Lake Powell Fish Report

By: Wayne Gustaveson April 11, 2007
Lake Elevation: 3599 Water Temperature: 53-66 F

The main event is right around the corner. Large and smallmouth bass will begin spawning with the next warming trend. The long range weather forecast is for sunny and warm by the weekend (April 14-15). My best guess for spawning then is April 17-20. Did I mention that this is the best year in recent memory for big bass? You may want to mark down these dates in RED on the calendar. Fishing is going to be even better than it is now.

While waiting for the bass spawn, the prespawn pattern is not bad. Warming draws all fish to the shallow edge of the channel where sunlight is warming the sand and rock. ALL FISH are using the same warm water spot. There will be a mixed bag of bass, stripers, crappie and walleye all sharing the warmth. Find a sunny exposure with shallow water next to a deep travel route. There must be a few tumbleweeds, tamarisk or aquatic weeds to provide the comforting shelter fish crave. Find a brushy warm spot and the fishing is beyond belief.

Stripers are still numerous and very hungry. Cast to weeds/brush with jerk baits, spinner baits, tubes, grubs or weightless senkos. Cover lots of ground because fish are bunched in small isolated areas. Fishing sandy points in mostly slick rock canyons is very productive Locate striper schools to find the other species. Catching one fish will likely lead to grappling with many more willing fish. Sort through stripers on almost every cast to find an occasional big bass, walleye, or crappie.

The other option is to fish bait in the channels of main canyons for stripers. Anchovy fishing is good lakewide with the many stripers that still remain. They were not all caught last year and most survived the winter. Expect spring fishing to be almost as good as 2006. Stripers have been regularly caught at the dam, Antelope Canyon, Power Plant Intake, Padre bay canyons, Rock Creek, and the mouth of Dungeon canyon. It is still important to keep as many stripers as possible to reduce their numbers and bring predator and prey populations back in balance

Near Bullfrog, try Lake and Moki Canyons, Halls and Bullfrog Bays. In the upper lake Good Hope to Trachyte Canyon is probably the best fishing on the lake. The upper San Juan is always special.

Next week will be as good as it gets in the spring, if the weather warms as forecast. I hope you can make it.

FISHING REPORT FOR THE SOUTHERN REGION OF UTAH

BAKER RESERVOIR: Moderate pressure. Fishing has been slow, but could pick up at any time. Worms or power bait have worked best. Recent sampling found good numbers of hold-over rainbows and a few larger browns. Catchable rainbows were stocked April 2.

BARKER RESERVOIRS, NORTH CREEK LAKES: Barker Reservoir and Lower Barker Reservoir are open to year-round fishing. Dougherty Basin is closed until July 14. All other lakes in the basin are closed until April 21. Access unknown.

BEAVER MOUNTAIN LAKES: The road to Little Reservoir is open and the ice is gone. The other lakes should be accessible soon.

BEAVER RIVER, LOWER: Water is still low and fishable. Fishing pressure has increased lately. Good success reported for browns and the occasional rainbow using wooly buggers and flashy spinners. Some midge and mayfly hatches in the afternoon. Recent sampling found abundant rainbows and browns. There are a surprising number of fish in the river. Much of the river is on private property, so please treat the area with respect. Much of the private land is open to walk-in access, but some is closed to trespass so watch for signs.

BEAVER RIVER, UPPER: The river is clear, with not much runoff. 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.

BOULDER MTN LAKES: MOST BOULDER MTN. LAKES ARE CLOSED UNTIL APRIL 21. Check the proclamation for which lakes are open year-round. Access is still poor, with a lot of snow covering the roads.

CHALK CREEK: Small stream east of Fillmore. Little fishing pressure.

CLEAR CREEK: Small stream along I-70 by Fremont Indian State Park. Very little pressure.

CORN CREEK: Little pressure. No recent reports.

DUCK CREEK/ASPEN MIRROR: CLOSED to fishing until April 21. Duck Creek stream is included in the closure.

EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER—KINGSTON CANYON: Water is still low and fishable, but flows could increase any time after April 15. Moderate pressure lately. There is public access on a section of Kingston Canyon midway through the canyon that was purchased through the Blue Ribbon Program. Look for the signs. Most of the remainder of the canyon is private and posted, so ask permission first.

EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER—BLACK CANYON: One report of good success for browns using rapalas. For the section of river from the BLM property boundary (about 4 miles south of Antimony) upstream to the confluence with Deer Creek, special regulations include the use of artificial flies and lures only and a limit of 2 trout. Some private land is closed to trespass, so watch for the signs.

EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER—ABOVE TROPIC RES.: No recent reports.

ENTERPRISE RESERVOIR (Upper and Lower): Success has been very good on traditional baits (ie worms, salmon eggs w/ marshmallows, lemon twist powerbait.) Most people are fishing on the upper reservoir. Water on the upper reservoir is way down exposing lots of beach. Lots of pressure. Water has been released from the upper reservoir in preparation for dam repairs, and the water is about 1/3 capacity. Lower reservoir is near full capacity. Catchable rainbows have been stocked in the lower reservoir.

FISH LAKE: Plenty of open water for shore fishing. The ice should be gone within a week. No reports on fishing success. Note: A few tiger muskies have moved up from Johnson Reservoir in the last year. The general statewide limits on tiger muskie apply here - 1 fish, which must be over 40 inches.

FORSYTH RESERVOIR: Fishing has been slow to fair, worms and power bait have been the best bait, crankbaits and flat fish also have been good. Please prevent the spread of WHIRLING DISEASE. DO NOT TRANSPORT any parts of fish caught here to other waters.

FREMONT RIVER: The section upstream from Mill Meadow Reservoir has abundant brown trout. The lower sections of stream can be good at any time of year if the water is not turbid. Much of the lower stream is on private land. Ask for permission before fishing on private land. 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.

GUNLOCK RESERVOIR: Little pressure. Fishing is slow. A fish consumption advisory has been issued for largemouth bass from Gunlock. It is recommended that adults limit their consumption of largemouth bass to two 8-oz portions per month. Women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should limit their consumption to one 4-oz portion per month. For further details, check the news release on the DWR website. Remember special regulations for bass - 4 bass under 10 inches and 2 over 20 inches.

JOHNSON RESERVOIR: No recent reports. Tiger muskie action could pick up by May. The reservoir contains a great abundance of suckers, Utah chubs, and small yellow perch. Special regulations: Whole fish and amphibians are not allowed as bait. Cut bait must be no longer than one inch in any dimension and only one piece per hook. Limit one tiger musky over 40 inches—all tiger muskies less than 40 inches must be immediately released.

KOLOB RESERVOIR: Kolob is now accessible, though access can vary with spring snowstorms. The ice is gone. One angler reported fast action for rainbows casting midge patterns from shore. Fish are in the shallows for the spawn. Tributaries are closed to fishing until July 14. Special regulations include artificial flies and lures only, with a limit of 1 trout, which must be over 18 inches. Scented jigs are not allowed. Please call the poaching hotline (1-800-662-DEER) to report violations.

KOOSHAREM RESERVOIR: Good success reported for 15-19 inch rainbows from shore. Best success with wooly buggers, though bait is also producing a few. Concentrate on rocky shorelines. Trollers have had less success.

LOWER BOWNS RESERVOIR: Access is good. Fishing is good for rainbows using power bait and worms.

MAMMOTH CREEK: Turbidity can vary day to day. Try nymphs for browns and possibly white fish near the confluence with the Sevier River. Public access is possible on some of Mammoth Creek west of Highway 89. Special regulations apply to a section of Mammoth Creek—check the proclamation for details. Please prevent the spread of WHIRLING DISEASE. DO NOT TRANSPORT any parts of fish caught here to other waters.

