Utah Fishing Reports
North
Revised 05-08-08
Hypertext gives a description of the lake and facilities available. Check proclamtion for details on restrictions as some may not be listed here.
American Fork River
Rainbow Trout
(May 2) Fair fishing success reported by using worms or small flies.
(Apr 24) Fair fishing success reported by using worms or small flies.
(Apr 11) Fair fishing success reported by using worms or small flies.
Regulations
Bear Lake
Cisco, Cutthroat Trout, Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout, Whitefish
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(Apr 23) The ice is deteriorating rapidly, although some anglers were observed on the ice on April 19. There is open water at the marina. Report from Casey McVay, Rich County Conservation Officer.
(Apr 11) The ice at Bear Lake is holding up very well with nighttime temperatures still in the single digits! There is still about a foot of snow along the western shoreline. Access to the ice is good around the lake with the exception of the Bear Lake State Park Marina. Fishing pressure was very light, but the few people that have been fishing are catching some nice-sized lakers and cutthroat. Try right on top of the "rockpile" at Ideal Beach in 37 to 50 feet of water. Try tube jigs or jigging spoons tipped with cisco or sucker meat. Ice along the east side is also holding up very well, but there just hasn't been anyone fishing it. Try the same methods as described above but move out to 50 to 80 feet of water. Don't put your ice fishing gear away yet—there is still some ice fishing to be had at Bear Lake!
Regulations
Bear River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Bullhead Catfish, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Cutthroat Trout, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Whitefish, Yellow Perch
(Apr 14) Travis of Lewiston fished below the Hyrum Dam with a partner and caught 5 browns, 2 rainbows and a yellow perch drifting worms down the river. "The fish are finally biting real good, now that what water levels have risen. I expect that in the next couple weeks it's going to get a lot better too."
(Apr 10) Travis of Lewistonb fished near Trenton Bridge with a partner and caught 3 channel cats, 2 bullheads and a carp using chicken livers soaked in stink bait. "The Cats are finally starting to bite a little bit. We caught 2 nice ones over 20 inches long. This time of year you still have to be really patient with the cats. It takes at least a half hour or more to get a nibble or two."
Big Sandwash Reservoir
Brown Trout, Crayfish, Rainbow Trout
(Apr 23) Reservoir is ice-free and filling. Several anglers reported good fishing as the ice came off.
(Apr 10) Reservoir is ice-free and filling. Several anglers reported good fishing as the ice came off.
Birch Creek Reservoir
Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(Apr 23) The area is now accessible by truck and the ice is still thick. Some tracks indicate that there have been people on it, but there is no report of fishing activity. Report from Casey McVay, Rich County Conservation Officer.
(Apr 11) There was no sign of anyone accessing the area. Access is still by snow machine only. Report from Officer Casey McVay.
Blacksmith Fork River
Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Whitefish
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(Apr 11) "I was impressed with the number of fish rising on calm water at the impoundment just above the power plant at 10:00 a.m. There was nobody fishing the area however. The USGS Web site indicates the water is running at 82 cfs. The river looked pretty clear, yet was running higher than last week." Report from Phil Douglass.
Blue Mountains
Brook Trout, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Bountiful Pond
Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
Brough Reservoir
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
(Apr 23) Reservoir is ice-free and is almost full. Water is slightly murky. Fishing was slow but the fish are nice sized.
(Apr 10) Reservoir is ice-free and the reservoir is almost full. Water is slightly murky. Fishing was slow but the fish are nice-sized.
Regulations
Brown's Draw Reservoir
Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Whitefish
No recent reports.
Bullock Reservoir
Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Musky (hybred)
(Apr 23) Anglers report of fair to good fishing for rainbows and slow for other fish. Reservoir is now ice-free and being filled.
(Apr 10) Reservoir is now ice-free and being filled.
Regulations
Burraston Ponds
Albino Trout, Bluegill, Rainbow Trout
(May 2) Stocked. Fishing success is fair to good. Most anglers are using PowerBait.
(Apr 24) Fishing success is fair. Most anglers are using PowerBait.
(Apr 11) Fishing success is fair. Most anglers are using PowerBait.
Regulations
Calder Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(Apr 23) No new reports as several big drifts keep anglers out.
(Apr 10) No new reports as several big drifts have kept angers out.
Regulations
Causey Reservoir
Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Splake (hybrid), Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(May 2) Causey is ice-free!!! Fair fishing for some splake and trout. The fish I have seen are skinny/smaller. Report by Conservation Officer Dave Beveridge.
(Apr 23) Saturday morning around 10:30 a.m. The reservoir is still mostly iced over, about 1/4 mile of open water near the boy scout camps. It was bitter cold with very high winds. There were no fishermen. Report from Dedicated Hunter Mitchell Wamsley.
(Apr 17) There is about 150 to 200 yards of open water in the Wheatgrass Canyon inlet. The rest of the reservoir is still covered with unsafe ice. Fishing was slow in the inlet, however, some shore anglers have reported catching fish with PowerBait. Report courtesy of Pavlik Krasnov of www.westerntroutflies.com.
Regulations
Chalk Creek
Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 8) Expect high spring flows. Wild rainbows are abundant and can be caught with spinners and flies. Best fishing is away from the campground and more heavily fished spots. The North Fork provides a good spot for those willing to hike. Meadow Creek and Pioneer Creek are other small streams in the area that contain populations of small, wild trout.
(Apr 23) Wild rainbows are abundant and can be caught with spinners and flies. Best fishing is away from the campground and more heavily fished spots. The North Fork provides a good spot for those willing to hike. Meadow Creek and Pioneer Creek are other small streams in the area that contain populations of small, wild trout.
Clinton City Park Pond
Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
Corn Creek
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 8) Flows are high and turbid. Wild brown trout are abundant and can be caught with spinners and flies.
(Apr 23) Wild brown trout are abundant and can be caught with spinners and flies.
Cottonwood Reservoir
Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
(Apr 23) Anglers report of fair to good fishing for rainbows and slow for other fish. Reservoir is now ice-free and being filled.
(Apr 10) Reservoir is now ice-free and being filled.
Regulations
Crouse Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(Apr 23) No new reports as several big drifts keep anglers out.
(Apr 10) No new reports as several big drifts have kept angers out.
Currant Creek
Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Currant Creek Reservoir
Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(Apr 23) Lake has ice, but no recent reports. Older reports were fair to good fishing. Check ice edge thickness carefully before venturing out. Area received more snow last week. The road was kept open to the dam.
(Apr 10) Lake has ice, but no recent reports. Older reports were fair to good fishing. Check ice edge thickness carefully before venturing out. Area received more snow last week. The road was kept open to the dam.
Cutler Reservoir
Bass, Catfish, Crappie, Sunfish
(May 2) On Wednesday April 30, I talked to two fishermen fishing from Valley View Highway and they reported that fishing was slow. There have been reports of good fishing for big crappie, so this area would be good to keep an eye on for panfish, walleye and bass as weather warms up. Report by Phil Douglass.
