocked.
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 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!"
East Fork of Sevier River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) Kingston Canyon: 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.
Black Canyon: The river is running high and muddy with runoff.
Upper: Access should be improving, but there haven't been any recent reports on fishing success or runoff.
Regulations
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.
Regulations
Electric Lake
Cutthroat Trout
(May 17) Tyler Thompson fished the north and south ends with a partner and caught 5 tiger trout and 2 cutts. "We went back up again today. Arrived at the boat ramp at 9am. The road to the boat ramp is good to go with no snow. The north end is really muddy right now due to the run off. We fished the south end of the lake today and had good success for smaller tigers and cuts. The water level is still very low."
(May 3) 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.
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.
Fairview Lakes
Rainbow Trout
(May 3) On April 20, the lakes were still ice covered. Ice conditions are unknown, so please use caution.
Farmington Pond
Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) Trout stocking has ended for the summer.
Regulations
Ferron Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(May 3) The access road has been closed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Regulations
Fish Creek (lower)
Rainbow Trout
(May 3) Aquatics Biologist Calvin Black described flows as perfect for fly fishing. The water is clear, and fishing pressure has been light. Try using scuds, nymphs and streamers for more aggressive fish.
Fish Lake
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Splake (hybrid), Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 17) 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.
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."
Regulations
Forsyth Reservoir
Rainbow Trout, Splake (hybrid), Tiger Trout (hybrid)
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 17) 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.
Fort Buenaventura
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
Fremont River
Rainbow Trout
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 17) 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.
Gigliotti Pond
Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(May 3) This pond was stocked on April 29. Expect good fishing.
Regulations
Glassman's Pond
Bluegill, Black Crappie, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
Grantsville Reservoir
Brown Trout, Crayfish, Rainbow Trout
(May 16) Grantsville was recently stocked and trout fishing is fair to good. Most anglers are using traditional baits and lures.
Regulations
Green River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Cutthroat Trout, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout
STOP NEW ZEALAND MUDSNAIL
(May 17) 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.
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.
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.
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.
Regulations
Honeyville Ponds
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Huntington Creek
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 3) 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.
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.
Regulations
Huntington Reservoir
Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(May 3) 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.
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!
Joe's Valley Reservoir
Crayfish, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid), Splake (hybrid)
(May 3) 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.
Regulations
Johnson Reservoir
Cutthroat Trout, Tiger Musky, Rainbow Trout
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 17) The ice is off, and access is good. Look for tiger muskie fishing to improve whenever the water clears up.
Regulations
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.
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.
Regulations
Kolob Reservoir
Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) 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.
Regulations
Koosharem Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(May 17) 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.
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.
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.
Locomotive Springs
Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Logan River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Whitefish
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 17) Anglers report fair fishing with Panther Martins and Blue Fox Spinners. They are catching brown trout in the lower section of the river.
Regulations
Lost Creek Reservoir
Brown Trout, Crayfish, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) Anglers report success with streamers, marabou jigs or spinners. Also try PowerBait or nightcrawlers.
Regulations
Lower Bowns
Rainbow Trout
(May 17) The reservoir is accessible, and the ice is gone. Fishing is good to excellent for healthy 14- to 16-inch rainbows.
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 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"
Regulations
Matt Warner Reservoir
Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) 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.
Mill Meadow Reservoir
Brake (hybrid), Brownbows (hybrid), Perch, Rainbow, Splake (hybrid), Tiger Musky (hybrid), Tiger Trout (hybrid)
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 17) 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.
Regulations
Miller's Flat Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(May 3) The road from Cleveland to Joes Valley will remain closed until after Memorial Day weekend, blocking access to the reservoir.
Millsite Reservoir
Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 3) 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.
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.
Regulations
Monroe Mountain Lakes
Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(May 17) The Box Creek reservoirs are accessible and have been stocked with rainbow trout. All other lakes are still inaccessible.
Moon Lake
Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Splake (hybrid), Whitefish
No recent reports.
Regulations
Navajo Lake
Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) 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
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.
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.
Regulations
Nine Mile Reservoir
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 16) 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.
Ogden River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 17) 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!
Regulations
Otter Creek Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 17) 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.
Regulations
Palisade Reservoir
Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(May 16) 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.
Panguitch Lake
Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(May 17) 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.
Regulations
Paragonah Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(May 17) 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.
Regulations
Payson Lakes
Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 16) The US Forest Service states that they will open the gates on May 24.
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.
Regulations
Pine Lake
Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) Access is good, and catchable-sized rainbow trout should be stocked soon.
Pine Valley Reservoir
Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
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.
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.
Porcupine Reservoir
Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Splake (hybrid)
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 17) The water is approximately 10 feet below the spillway and rising. Anglers report slow fishing.
Regulations
Price River
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
Provo River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Walleye
(May 16) Lower: 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.
Middle: 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.
Regulations
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.
Regulations
Red Creek Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
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.
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.
Regulations
Salem Pond
Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout
(May 16) 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.
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.
Regulations
Scofield Reservoir
Crayfish, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 3) During the last weekend in April, Kasey Livingston of Pleasant Grove caught a 28-inch tiger trout while fishing from the bank on the east side using a silver Kastmaster. State Parks Manager Jonathan Hunt said the docks will be in the water and the launch ramps ready for use on May 4.
Regulations
Settlement Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(May 16) The reservoir was stocked on Tuesday and anglers report fair to good fishing. Try using traditional baits and lures in open water areas.
Regulations
Silver Lake
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Smith & Morehouse Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(May 17) Vehicles can get to Smith Morehouse Reservoir and there is some open water you can fish.
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.
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.
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!).
Regulations
Thousand Lakes Mountain
Trout
(May 17) 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.
Tibble Fork Reservoir
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 16) Anglers report fair to good fishing from the shoreline using eggs, PowerBait or other traditional baits and lures.
Regulations
Tropic Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(May 17) Access is good. Catchable-sized rainbow trout will be stocked soon.
Uinta Lakes
Albino Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(May 17) 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.
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!
Regulations
Vernon Reservoir
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 16) The reservoir was recently stocked. Fishing is good using traditional baits and lures.
Regulations
Weber River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Whitefish
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 17) 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.
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.
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.
Regulations
Willow Lake
Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(May 3) The U.S. Forest Service expects to open the gate to Willow sometime around mid-May, depending on weather and road conditions.
Willow Pond
Bluegill,Brown Trout, Catfish, Rainbow Trout
(Apr 27) Richard of Salt Lake caught 3 rainbows using hot dogs.
Regulations
Woodruff Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Yankee Meadow Reservoir
Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 17) 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.
(May 1) Gordon Hamilton fished the west bank between dam and boat launch and caught 3 rainbows using Hares Ear, Zug Bug, Prince and partridge streamer
on a 10 ft sink tip fly line, 6 ft 4x leader. "Road is completely clear to the reservoir, boat launch fair - muddy"
(May 1) Gordon Hamilton of Henderson fished between the boat ramp and the dam and caught 3 rainbows using Hares Ear, Zug Bug, Prince and partridge streamer
Technique: 10 ft sink tip fly line, 6 ft 4x leader in 10 ft. of water. "Road is completely clear to the reservoir, boat launch fair - muddy"
Regulations
Yuba Reservoir
Channel Catfish, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Yellow Perch
(May 16) Northern pike fishing is fair to good by casting minnow-imitating lures in shallower water (three to 12 feet. Walleye fishing is slow.
Regulations
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TODAY'S MOON PHASE