MILL MEADOW RESERVOIR: Fishing has been slow to fair, worms and power bait have been the best bait, crankbaits and flat fish also have been good. Remember that the perch limit is 20. Please prevent the spread of WHIRLING DISEASE. DO NOT TRANSPORT any parts of fish caught here to other waters.

MINERSVILLE RESERVOIR: Fishing pressure has increased. Fishing is slow to fair with best success casting wooly buggers from shore. Though fishing has not been fast just yet, fish are very good size and in great condition. Special regulations include artificial flies and lures only, with a limit of 1 trout, which must be over 22 inches. Scented jigs are not allowed. Please call the poaching hotline (1-800-662-DEER) to report violations.
Please prevent the spread of WHIRLING DISEASE. DO NOT TRANSPORT any parts of fish caught here to other waters.

MONROE MOUNTAIN LAKES: Still no access. Manning Meadow Reservoir is closed until July 14.

NAVAJO LAKE: Gate is open. Ice is getting soft—should be gone within a few weeks.

NEWCASTLE RESERVOIR: No recent reports. Catchable rainbows were stocked the last week of March.

OTTER CREEK RESERVOIR: Fishing from shore is very good. Bait has produced best. Trollers have had success, but are catching smaller fish. Most large fish are still shallow, attempting to spawn. Recent sampling found that rainbows are still abundant and very healthy. Most fish are averaging 16-18” and 2 lbs. Please prevent the spread of WHIRLING DISEASE. DO NOT TRANSPORT any parts of fish caught here to other waters.

PANGUITCH LAKE: NEW REGULATIONS NOW IN EFFECT: Limit is 4 trout, which must be less than 15 inches or over 22 inches. All trout 15 to 22 inches must be released. Most tributaries (see proclamation for which streams this applies to) are closed until July 14. The ice is gone. Trout are in shallow. Shore fishing has been good with bait and lures. Trollers are having only limited success.

PARAGONAH (RED CREEK) RESERVOIR: The road is open. Ice should be gone. One report of good fishing. Tributaries are closed until July 14.

PINE LAKE: The road is open and the ice is gone. One report of good success for rainbows casting spinners from shore. Recent sampling found that rainbows are carrying over well through the winter. Some fish up to 18” are present. Small cutthroat are also abundant.

PINE VALLEY RESERVOIR: No recent reports. Low pressure.

PIUTE RESERVOIR: Fishing from shore has been fair to good for large rainbows. Pressure has been medium to heavy on weekends. Results from recent sampling indicate that 2007 should be a great year for fishing at Piute. Rainbows are more abundant than ever before and are in great condition. Most fish average 16-18” and 2 lbs.

QUAIL LAKE: No recent reports. Remember the special regulations for bass - 4 bass under 10 inches and 2 over 20 inches.

SAND COVE RESERVOIRS: Upper reservoir: Water temperature is 60 F. Some success for rainbows, slow for bass. Lower reservoir: Water temperature is 65 F. Fast action for largemouth bass on just about anything. Some large fish up to 3 lbs are present. Bluegill are hitting well on worm suspended below a bobber.

SAND HOLLOW RESERVOIR: Water temperature is 58 F. Lots of use lately. Crowds are heavy on the weekends. Bass fishing has started to pick up. A few reports of good fishing—small fish in the middle of the lake, larger fish in close to shore near the brush. A few bluegill are also moving into shore. Special regulations for bass - 4 bass under 10 inches and 2 over 20 inches. Public access to the reservoir is available only through the State Park.

SEVIER RIVER (UPPER), ASAY CREEK: Turbidity varies from day to day. Most of the trout water on the upper Sevier is located upstream (south) from the town of Hatch. Intermittent sections of good habitat are present above Hatch and easily accessible from Highway 89. Asay Creek west of Highway 89 is on private land and access is restricted.

SEVIER RIVER—MARYSVALE CANYON: There have been some nice browns (up to 5 pounds) caught in Marysvale Canyon and even down through Sevier Valley. Expect flows to increase soon for irrigation purposes. Drifting worms or dead minnows had been the best method for those large browns.