Regulations
Deer Creek Reservoir
Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Yellow Perch
(May 4) Aaron of American Fork fished in a group of 3 and caught 17 rainbows and 2 browns trolling crankbaints. "Steady action Caught some nice fish Seems to have alot of big in there Caught about a 30" 12 "
(May 2) Open Water. Angler Cliff spent all day bottom bouncing for walleye without any luck for walleye (Cliff states that a couple of rainbows were picked up by accident). Angler Gary reports "Water temperature was about 45 to 47 degrees—didn't come up much because the wind kicked in about 10:30. We were on the lake fishing by 7:00 a.m.—caught fish early by trolling leadcore with 100 feet of line out at about 2.2 mph (GPS) with a J-7 Rapala in both Rainbow Trout and Perch in Rainbow Bay and around the corner along the highway and over to the Island. Rainbow trout proved to be the best lure overall. Caught a total of about 12 fish (14 to 18 rainbows) before the wind and cold made the day unpleasant (we quit about noon). Caught fish from 100 to 175 feet of line out. Also picked up several smaller rainbows on downrigger at 20 feet down (35 to 50 feet of setback) using small Perch Rapala Taildancer in the bay where Deer Creek comes into the reservoir. Didn't see others having much success, but we weren't near a bunch of other boats either, so I can't say for sure."
(Apr 24) Open Water. Some anglers report walleye success with bottom bouncers. Rapalas and similar lures fished slowly. Angler Gary reports "I would consider the fishing as slow. Best location was from the Island over to the highway and along the cliffs to the point rounding into Rainbow Bay. We picked up about seven fish with a few others hooked and lost. We got one brown and six rainbows ranging from about 12 to 18 inches. Best fishing was about 20 feet down (150 to 200 feet of line out using leadcore and trolling 2 to 2.5 mph (GPS). Best lures were J-7 Rapalas in perch and Rainbow Trout. Small Rapala Tail Dancers in Perch pattern were also good. Hard to establish pattern once the wind came up at about 10:30. Didn't observe a lot of other fish caught, though some guys were doing okay with pop-gear and a worm. Water temperature ranged from 40 to 47 degrees depending on location. Do not ice fish!"
(Apr 19) Sam K. of Payson fished near the state park in a group of 5 and caught 4 rainbows trolling worms. "It was a beautiful day for fishing until the wind came up."
(Apr 17) Big T of West Valley fished by main boat ramp and the beach areas in a group of 3. "Ice is off and a beautiful day to get out of the valley, but no fish to bring home. Seen one guy in the 9 hours we were there reel in one small rainbow maybe 10-12 inches."
(Apr 13) Gary H. of Riverton fished with a partner without catching anything. He reports that the ice is off.
(Apr 11) Open water on the Charleston portion of the reservoir up to around "The Island" area and beyond. Still ice on about 70% of the Reservoir. Do not ice fish!
Regulations
Duck Fork Reservoir
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
No recent reports.
Regulations
East Canyon Reservoir
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(May 5) Nick L. of Salt Lake fished the south end in a group of 3 and caught 6 rainbows using rainbow glitter PowerBait. "Reservoir is ice free. Water level is low and murky. Fishing was fair in the early morning, however, it had slowed by late morning. We fished with rainbow glitter Power Bait from a depth of about 15-20 ft down. The gate just up the hill from the Mountain Dell exit was closed. The reservoir is accessible by driving through Henefer."
(Apr 27) FC of Ogden fished near dam bouys, Dixie arm, south end with a partner and caught 3 rainbows using orange PowerBait Nuggets. "tried various trolled baits and lures, no luck. But power bait in the calm pockets around edges in Dixie arm and Taylor Hollow produced 3 nice size 12-14 inch Rainbows. Water level is coming up nicely, small boat dock on ramp is in the water, launching is easy."
(Apr 11) Anglers were fishing the open water areas near the inlet and Dixie arm. Fishing was good at the inlet with night crawlers for rainbow trout ranging from ten to twelve inches. Report from Officer Jonathan Moser.
Echo Reservoir
Bass, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Rainbow Trout
(Apr 23) Completely ice free. Fishing was slow there also. There is a fee to enter the resort portion of the lake and launch your boats. Report from Conservation Officer Bruce Johnson.
(Apr 17) Officer Bruce Johnson reports that Echo has areas of open water near the shore but winds are shifting daily and that means areas of open water shift from day to day also. Wind and warmer weather will contribute to rapidly deterioriating ice conditions.
Regulations
Electric Lake
Cutthroat Trout
(May 7) The lake remains frozen. Please stay off until the spring thaw.
Fairview Lakes
Rainbow Trout
(May 7) Both lakes are covered by snow and ice.
Farmington Pond
Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(Apr 27) Anel M. of Salt Lake fished the inlet in a group of 3 without catching anything. "I used everything I had in my tackle box and not one bite.I used worms, all kinds of powerbaits, spinners, and flies nothing. I did get a few hits on the spinners but thats it no fish. I saw a few guys near the pier they were loading fish"
(Apr 24) Shane of Bountiful fished the east side with a partner and caught 20 rainbows with mealworms. "It is hot in farmington"
(Apr 20) Shane of Farmington fished with a partner and caught 10 rainbows using Gulp Earthworms and regular worms. "Pulled out 10 'slabs'. All were over 14""
Regulations
Ferron Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
Fish Creek (lower)
Rainbow Trout
(May 7) Early in the week, Tom Ogden fished the lower stretches from the confluence with the White River, upstream to the first railroad bridge. The water was fairly clear and a chilly 39 degrees. In 3.5 hours, Tom caught 3 tigers, 1 cutt and 6 browns. All fish ranged from 13 to 16 inches. Tom used floating line and a size 14 hares ear nymph. The water below the confluence is unfishable, due to heavy run-off.
(May 1) A localized fish kill occurred a little more than two weeks ago, apparently due to an abrupt release of oxygen-depleted water and sediment, incident to spillway reconstruction. The fish kill appeared to extend from the dam for 1/2 mile downstream. Oxygen depletion can occur after a prolonged ice cover, which inhibits light penetration and all but stops photosynthesis. Oxygen production comes to a halt and its concentration in the water dips to levels below the tolerance level required for sustaining life for a trout.
(Apr 23) A localized fish kill occurred more than a week ago, apparently due to an abrupt release of anoxic water from the reservoir. The fish kill appeared to extend from the dam to about mile downstream. Anoxic or oxygen-depleted water can occur after a prolonged ice cover, which prevents light penetration. This stops photosynthesis and oxygen production. Fish and other organisms continue to consume oxygen, which is gradually used up. When a surge of water was released, it is possible that anoxic water suffocated downstream fish. Another possibility is that a surge of sediment released from the reservoir as a result of spillway construction caused oxygen depletion in the creek as bacteria tied it up in the decomposition of organic matter, leaving an inadequate oxygen concentration for trout. A multi-agency investigation continues into the cause. Since the fish kill incident, conditions have improved in the creek, and fish appear to be doing well. However, anglers may continue to see some dead fish along the length of the creek.
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Brown Trout, Burbot, Channel Catfish, Crayfish, Kokanee Salmon, Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
(Apr 29) Alan reports the ice is nearly gone on the Gorge.
(Apr 23) Launching boats is possible at Cedar Springs and Mustang ramps. The canyon up reservoir is mostly frozen from about Skull Creek. The Sheep Creek, Antelope and Lucerne areas have open water but be aware of large and small chunks of floating ice making navigation difficult and dangerous. In Wyoming, ice appears to be weaker and is melting around the edges but it may still be a while before boats are able to launch.