THOUSAND LAKES MTN: All lakes are open—no info on fishing.

TROPIC RESERVOIR: No pressure, no reports.

URBAN PONDS: Catchable rainbows were stocked in Parowan Pond the last week of March. Washington County ponds: Trout fishing has been good lately, especially Hurricane Pond. Power Bait and worms have been best. Catch and release only for largemouth bass. Anglers 14 years or older need a valid Utah fishing license to fish at urban waters. Older anglers are requested to use artificial flies or lures.

WIDE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: Fishing has been good for rainbows. Catchable rainbows were stocked in early March.

YANKEE MEADOW RESERVOIR: The road is now open. The ice should be gone. No reports on fishing. Inlet stream is closed to fishing until July 14.

FISHING REPORT FOR SOUTHEASTERN UTAH

ABAJO MOUNTAINS Good fishing is expected at Foy Reservoir. Fishing at Lloyd’s Lake ranges from fair to good. Blanding #3 and #4 offer good fishing with baits or spinners. Recapture Reservoir remains slow.
BOULGER RESERVOIR Last weekend, the reservoir was mostly ice covered. No report on angling success.
CLEVELAND RESERVOIR The ice has receded from the shoreline and bank fishing is available. Dedicated Hunter Mike Mills described fishing as good last weekend. He indicated that a worm tipped with PowerBait was the best bait.
ELECTRIC LAKE Thin ice covers the lake with open water on the north end. Try open-water angling elsewhere.
GOOSEBERRY RESERVOIR The reservoir was ice covered last weekend. No report since that time.
HUNTINGTON CREEK In the fly-only zone, fishing has been good with beadhead prince or zebra tail nymphs or with stoneflies. Bait fishing has been fair below the forks.
HUNTINGTON NORTH STATE PARK No report. The water level is extremely low. HUNTINGTON RESERVOIR (also known as MAMMOTH RESERVOIR)
The ice is very soft and slushy and may not be safe. No report on angling success. Try fishing elsewhere until the shoreline opens up. Closed to the possession of cutthroat trout. As of June 7, using motorboats with 10 horsepower or more will be prohibited.
JOES VALLEY RESERVOIR Last weekend, an angler on DWR’s fishing forum reported trolling a shad rap and catching a 21-inch splake. Aquatics Biologist Justin Hart recommends a whole chub or a 3-inch curlytail grub on a ¼ oz. jighead, tipped with chub meat. April and May have traditionally the best months to fish Joes Valley for trophy-size splake. A couple of 11 pounders were caught in 2006. Special regulations apply. Please refer to the 2007 fishing guide.
LAKE POWELL Visit http://www.wayne@wayneswords.com for the fishing report, provided by Wayne Gustaveson, DWR project leader.
Officers J. Shirley and Casey McVay who checked anglers in the Bullfrog area reported that striper fishing was very good. Anglers were catching them at most traditional places with usual baits. Bass fishing was fair. Walleye fishing was fair to good in the Good Hope Bay area.
LASAL MOUNTAINS Hidden Lake is now accessible. DWR Aquatics Biologist Darek Elverud reported good fishing with nymphs and streamers. Rainbows range from 8-11 inches.
LOWER FISH CREEK Try dark-colored beadhead nymphs, fished near the bottom.
MILLSITE RESERVOIR No recent report.
SCOFIELD RESERVOIR The ice is off and fishing has been great! Last weekend, Tom Ogden fished the west side from a float tube. He said that any wet fly pattern would probably work as long as it was fished on the bottom. He tried a variety of #8 wooly buggers and leeches with good success. Most of his fish ranged from 13-19 inches.
Lieutenant Carl Gramlich reported several successful fishing forays. He recommends a silver Mepp’s for spincasters or wooly buggers for fly fishermen.
Paul Petrucka of SLC reported catching a mess of fish with an olive wooly bugger.
Conservation Officer Chris Pugliese called fishing “fantastic” last weekend. He said bait fishermen were catching limits on egg sacks.
Aquatics Biologist Mike Slater did well with “a green midge fly with some flash to it.” He saw a number of fishing parties taking limits of trout with egg sacks.
After a creel survey, Dedicated Hunter Mike Mills reported that he found eggs and cheese to be the best baits and Panther Martins or Jake’s Spin-a-Lures to be the best spinners.

FISHING REPORT FOR NORTHEASTERN REGION OF UTAH

NORTHEASTERN REGION – updated April 11

Quagga Mussels, a close relative of the Zebra Mussel, were found in Lake Mead in January and it is likely boaters and anglers will transport them into Utah waters if precautions aren’t taken. This invasive species has completely crashed productive sport and commercial fisheries in the Great Lakes, eastern and southern waters and has caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to agriculture, power production and water supply systems. To prevent their spread, anglers and boaters should: remove any visible mud, vegetation, fish and other critters before transporting equipment; eliminate all water from boat and equipment – dry completely or treat chemically; clean and dry everything that came into contact with water including boats, trailers, fishing equipment, other equipment, clothing and even pets before going to another water; never transport or release plants, fish, or other animals into another body of water.

Changes since the last report: the warm spell continues to accelerate melting of snow and ice. With the melt comes muddy roads and slushy snow/ice conditions. Most mid to low elevation lakes and reservoirs are ice-free.

Warning: Whirling Disease has been found in the Northeastern Region on both the north and south slope of the Uinta Mountains. It is believed anglers are now the main source of movement of the parasite that causes Whirling Disease. To avoid spreading the disease, do not move fish or fish parts from one water to another. Clean the fish well away from the water and dispose of the unwanted parts in the garbage. If that’s not possible then bury it in a deep hole or burn it completely. One infected fish carcass can contain over a million spores. Also, make sure to clean, dry and sterilize waders, live wells and other fishing gear before venturing to another water or above a diversion (such as a small dam) which are being built to stop the movement of infected fish.

BIG SAND WASH RESERVOIR The reservoir is ice-free with no new reports. Should be fair to good fishing for trout. The reservoir was drained, the dam checked, it passed inspection and is being refilled. The Division stocked catchable fish last summer and plans to stock more catchables and fingerlings to provide immediate and long-term fisheries.

BULLOCK/COTTONWOOD RESERVOIRS Several reports of fair fishing for rainbows and a few tiger musky being taken. Bass should be picking up as weather warms. Small boats can be launched from undeveloped sites near the dams. Reservoirs are located approximately 5 miles north of the town of Gusher.

BROUGH RESERVOIR No new reports other than ice free. Note: Trophy catch and release regulations, please read proclamation. To get to Brough, take State Route 88 south from US Route 40 (Ouray Road). Turn west at the second dirt road past the high power lines. Follow this road approximately 2 miles staying to the left at each main fork. Road can be quite rutted.

BROWNIE / SPIRIT LAKE No new reports. Still snow in the higher country, predicted road access opening is mid-May. Warning: whirling disease has been found in this area, please make sure to clean, dry and sterilize waders, live wells and other fishing gear before venturing to another water. Also do not clean fish or dump fish parts taken from one water into another lake or stream, as this will also move whirling disease.

CALDER /CROUSE RESERVOIRS Anglers report good fishing. Roads accessible but watch the storms, as they will make it muddy. The new “trophy ” regulation for Calder began January 1, 2007. Please read proclamation for details on regulations.

CURRANT CREEK RESERVOIR No new reports. Lake likely has ice but melting quickly. Check ice edge thickness carefully before venturing out. The road has been kept open to the dam.

EAST PARK / OAKS PARK No new reports. Reservoirs likely still have an ice cap but should have open areas along edges. Red Cloud Loop roads still closed, predicted opening mid to late May.

FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR Access Conditions: Launching boats is possible on all ramps.