Lake Trout Fishing: As ice conditions deteriorate there will be good fishing for 16- to 24-inch lake trout on most areas near the ice. Look for continued good fishing for smaller lake trout in the Confluence, Buckboard, Marsh Creek, Current Creek, Anvil Draw, Skunk Cliffs and any other locations in 30 to 70 feet of water near the old river channel. As the areas open up, try trolling or jigging from boats.
Use tube jigs in white, chartreuse, glow or brown tipped with a small chunk of sucker or chub meat. Airplane jigs and jigging spoons also work. Fishing is usually best early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Use no stretch line to feel strikes and set the hook better. A graph helps to see suspended fish and put your jig in their face. Unlike their larger relatives, the smaller lake trout are excellent table fair with orange flesh and taste as good or better than a rainbow when cooked up on the grill.
There's an overabundance of lake trout under 28 inches in the Gorge so do your part to help the fishery and keep a limit of eight fish. Larger lake trout should be good from Big Bend south to Anvil Draw and Swim Beach. Remember, only one fish over 28 inches may be kept. Use larger tube jigs, spoons and other lures through the ice or trolling. Big lake trout can eat big food so lures and jigs can be big also.
Kokanee Fishing: Ice fishing for kokanee is almost always slow if they can be found at all so fishing will improve as the ice melts.
Rainbow Fishing: Before poor ice conditions started there was good fishing for rainbows on most of the reservoir. After ice out, look for larger rainbows around boat ramps. Older fish return to areas where they were stocked in an attempt to spawn. Fish as large as 24 inches can be caught. Shore anglers will have the best fishing of the year from ice out until mid-May as rainbows will be shallow and close to shore searching for food. Anglers can use marshmallows and worms, flies such as wooly buggers, minnow imitation plugs, spinners and jigs to catch fish from shore. If fishing from a boat, try casting to shore using the same types of lures or long line lures while trolling shallow. Planer boards also work well to get lures close to shore without spooking fish with the boat.
Burbot (Ling) Fishing: Ice fishing for burbot may still be possible in the Wyoming end of the reservoir but be careful of ice conditions. After ice out, fishing should continue to be good for burbot as long a water temps are cool in shallow water. Fishing from a boat, at night in water from 10 to 30 feet using glow jigs should work well for high catch rates. Areas like Firehole, Lost Dog, Sage Creek, Confluence, Buckboard, Holmes Crossing, Anvil Draw, Skunk Cliffs and Marsh Creek are good places to try.
If you can still fish from the ice, locate flats and points near the old river channel. (Fishing out of a boat should be good after ice out with similar techniques as ice fishing.) Try fishing with jigs late in the afternoon, early morning or at night on points coming into reservoir. Use glow tube or curly tail jigs two to three inches in size about 1/8 to 1/4 ounce in weight. Jigging spoons and jigging rapalas also work well. Tipping with sucker or crayfish meat will help catch fish. Use of smelly jelly or similar scents in crayfish seem to help. These fish are in depths from 20 to 70 feet but seem to be caught most recently in 40 to 60 feet mostly in the Wyoming end of the reservoir. Some reports of fast catch rates.
If fishing in Utah try rocky points on Antelope Flat, Linwood Bay or Sheep Creek. November netting in the area north of Buckboard has shown a large increase in the number of burbot present. Larger fish are 30 inches and up to four or five pounds. Burbot activity increases under the ice as these fish spawn in winter.
These fish must be harvested if caught in Utah to help control their population as they were illegally introduced to the upper Green River drainage and could have a major impact on other fish species. There is no limit on burbot but you cannot waste the burbot in the Wyoming end of the reservoir and they can be released there. However, please don't release any of these fish as they have been eating large amounts of crayfish and are also consuming kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass and other critical food sources for other fish species. They could have an extreme impact on the reservoir fishery and should be removed by fishermen.
Burbot are an excellent eating fish with white, flaky flesh that is similar to a perch. They can be breaded and fried or boiled and dipped in melted butter. You can use six lines on the ice in Wyoming so take advantage of tip-ups and harvest some burbot. By law, be sure you have your name on your tip-ups and tend only your lines if you are fishing in a group.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing: Smallmouth fishing is slow, as smallmouth tend not to bite well at temps near or below 50 degrees. Use twist tail grubs on lead head jigs or small plastic worms, sinkos, twitch and crankbaits in about 5 to 30 feet of water off rocky shorelines and points. Crayfish imitation colors will work the best. Drop shot techniques will also work. Launching boats is possible at Cedar Springs and Mustang ramps.
(Apr 12) Jeremy S. of Farmington fished the Pipeline in a group of 3 and caught 19 rainbow and a lake trout shore fishing with worms and spinners in 12 ft. of water. "I'm surprised there are no other reports considering the number of people fishing that we encountered. The ice is off Lucerne and remaining ice was melting fast. Fishing was HOT!"
(Apr 10) Launching boats is not possible except at Cedar Springs and Mustang ramps. The canyon up reservoir is frozen at about Skull Creek. All other boat ramps are frozen. Ice is still thick from Sheep Creek north, the ice in the back of Sheep Creek and at Kingfisher Island is melted but the majority of the bay is still frozen. Ice in Linwood, Antelope and north into Wyoming. Ice appears to be weaker and is melting around the edges but it may still be a while before boats are able to launch. Ice may not be off the reservoir by the weekend of April 10.
Lake Trout Fishing: Before ice conditions deteriorated there was good fishing for 16- to 24-inch lake trout on most areas of the reservoir north of the pipeline. Look for continued good fishing for smaller lake trout in the buckboard area after ice out. Smaller lake trout will be concentrated in the northern end of the reservoir. Try areas like the Confluence, Buckboard, Marsh Creek, Current Creek, Anvil Draw, Skunk Cliffs and any other locations in 30 to 70 feet of water near the old river channel.
Use tube jigs in white, chartreuse, glow or brown tipped with a small chunk of sucker or chub meat. Airplane jigs and jigging spoons also work. Fishing is usually best early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Use no stretch line to feel strikes and set the hook better. A graph helps to see suspended fish and put your jig in their face. Unlike their larger relatives, the smaller lake trout are excellent table fair with orange flesh and taste as good or better than a rainbow when cooked up on the grill.
There's an overabundance of lake trout under 28 inches in the Gorge so do your part to help the fishery and keep a limit of eight fish. Larger lake trout ice fishing should be good from Big Bend south to Anvil Swim Beach. Remember, only one fish over 28 inches may be kept. Use larger tube jigs and jigging spoons through the ice. Big lake trout can eat big food so lures and jigs can be big also.
Kokanee Fishing: Ice fishing for kokanee is almost always slow if they can be found at all. If you can find schools of fish, try vertical jigging with buzzbombs or jigging spoons. Tipping with a mealworm or fish egg may help. Fishing will pick up after the ice melts.