Lake Trout Fishing: No recent reports from the north end. Some success reported for lake trout in the Mustang, Jarvies, Antelope and Linwood areas. Fish are in traditional areas on underwater humps and points. Fishing for smaller lake trout north of Big Bend should be good now until end of May. Try jigging and trolling in 30 to 60 feet of water, look for flats adjacent to the old river channel and also look for suspended fish over the channel. Use downriggers to troll spoons and minnow plugs a few feet off the bottom. Good colors for spoons and plugs include chartreuse, orange and white. Good jig colors are white, brown and chartreuse. Try tipping jigs with a small chunk of sucker meat if you can see them on your graph but can't get them to bite with a plain jig. 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" in the Gorge so do your part to help the fishery and keep a limit of 8 fish. For larger lake trout try long lining or use planer boards trolling plugs in Jarvies, Sheep Creek, Linwood, Stateline, and Antelope Flat. Lake trout can utilize all depths of water column now. Active fish forage near the surface in search of shallow rainbows and kokanee. For fish on the bottom, troll with downriggers or steel line or use larger sized jigs in traditional colors. Big lake trout eat big food so lures and jigs can be also.

Kokanee Fishing: no reports, typically slow until May.

Rainbow Fishing: Good to excellent fishing for rainbows on most of the reservoir. Most areas where current is entering reservoir attract rainbows in early spring. Also look for large rainbows near boat ramps as mature fish return to where they were stocked in an attempt to spawn. If fishing from a boat try trolling spoons or rapalas with at least 150 ft of line out or use planer boards. Most colors of spoons and minnow lures will work but go with lures in the one to two inch sizes. Spring is the best time of year to catch large rainbows from shore at the Gorge. If bait fishing, try suspending a worm 4 to 6 feet below a bobber if fish are surfacing or close to surface. If fishing on bottom, try a worm and marshmallow combo to keep the bait off the bottom. Casting spoons, spinners or smaller crank baits from shore also works well. Fly fishing with woolly buggars and leech patterns is another great way to catch rainbows up to 25".

Burbot Fishing: Try fishing with jigs late in the afternoon or early morning on points coming into reservoir. These fish move deep after winter so adjust your location accordingly. Anglers recently reported burbot being caught off Antelope Flat in 100 plus feet of water. 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. They 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.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing: No reports, typically slow fishing until May.

GREEN RIVER – Currently, Red Creek is not a major influence on clarity in Browns Park. Base flows are currently 800 cfs with no fluctuations during the day. Double peaking flows ended Mar. 5th. UDWR will be working with the BOR and Western Area Power Administration to evaluate impacts that may have occurred to the trout fishery during this winter's double peaking flow regime. Due to low snow pack conditions, approximately 50% of normal in the Green River drainage, flows should remain at 800 cfs until spring high flows for threatened and endangered fish occur sometime in May or June depending on water conditions. Summer conditions should also be low. Visit the Bureau of Reclamation website www.uc.usbr.gov for the latest information on flows.

DWR will conduct electrofishing samples on April 16th just below the dam and at Little Hole on April 17th. Samples are taken for one mile below each location.

Currently, fair to good fishing on the river. Midge hatches are occurring on most days. Other hatches should occur toward the end of the month. No major blue wing hatches yet. Please remember the slot limit size range has changed from 13 to 20 inch to 15 to 22 inches to make regulations more consistent statewide. Some reports of good fishing using woolly buggars, egg patterns and various nymph patterns. Other flies to try include: Two-bead midge #22-24; Para Adams #20-26; Griffith's Gnat #20-24; Tungsten Zebra Midges #14-16 in brown and red; small scuds in olive and grey #18-22; Glo-bugs #12-14 in all colors; San Juan Worms in red #14-12; RS2's and WD 40's in grey, olive or wine #18-24; streamers such as #2-6 Buggers in tan, black, and olive; Goldilox Buggers and Double Bunnies. Visit the following web site to see up to date flies and lures that are catching fish. www.fishgreenriver.com.

Spin fishermen should try small rapalas (floating, countdown and husky jerk); spinners; black, brown or olive marabou jigs; and tube jigs. Please check to see that your tube jigs contain no fish attracting scents as they are illegal to use in the river.

New Zealand Mudsnail densities have dramatically increased in several localized areas near Little Hole, and have been documented in most areas of the river. Please thoroughly clean mud and vegetation from waders, boats and fishing gear; and if possible, completely dry equipment before leaving the area. A hot water bath (120 degrees Fahrenheit) will kill mudsnails, and spraying equipment with 409 or a similar soap solution before drying will increase effectiveness.

GREEN RIVER (lower) Water level is low. No new reports from anglers. Lower sections are clear of ice but with muddy water.

MATT WARNER RESERVOIR Getting reports of fair to good fishing. Roads accessible with a few muddy areas.

MOON LAKE No new reports. With the warm weather conditions we have received it’s likely access is good to the Lake and there is also likely to be open water along the edges. If there is ice, then check carefully, especially along the edges, before venturing out. Also be aware of pressure ridges and breaks if crossing, especially with a vehicle. The lake contains a variety of trout and kokanee.

PELICAN LAKE Lake is ice-free, anglers reported good fishing for bass and bluegills on warm days just prior to cold weather moving in. Fishing should pick up quickly once the cold spell moves out.

RED FLEET RESERVOIR Reservoir is ice free and getting reports of good fishing for rainbows with a few browns also being reported. Also received a couple reports of bass being caught along the sun baked walls and rock faces.

STARVATION RESERVOIR Reservoir ice is gone. Reports are of good fishing for trout including a few large browns. Just starting to get reports on warm water fish: walleye, bass and yellow perch.

STEINAKER RESERVOIR Reports of fair to good fishing form shore and from boats for browns and rainbows including some larger fish being taken. A few bass and bluegills being picked up in the deeper water, with warmer weather they should start moving into the shallows.

UINTA MOUNTAIN LAKES AND STREAMS No new reports from the mountain. Have heard of some fair to good fishing on lower streams. Mountain lakes still have ice and snow. Try brightly colored lures or jigs tipped with a mealworm or piece of night crawler. Fishing success on mountain lakes and streams can be spotty so if one hole or lake isn’t producing try moving to another. With over 400 managed fisheries on the South Slope alone, it’s easy to find a new place to fish. Always go prepared for serious weather, as the Uinta Mountains are well known for frequent unexpected storms and high winds. Note: The Uinta Mountains have a four trout limit with a bonus of four more brook trout - see proclamation for details.

FISHING REPORT FOR THE CENTRAL REGION OF UTAH

CENTRAL REGION

Send your central region fishing tips to: scottroot@utah.gov or to DWR’s new fishing forum at www.wildlife.utah.gov (under the “fishing” category).

STRAWBERRY RESERVOIR - (April 4) Officer Paul Davis and Strawberry Project Leader Alan Ward both report that the mouth of the rivers feeding the reservoir are starting to open up.” The ladders has considerable open water now. Still reports thick ice over 14 inches on much of the reservoir still. Fishing success is fair. ATV’s and snowmobiles not recommended because they may get stuck and the edges will be softening up soon. Wear waterproof boots. Anglers report that early morning hours are best and many different types of bait-tipped jigs are producing fish. Move around to different locations and fish at different depths until you find the schools of fish. Regulations for the reservoir include: Limit 4 trout or kokanee salmon in the aggregate. No more than 2 may be cutthroat trout under 15 inches and no more than 1 may be a cutthroat over 22 inches in length. All cutthroat between 15 and 22 inches must be immediately released (any trout with cutthroat markings is considered a cutthroat). Don't feel compelled to harvest fish on every trip. Please do your part to ensure the future of this heavily utilized fishery by voluntarily releasing fish!