Rainbow Fishing: Before poor ice conditions started there was good fishing for rainbows on most of the reservoir. After ice out, look for larger rainbows around boat ramps. Older fish return to areas where they were stocked in an attempt to spawn. Fish as large as 24 inches can be caught. Shore anglers will have the best fishing of the year from ice out until mid-May as rainbows will be shallow and close to shore searching for food. Anglers can use marshmallows and worms, flies such as wooly buggers, minnow imitation plugs, spinners and jigs to catch fish from shore. If fishing from a boat, try casting to shore using the same types of lures or long line lures while trolling shallow. Planer boards also work well to get lures close to shore without spooking fish with the boat.
Burbot (Ling) Fishing: Ice fishing for burbot may still be possible in the Wyoming end of the reservoir but be careful of ice conditions. After ice out, fishing should continue to be good for burbot as long a water temps are cool in shallow water. Fishing from a boat, at night in water from 10 to 30 feet using glow jigs should work well for high catch rates. Areas like Firehole, Lost Dog, Sage Creek, Confluence, Buckboard, Holmes Crossing, Anvil Draw, Skunk Cliffs and Marsh Creek are good places to try.
If you can still fish from the ice, locate flats and points near the old river channel. (Fishing out of a boat should be good after ice out with similar techniques as ice fishing.) Try fishing with jigs late in the afternoon, early morning or at night on points coming into reservoir. Use glow tube or curly tail jigs two to three inches in size about 1/8 to 1/4 ounce in weight. Jigging spoons and jigging rapalas also work well. Tipping with sucker or crayfish meat will help catch fish. Use of smelly jelly or similar scents in crayfish seem to help. These fish are in depths from 20 to 70 feet but seem to be caught most recently in 40 to 60 feet mostly in the Wyoming end of the reservoir. Some reports of fast catch rates.
If fishing in Utah try rocky points on Antelope Flat, Linwood Bay or Sheep Creek. November netting in the area north of Buckboard has shown a large increase in the number of burbot present. Larger fish are 30 inches and up to four or five pounds. Burbot activity increases under the ice as these fish spawn in winter.
These fish must be harvested if caught in Utah to help control their population as they were illegally introduced to the upper Green River drainage and could have a major impact on other fish species. There is no limit on burbot but you cannot waste the burbot in the Wyoming end of the reservoir and they can be released there. However, please don't release any of these fish as they have been eating large amounts of crayfish and are also consuming kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass and other critical food sources for other fish species. They could have an extreme impact on the reservoir fishery and should be removed by fishermen.
Burbot are an excellent eating fish with white, flaky flesh that is similar to a perch. They can be breaded and fried or boiled and dipped in melted butter. You can use six lines on the ice in Wyoming so take advantage of tip-ups and harvest some burbot. By law, be sure you have your name on your tip-ups and tend only your lines if you are fishing in a group.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing: Smallmouth fishing is slow, as smallmouth tend not to bite well at temps near or below 50 degrees. Use twist tail grubs on lead head jigs or small plastic worms, sinkos, twitch and crankbaits in about five to 30 feet of water off rocky shorelines and points. Crayfish imitation colors will work the best. Drop shot techniques will also work. Launching boats is possible at Cedar Springs and Mustang ramps.
Regulations
Fort Buenaventura
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
Gigliotti Pond
Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(May 7) A fair number of large albino trout may still be seen. The bright yellow torpedo-like fish are easy to spot in the water column. Kids have been having the time of their lives, trying to entice the behemoths to their bait. Randall Stilson conducted a creel survey and reported rainbow PowerBait to be the best fish-getter. Next best was nightcrawlers. The best lure was a Jakes Spin-a-Lure. It's best to fish in the morning. By early afternoon, the wind picks up, and angling success falls off.
(May 1) For best results, fish in the morning. By early afternoon, the wind picks up, and angling success falls off.
(Apr 23) Sergeant Stacey Jones reports steady fishing at Gigliotti and suggests that anglers fish in the morning when the air is calm. A few lunkers continue to come out, as a result of the stocking of brood albinos earlier in the month.
(Apr 16) The pond is ice-free, and was lightly stocked with albino rainbow trout, including excess brood stock. A few lunkers have been landed in the past few weeks.
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 2) Fair fishing success.
(Apr 24) Ice is off. Fair fishing.
(Apr 11) Grantsville is open water with slow to fair success.
Regulations
Green River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Cutthroat Trout, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout
STOP NEW ZEALAND MUDSNAIL
(Apr 23) Fishing on the river was picking up and midge hatches are occurring as air temps warm. Nymphing is still probably the best technique but streamers are also working. Watch for baetis hatches as they usually occur in April. Please remember the slot limit size range has changed from 13 to 20 inches to 15 to 22 inches to make regulations more consistent statewide.
Nymphing with glo-bugs and San Juan worms with smaller nymphs trailering was the workhorse. Small midge patterns work some days. Streamers are working well and have been extremely good some days. Try size 2-4 buggers such as Goldilox and patterns in olive, pink and white. Spin fishermen should try small rapalas (floating, countdown and husky jerk); small spinners; black, brown or olive marabou jigs; and small jigs. Please check to see that your tube jigs contain no fish attracting scents, as they are illegal to use in the river.
(Apr 10) Fishing on the river was picking up and midge hatches are occurring as air temps warm. Nymphing is still probably the best technique but streamers are also working. Watch for baetis hatches as they usually occur in April. Please remember the slot limit size range has changed from 13 to 20 inches to 15 to 22 inches to make regulations more consistent statewide.
Nymphing with glo-bugs and San Juan worms with smaller nymphs trailering was the workhorse. Small midge patterns work some days. Streamers are working well and have been extremely good some days. Try size 2-4 buggers such as Goldilox and patterns in olive, pink and white. Spin fishermen should try small rapalas (floating, countdown and husky jerk); small spinners; black, brown or olive marabou jigs; and small jigs.
Regulations
Holmes Creek Reservoir
Bluegill, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Walleye
(Apr 17) The reservoir is ice-free and getting lots of fishing activity on Sunday, but fishing was slow. Report from Sgt. Rick Olson.
Regulations
Honeyville Ponds
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Huntington Creek
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 7) The creek is open from top to bottom. Patches of snow still linger along the shoreline at higher elevations. The water is picking up color, due to increasing runoff. Fly fishermen should try a #10 beadhead Montana. Nightcrawlers and PowerBait are recommended for baitcasters. Most trout are 11- to 14-inch browns. Lower elevation campgrounds are starting to open, although the higher elevation grounds remain snowed in.
(May 1) As of April 21, the catch was slow. The water is picking up color due to increasing runoff. Fly fishermen should try a #10 beadhead Montana. Nightcrawlers and PowerBait are recommended for baitcasters. Trout are mostly browns, ranging from 11 to 14 inches.
(Apr 23) Tom Ogden fished on April 21 and reported slow conditions. The water is a little murky at the forks but is more clear further downstream. Tom has had his best luck with a #10 beadhead Montana. Typically, the catch consists of browns, ranging from 11 to 14 inches.
(Apr 16) Conservation Officer Ben Riley fished last weekend and reports that trout stomachs were full of gray scuds. Ben recommends a scud pattern for flycasters, and little red worms for bait fishermen. Randall Stilson surveyed anglers on Sunday and reported fair fishing success. Randall recommends fishing in the deeper holes with worms or nightcrawlers. Tom Ogden has had good luck with a #10 beadhead Montana nymph or #14 beadhead hares ear. The catch consists primarily of browns, ranging from 11 to 14 inches.
Regulations
Huntington North Reservoir
Crayfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(May 1) The reservoir continues to fill. The water elevation will fluctuate all spring and summer to meet irrigation needs. Fishing was slow, due to windy conditions and a constant influx of natural food, brought into the reservoir by spring runoff. Nightcrawlers or PowerBait are recommended for trout hunters.
(Apr 23) The reservoir continues to fill. The water elevation will be fluctuating all spring and summer to meet irrigation needs. Fishing pressure was limited due to windy conditions. Fishing success was slow, due to an influx of natural food pouring into the reservoir with the runoff. Nightcrawlers or PowerBait are recommended for trout hunters.
(Apr 16) The reservoir continues to fill. The water elevation will be fluctuating all spring and summer to meet irrigation needs. State Park Manager Dan Richards reports slow fishing. Aquatics Biologist Kenny Breidinger fished last Sunday and confirmed Dan's assessment. There's a lot of natural food in the water, making it difficult to lure fish to bait.
Regulations
Huntington Reservoir
Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(May 7) This water remains covered with multiple layers of thick rotten ice and several feet of snow. Ice fishing is definitely not recommended. Please wait for ice-off.
Regulations
Hyrum Reservoir
Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid), Yellow Perch
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 2) The reservoir is filling fast and is only about 15 feet from the high water mark! No fishing activity was observed. Report by Phil Douglass.
(Apr 11) The reservoir is completely ice-free, yet there was no angling activity on April 9. Report from Phil Douglass.
Joe's Valley Reservoir
Crayfish, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid), Splake (hybrid)
(May 7) The reservoir is ice-free. Aquatics Biologist Darek Elverud fished last Saturday and Sunday. He landed 25 fish in the two days. Most were small splake between 10 and 14 inches with the occasional larger trout. His biggest fish was a 21-inch cutthroat. Darek recommends chub meat or jigs tipped with chub meat. Crankbaits can also be effective. Darek fished by the dam, at the mouth of Seely Creek and north of the creek and caught fish at all locations.
(May 1) The reservoir is ice-free. Lieutenant Carl Gramlich surveyed the reservoir last weekend and reported slow fishing. Two weeks ago, Randall Stilson interviewed two fly fishermen, who had been angling with white wooly buggers, tipped with a piece of chub meat. They claimed to have caught and released a nine-pound splake, and stated that they had lost one that they judged to be three feet long. That monster broke the line, as it was stripped closer to the men. They had been fishing on the southeast side of the reservoir, south of the dam.
(Apr 23) On April 22, only a small chunk of ice remained on the reservoir. Randall Stilson interviewed two fly fishermen, who had been angling with white wooly buggers, tipped with a piece of chub meat. They reported catching and releasing a nine-pound splake, and stated that they had lost one that appeared to be three feet in length. It broke the line and disappeared. They had been fishing on the southeast side, south of the dam.
(Apr 16) The ice is coming off the reservoir, leaving plenty of room for shoreline angling. No recommendations on tackle and bait at this point.
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 2) Open water and success is described as fair to good by using various trolling and jigging techniques from boats and traditional baits from shoreline have produced fair success.
(Apr 24) Angler Paul reports "We put our boat in at the PWC ramp about 11:00 a.m. and had our limit by 2:00 p.m. It was a beautiful day." Please stay off any remaining ice. Some water along the edges but waiting a week is advised for a little more open water.
(Apr 11) Still much ice on the reservoir but ice fishing is discouraged.
Regulations
Kaysville Ponds
Black bullhead, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
LaSal Mountains
Albino Trout, Bluegill, Grayling, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Splake (hybrid)
(May 7) Conservation Officer TJ Robertson reports that Ken's Lake fishing is picking up, and was good in the past few days with an assortment of baits. Darek Elverud fished Ken's Lake on May 6. In two hours, he landed 9 largemouth and 4 sunfish. All bass were less than 11 inches. He used gray or orange plastic worms.
Hidden Lake is now accessible and angler success was fair to good with nightcrawlers and salmon eggs. Don's Lake is only accessible by 4-wheeler, due to lingering snow drifts, which could melt this next week. Medicine Lake and Dark Canyon remain inaccessible. The gates to Oowah and Warner are closed.
(May 1) Conservation Officer TJ Robertson reports slow fishing at Ken's Lake. Mountain lakes and reservoirs remain inaccessible. The gates to Oowah and Warner are closed.
(Apr 23) No recent report for Ken's Lake. The best times to fish have been early morning or evening. Bass are becoming more active. Two weeks ago, the DWR received a report of a seven-pound bass being creeled at Ken's. Mountain lakes remain inaccessible. The gates to Oowah and Warner are closed.
(Apr 16) Conservation Officer TJ Robertson reports slow fishing at Ken's Lake. The best times to fish are early morning or evening. Bass are becoming more active. TJ received a report of a seven-pound bass that was caught last week. Mountain lakes remain inaccessible. The gates to Oowah and Warner are still closed.
Locomotive Springs
Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Logan River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Whitefish
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(Apr 17) The water level rose a few inches within the last three days. Although the water level is a little bit higher, the river is still pretty clear. It won't be long until the run-off hits and the river turns to muddy rapids. Take advantage of this last opportunity to do some spring fishing. During the warm weekend, some evening insect hatches were happening. Fish were taking down flies like Parachute Adams, and Griffiths Gnats. Other small dry flies were also effective. If the fish are not rising, try fishing a dropper rig with a small Copper John. Report courtesy of Pavlik Krasnov of www.westerntroutflies.com.
(Apr 11) "I went fishing on the Logan on Monday, April 7. I was just past Right Hand Fork. I caught three cutts on nymphs. Could have been some good midge action, but it started to snow. The river was crystal clear, but starting to run faster. The USGS Web site indicates the water is running at 88 cfs." Report from Tod Morrison.
Regulations
Lost Creek Reservoir
Brown Trout, Crayfish, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(Apr 23) Sunday afternoon 1:00 p.m. Lost creek is still 90% iced over. There are just the beginnings of open water near the dam. It was very cold with high winds. There were no fishermen. Report from Dedicated Hunter Mitchell Wamsley.
Regulations
Mabey Pond
Crappie, Catfish, Largemouth Bass
No recent reports.
Regulations
Mantua Reservoir
Bluegill, Cutthroat Trout, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(May 3) FC of Ogden fished with a partner without catching anything. "Water level good, not too much grass yet. Boat docks not in place yet but beaching small to medium fishing boats no problem. No luck for us and wind came up in afternoon got cold and quite choppy. Several boats on the water, a few anglers on the shores, but didn't see anyone catching anything."
(May 2) On Wednesday April 30, the reservoir had good access conditions but I observed no anglers on the water—the windy, snowy weather was keeping most people from venturing out. Observation from Phil Douglass.
(Apr 23) Boats have been on the reservoir, but fishing was reported to be slow. Report from Biologist Clint Brunson.
(Apr 11) "There is ice on 90 percent of the reservoir with some open water on the southeast end. It looked like some wet areas were forming on the main body of ice on April 9." Report from Phil Douglass.
Regulations
Matt Warner Reservoir
Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(Apr 23) No new reports as large drifts block access.
(Apr 10) No new reports as large drifts block access.
Miller's Flat Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Millsite Reservoir
Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 7) No recent report. Rainbow PowerBait has worked well in the recent past. Trout range from 11 to 13 inches.
(May 1) Tom Ogden reported slow fishing on April 22. He fished from a tube with a #8 beadhead black leech at the end of sinking line and in 15 feet of water near the dam. Rainbow PowerBait is recommended for bait fishermen. Trout range from 11 to 13 inches.
(Apr 23) Tom Ogden fished the reservoir on April 22 and experienced very marginal success with artificial flies along the face of the dam. He used a #8 beadhead black leech with a gold rib. Tom fished in 15 feet of water with sinking line. Volunteer Coordinator Randall Stilson conducted a creel survey during the week and reported fair to good fishing for baitcasters. Based on his survey, Randall recommended rainbow PowerBait. Trout range from 11 to 13 inches.
(Apr 16) Park Manager Dan Richards reports fair to good fishing. He has seen a lot of 12- to 14-inch rainbows coming out. Anglers have been using worms or PowerBait. Dan trolled last weekend and caught a mixed bag of rainbows and splake. Both trout species ranged from 12 to 14 inches. Dan had good luck with a silver Kastmaster.
Monroe Mountain Lakes
Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(May 8) Access still limited by snow. The Box Creek reservoirs may be accessible in a couple of weeks.
(Apr 23) Snow limits access. These lakes typically don't get much ice fishing pressure.
Moon Lake
Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Splake (hybrid), Whitefish
(Apr 23) No new reports. Should be good fishing as observed at lakes at similar elevations. Check the edges carefully as the water level should be rising.
(Apr 10) No new reports. Should be good fishing as observed at lakes at similar elevations. Check the edges carefully as the water level should be rising.
Regulations
Newton Reservoir
Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Musky (hybrid), Yellow Perch
No recent reports.
Regulations
Nine Mile Reservoir
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Ogden River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(May 2) Lower Ogden River is slow/fair fishing right now. I have not seen many fish caught on the lower Ogden. South Fork is getting high flows. Report by Conservation Officer Dave Beveridge.
(Apr 17) South Fork: The river is running low and clear right below Causey Dam. It should begin to rise shortly as the snow melts. Fishing is good for brown trout. Try fishing the dropper rig with a dry fly on the surface and a small nymph below. The lower portion of the river is running a bit high and muddy. Courtesy of Pavlik Krasnov of www.westerntroutflies.com.
Regulations
Palisade Reservoir
Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
No recent reports.
Payson Lakes
Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout
(Apr 24) Gate to Payson Canyon (Nebo Loop) is now locked, therefore no access to the lakes except as reported by Conservation Officer Shawn Bagley...by snowmobile. They anticipate opening gate in May.
Regulations
Pelican Lake
Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass
(Apr 27) Brian of Rock Springs caught 29 largemouth using buzz bait. He says the water temperature was in the mid 50's.
(Apr 23) Ice is off but cold weather and high winds have kept the lake waters from warming. Anglers reporting a few early bass, bluegill are few and far between. As the water warms, fishing will pick up. Pelican did not have a severe winterkill as some anglers have reported. Division biologists were one of the first groups out on the reservoir as they watched the ice out carefully. They did see some dead fish along the shoreline but do not believe it is because of a major die-off. Their reports on the fish kill is more inline with angling mortality and possibly a few lethal pockets, which are common for Pelican.
(Apr 10) Ice is off but cold weather and high winds have kept the lake waters from warming. Should be good fishing once it warms up. Biologists were one of the first groups out on the reservoir as they watched the ice out carefully. They did see some dead fish along the shoreline but do not believe it is because of a major die-off as was reported by some anglers. Their reports on the fish kill is more inline with angling mortality and possibly a few lethal pockets, which are common for Pelican.
Regulations
Pineview Reservoir
Bluegill, Bullhead Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Tiger Musky (hybrid), Trout, Yellow Perch
(May 2) Anglers are catching black crappie in the shallower inlet areas on the east side and they're catching some of the biggest black crappie I have ever seen!!! Some are at max growth and I don't think they can get any bigger. Use a small jig with slow retrieve. Report by Conservation Officer Dave Beveridge.
(Apr 27) Trey A. of Murray fished Cemetery Point with a partner and caught a tiger musky and a smallmouth using an X-Rap. "Lake is totally ice free and is looking good"
(Apr 23) Saturday morning 9:00 a.m. The water is still mostly iced over, although there is about 40% open water as well. I interviewed two fishermen that were fishing from the shore on a sandy beach. They fished from approximately 8 to 9 a.m. using various colors of Jigs, and Grubs, with no luck. There were two boats that I could see that appeared to be looking for a fishing spot. I was unable to contact or survey them. Report from Dedicated Hunter Mitchell Wamsley.
(Apr 17) Joel N. of West Point caught 1 tiger musky using a Rapala. He reports: "I was there starting at about 11:30 AM and it was 95% ice free. There was only some thin ice in the narrows with a wide ring of open water around that ice."
(Apr 17) Pineview is mostly iced over, though the ice looks like it's in very poor condition. Most of the bays on the north and east are opening up, but there were no fishermen on any of them shortly after 1:00 p.m. when I drove around the entire reservoir. The ice in the narrows has approx five to ten feet of open water around the edges. The bay just north of the Ogden Pineview Yacht club has open water for a few hundred yards, though the slips (docks) are still frozen in. You can drive down 5500 East (on the north end) and park at the end of the dead end and walk about 100 yards to get to open water. Can also get down 5900 East, park, and walk about 150 yards to the water. Geertsen Bay on the northeast side is open for approx 200 yds square. Middle Inlet and Spring Creek have open water all along the end, extending approximately 50 to 150 feet out from the bank, depending on where in the bay you look. There is also water open on the south end at Jefferson Hunt. The water is still quite low, so there's no back-up into the weeds in the bays yet. It's going to be a few days yet, but it's getting close. Report from Kime Coleman, Dedicated Hunter.
Regulations
Pioneer Park Pond
Black Bullhead, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
Porcupine Reservoir
Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Splake (hybrid)
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
No recent reports.
Regulations
Price River
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
Provo River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Walleye
(May 2) Water level was not too high and clarity looks fairly good below both Jordanelle and Deer Creek dams. Hares ear, sow bugs, and other small surface flies and bottom-bouncing nymphs are producing fair to good success.
(Apr 28) Brandon of Salt Lake fished the middle river. "I arrived at the river late morning about 11am. While I caught no fish I did have a few strikes missed using a sowbug and a green Beatis dropper. I did see a few anglers landing some. I would say success was fair. Two gentlemen I talked to reported fishing as good with BWO's."
(Apr 24) Remember that tributaries to Utah Lake (from I-15 to the lake) are closed to May 1st! Water level was not too high and clarity looked good yesterday below both Jordanelle and Deer Creek dams. Hares ear, sow bugs, and other small surface flies and bottom bouncing nymphs are producing fair to good success.
(Apr 11) Water level was not too high and clarity looked good yesterday below both Jordanelle and Deer Creek dams. Hares ear, sow bugs, and other small surface flies and bottom bouncing nymphs are producing fair to good success.
Regulations
Red Creek Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Red Fleet Reservoir
Bluegill, Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(Apr 23) Reservoir open although there may still be a few ice chunks floating around. Anglers have reported good fishing for trout as the ice melted.
(Apr 10) Reservoir still has ice but is melting rapidly and some areas along the shoreline are open. Ice is unsafe. Anglers have reported good fishing along ice edge this week.
Regulations
Rockport Reservoir
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid), Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(Apr 23) The reservoir is almost completely ice free. There are some small thin ice sheets at the boat ramp. The rest of the reservoir is ice free. Fishing was slow. Remember to purchase your park entrance pass when you enter the State Park. There is a small use fee for parking along Hwy 32 on the west side of the State Park. Report from Conservation Officer Bruce Johnson.
(Apr 17) Officer Bruce Johnson reports that Rockport has areas of open water near the shore but winds are shifting daily and that means areas of open water shift from day to day also. Wind and warmer weather will contribute to rapidly deterioriating ice conditions.
Regulations
Salem Pond
Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout
(May 2) Stocked with fair success reported for trout.
(Apr 24) Slow to Fair success reported for trout, catfish and bass. The park closes at 10:00 p.m.
(Apr 20) Paul of Payson fished with a partner and caught 6 rainbows using worms. "we fished for about 3 hrs."
(Apr 11) Slow success reported for trout, catfish and bass.
Regulations
Scofield Reservoir
Crayfish, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 7) The ice cover is receding day by day and a lot of open water is available for shoreline angling. All of the angler reports indicate excellent fishing with egg sacs. With the possible exception of minnows, other baits don't perform nearly as well. Fly fishermen have been most successful with trout egg imitations. Frank Atwood of the Division of Parks and Recreation indicates that the campgrounds are not open yet, but will be by next weekend. Ramps are expected to open in a week or so. Frank announced a fishing tournament taking place at Scofield on May 17. For information on the tournament, call: 435-448-9449 or 435-686-2491.
Bob Olson interviewed anglers on May 6 and reported good fishing from boat or shore for 16- to 18-inch trout with a few measuring over 20 inches. Successful anglers were using dead minnows or egg sacs.
Randall Stilson conducted a creel survey on May 4. The west side was muddy and fishing was slow. The dam cove and east side offered excellent fishing for a mix of tiger and rainbow trout from 1 to 3 pounds. Randall ranked egg sacs as number 1, followed by minnows.
Lieutenant Carl Gramlich and Conservation Officer Ben Riley visited the reservoir last weekend and reported good fishing with heavy angler pressure. Due to dam spillway reconstruction, traffic delays of several minutes can be expected around the dam cove. Anglers are reminded that Scofield tributaries are closed to fishing until the second Saturday in July.
(May 1) The dam arm continues to open, and shoreline angler pressure was intense. Tom Ogden counted 17 vehicles around the dam last Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. He described the scene as "combat fishing." The north and south ends of the reservoir are opening, where the water is shallow. However, as a whole, the reservoir's shoreline remains iced up. Some opening is expected by the weekend, depending on weather conditions and the volume of water released from the reservoir.
As a follow-up to the fish kill at Lower Fish Creek two weeks ago, Tom Ogden reported a lingering sulphur odor near the dam. A "rotten egg" smell is associated with water that is low in oxygen. Oxygen-deficient water can be fatal to trout. Egg sacs are expected to be the most effective bait in the days to come, followed by nightcrawlers or PowerBait. Good fishing is anticipated for the next two to three weeks. Mornings have been best. The wind has typically picked up by early afternoon. Anglers are advised that Scofield tributaries remain closed to fishing until July 12 to protect spawning cutthroat trout. Due to dam spillway reconstruction, traffic delays up to five minutes can be expected around the dam cove.
(Apr 23) The dam arm is opening up and bank fishermen have done very well with rainbow PowerBait or egg sacs. The south end of the reservoir is opening as is a small area on the north side. Further ice fishing is definitely not advised. The ice-melt changes daily, depending on night and daytime temperatures. Ice-off could occur within a week. The shoreline could open any day. Excellent fishing is expected in the days and weeks ahead. The best fishing was in the morning when the air was calm. Winds have generally picked up in the afternoon. Anglers should remember that Scofield tributaries are closed to fishing until July to protect spawning cutthroat trout. The dam and spillway are under construction. Heavy equipment will be at work in that area. Around the dam, traffic is one-way. Expect delays up to five minutes.
(Apr 16) The bite was sporadic. Fair fishing success was most common. The ice pack is variable. A week ago, more than two feet of ice was reported in the mid and upper lake, although an expanse of open water exists on the south end, which grows daily.
A week ago, Volunteer Coordinator Randall Stilson interviewed a party of six, which had each caught a limit of fish. In a full day's fishing, each member of the party had iced an estimated 15 to 20 trout apiece. Their preferred end tackle was a green plastic jig, tipped with chub meat or a wax worm. Green PowerBait was also effective. Their biggest fish was a tiger trout that measured 19.5 inches. The biggest cutthroat was 16.25 inches. The party fished close to the island.
Regulations
Settlement Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(May 2) Fair fishing success.
(Apr 24) Ice is off. Fair fishing.
(Apr 11) Angler John reports open water at Settlement with fair fishing success.
Regulations
Silver Lake
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Smith & Morehouse Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Starvation Reservoir
Brown Trout, Crayfish, Smouthmouth Bass, Walleye
(Apr 23) Reservoir is ice free and near full. Anglers report good fishing for trout including several larger browns being taken
(Apr 10) Reservoir is ice free and near full. Anglers report good fishing for trout including several larger browns being taken.
Regulations
Steinaker Reservoir
Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(Apr 23) Reservoir is ice-free and being filled. Anglers report good fishing for rainbows and a few browns also being taken. No reports of bass or bluegill yet.
(Apr 10) A few brown are being caught. Good fishing for rainbows. Reservoir is filling and ice free.
Regulations
Strawberry Reservoir
Crayfish, Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
(May 3) J. Allmendinger of Ogden fished Strawberry Bay Marina right off boat ramp and caught 21 cutts using white curly-tailed jig w/ green jig head tipped with meal worm. "Awesome ice fishing! Caught fish one right after the other! Ice is getting bad. Around 24" of ice, first two inches is a crust followed by 8-10" of slush, then 8" of semi-solid ice. By late afternoon, the crust was melting and I was walking in slush leaving the lake. This is definitely the last weekend for ice fishing. Should see open water along the shore anytime. Already has some around the boat ramp around the rocks where it absorbs all the heat during the day. Ice fishing after today, definitely iffy I wouldn't recommend it. Some of the best fishing at Strawberry is when the ice is melted 50-100' off shore. Cast anything shiny onto the ice and let it drop in the water and usually the fish will hit it right away. Looking forward to that maybe by next weekend!"
(May 2) Ice fishing is not recommended. A recently drilled hole showed several layers of bad ice, slush, water, etc. Only about six to eight inches of the ice was considered somewhat solid but there are several cracks on the ice surface, a lot of slush in places and water level is rising which provides unsafe conditions around the edges. Though yesterday's storm froze up the edges a bit, warmer weather can make ice weak in a short amount of time. A little bit of open water at the ladders and Indian Creek. DWR biologist Justin Robinson guesstimates another two to three weeks before ice off, depending on weather and wind.
(Apr 24) Still about 30 inches of ice and ice fishing success was reported as good again this week. Check ice for safety over the next week or so as ice off typically occurs in the next week or so. Slush hasn't been too bad but can change in a day or two so wear waterproof boots. Tube jigs tipped with bait or various other techniques have all been effective. Early morning was best bite.
(Apr 19) J. Allmendinger of Ogden fished Strawberry Bay Marina right off boat ramp with a white jig tipped with mealworm and caught 4 cutts in 20 ft. of water. "Ice thickness is around 24-30" but is starting to get slushy. Ice is also starting to get soft, my auger cut through it pretty easy. Won't be long till we see some open water along the shoreline, especially if the weather stays warm like today."
(Apr 11) Ice fishing success was reported as good again this week. There is still plenty of thick ice reported by anglers. In fact, ice is very thick and drilling one hole can be a chore. Anglers report drilling all the way to the handle of the auger before breaking through to water. Slush is making ATVs get stuck but some snowmobiles are still on the ice.
Regulations
Tibble Fork Reservoir
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 2) Fair success for trout. Most anglers using traditional baits.
(Apr 24) Fair success for trout. Most anglers using traditional baits.
(Apr 11) Fair success for trout in open water.
Regulations
Uinta Lakes
Albino Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
No recent reports.
Regulations
Utah Lake
Bluegill, Bullhead Catfish, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Smouthmouth Bass, Walleye, White Bass
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(May 2) Ice free. Not much walleye success. Angler Danny reports "I caught 25 pre-spawn male white bass at Lincoln Beach yesterday in the strong wind and waves on everything I threw. I also picked up a three-pound channel cat on my second pole "deadstick" on a dead fish." Angler Scott reports "I fished Utah Lake (Provo Boat Harbor) today from about 3 p.m. til 6 p.m. I started off fishing where the river goes into the lake and had no luck. So I moved into the marina where the sailboats dock and immediately started getting hits. I fished in the marina for about two hours and it was non-stop action. I ended up keeping five white bass and had a good-sized cat on but he snapped my line, no problem. I was using a shrimp tipped with a worm off the bottom. All in all a good outing though." Largemouth and smallmouth bass limit is six, but immediately release all largemouth and smallmouth bass over 12 inches long. For more information on conditions call Utah Lake State Park at (801) 375-0731.
(Apr 24) Ice free. Conservation Officer Shawn Bagley reports "White bass fishing and large mouth bass are being caught near Mill Race. Increasing success on walleye. Cold water temperature and wind have affected the success rate."
(Apr 11) Ice free. Getting several reports of small male walleye being caught success is still slow however.
Regulations
Vernon Reservoir
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
(May 2) Vernon is stocked—good fishing success reported.
(Apr 24) Ice is off. Fair fishing.
(Apr 11) Angler Charissa reports a considerable bit of Vernon is ice-covered and some anglers fishing the open water had caught a fish or two (slow to fair success).
Regulations
Weber River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Whitefish
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(Apr 23) The river is currently at higher flows than previous weeks. The water levels flowing into Rockport Reservoir are much higher. The water is also more murky and dirty from runoff. The Weber River below Rockport Dam is flowing at much higher levels. The water quality is lower. The runoff and flows are making the water murky and dirty. Report from Conservation Officer Bruce Johnson.
(Apr 11) Fishing for brown trout was good near Croyden. The USGS Web site indicates the water is running at 92 cfs at Coalville and 140 cfs further dwon the canyon. Report from Officer Jonathan Moser.
Regulations
Willard Bay
Bullhead Catfish, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Perch, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Wipers (hybrid), Yellow Perch
(Apr 17) The south marina gate is closed for walleye spawning until the end of the month. The north marina is open but the water is very low. Light pressure with poor success.
(Apr 13) FC of Ogden fished with a partner using rattle traps and crank baits trolled at various speeds 1.5 to 3.5 mph. "Bay is filling some. 4-6 feet in inlet at north marina. Main body of bay 6 to11 feet deep. Further south west you go deeper it gets. Island is exposed about 6 inches to a foot above water surface. Marker bouys not floating yet.. South marina closed, south channel very shallow. Water surface temp 50 - 54 degrees today. No hits today but the day was beautiful."
Regulations
Willow Pond
Bluegill,Brown Trout, Catfish, Rainbow Trout
(May 2) Nick H. of West Jordan fished with a partner and caught 2 rainbows using bread. "Every time i dropped my line 1 minute later i have a fish."
(May 2) Anglers are catching smaller trout recently planted but by the time this gets out, I am betting it is slow. Report by Conservation Officer Dave Beveridge.
(Apr 24) Lee G. of Sandy fished with a partner near the inlet and caught 2 rainbows and a largemouth using a yellow damsel fly. "The largemouth snapped my line, but I then saw (3) 11 inchers cruising the shallows in a group."
(Apr 24) Stocked. Fishing is fair to good.
(Apr 19) Anel M. of Salt Lake fished in a group of 3 and caught 14 rainbows and an albino. "My brother got someones broken line and there was a fish on it, he took out the hook and there was an orange power egg on it, I took it off and used it and caught a 14incher and the power worms under a bobber worked great. There was alot of wind too."
(Apr 18) Billy L. of Lehi fished from the dock in a group of 3 and caught 8 rainbows using shrimp. "PARENTS, if you have been looking for a great place to take your kids fishing go to Willow Pond. I have been fishing there for about 5 years now. It has a playground, picnic area, covered shelters, basketball courts, a huge field to fly kites, fish cleaning station, and a perfect place to take your kids fishing. All you need for your child to catch a fish is: a rod, reel, light line, and small hook with a 1/2 inch square piece of shrimp or bread. Me and my kids caught 8 rainbows in 30 minutes then they were ready to go fly their kites. Take a child, get involved to help them appreciate the great outdoors."
(Apr 13) Anel M. of Salt Lake fished in a group of 7 and caught 43 rainbows and 4 albinos using fluorescent green Power Eggs and salmon eggs using #10 hook and 1 power egg or use a bobber and about 2-3ft of leader and #10 hook w/ 2 eggs. "The weather was nice and we got plenty of fish, most were small but we got 14 keepers."
(Apr 11) Fair fishing success. Waters will be stocked in week or two.
Regulations
Woodruff Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Yuba Reservoir
Channel Catfish, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Yellow Perch
(May 2) Open water. Walleye numbers are up but fishing success for perch and walleye is slow to fair. Not too many rainbow trout in the reservoir. Please keep walleye.
(Apr 24) Open water. Walleye numbers are up but fishing success for perch and walleye is slow to fair. Not too many rainbow trout in the reservoir. Please keep walleye.
(Apr 11) Open water. Walleye numbers are up but fishing success for perch and walleye is slow to fair. Not too many rainbow trout in the reservoir. Please keep walleye.
Regulations
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TODAY'S MOON PHASE