JORDANELLE RESERVOIR (April 4) Open water and boat anglers report good success by trolling with various lures and jigs. Shore anglers report fair to good success with baits. Bass limit is 6. All bass over 12 inches must be immediately released.

DEER CREEK RESERVOIR (April 4) Open water! Officer Paul Davis reports “Deer Creek is crowded and the fishing from boats and float tubes seem to be effective. Shore fishing is slow but they are catching a few.”
Bass limit 6. All bass over 12 inches must be immediately released. Walleye limit has been increased this year to 10 but only one over 24 inches may be kept.

UTAH LAKE - (April 4) Officer Bagley reports “The Lake is open water. White bass fishing and large mouth bass are being caught near Mill Race (SW Provo). Limited success on walleye.” Officer Chad Bettridge reports “The white bass have picked up quite a lot in all of the marinas. They have also caught some big catfish at both the State Park and Lindon. The walleye have started stacking at the reclamation plant and Sandy Beach. Remind anglers of the regulations on the tributaries.” Try twist tail grubs or minnows for best luck on walleye. Lake level is high. tributaries to Utah Lake are closed from March 1st to May 1st Walleye limit has been changed this year to 10 but only one can be over 24 inches. There is no limit on white bass. largemouth and smallmouth bass limit is 6...but... All largemouth and smallmouth bass over 12 inches must be immediately released. For more information on conditions call Utah Lake State Park at (801) 375-0731.

YUBA RESERVOIR (April 4) Officer Jay Topham report “I have been to yuba several times. Fishing for trout has been good. Use a jakes spin a lure in the gravel beds to catch them spawning. Some are catching them on bait to. The perch are starting to show up. Some people are catching them. You may put in the letter that all perch must me immdiately released.” For more info call the State Park @ 435-758-2611.

PROVO RIVER (April 4) Officer Dave Swenson reports “The middle Provo river is fishing quite well using midge patterns, emergers, and blue wings. Fish midday as the hatches come off.” Two Notices- #1: Just received notice that a Drop Structure will be removed from the middle section of the Provo River located just downstream from Jordanelle Dam beginning on April 9th. Work is expected to last for about one month. The drop structure is a sill placed across the river channel many years ago to back water up so that water could be diverted for irrigation. To try and minimize impacts to anglers, work will not be performed in the river channel from Friday to Sunday during this time. During construction, some muddy water will go down stream during work hours.

Notice #2: tributaries to Utah Lake are closed from March 1st to May 1st (see proclamation for specifics).
Please read the proclamation for regulations since there are different regs on different stretches of the Provo. For example, Between Charleston Bridge and the Legacy Bridge (near Midway) the use of bait is allowed and a standard limit of 4 trout (any trout species and any size). Do your part to 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.

Little Dell Reservoir (April 4) Fair to good fishing for the cutts on this “artificial fly and lure only water” Remember that it is also a “Catch and Release only” water!

BURRASTON PONDS - (April 4) Fair to good fishing success.

DIAMOND FORK RIVER - (April 4) Success continues to be reported as “slow to fair” using flies, lures or bait. NOTICE: The DWR treated the stream in September of 2006 with rotenone from Three Forks to it’s headwaters to remove all fish (mostly browns). Over 20,000 Bonneville cutthroat trout fingerlings were stocked on Halloween into this area to help restore this sensitive species and to provide anglers a good sport fishery. The restoration stretch is closed to fishing but the first 10 miles of Diamond Fork (from the turnoff of Hwy 6) is not effected by this treatment and anglers report slow success for brown trout. Remember: that on Diamond Fork...from Springville Crossing to it headwaters is “artificial flies and lures only” and it is closed to the possession of cutthroat trout.

DANIELS CANYON CREEK (April 4) – Clear water and fair to good fishing.

HOBBLE CREEK & CATCH BASIN - (April 4) Slow to fair fishing success.

THISTLE CREEK (April 4) – Officer Shawn Bagley reports light pressure with fair to good success.

SALT LAKE WATERS (April 4) Officer Ray Loken reports “High lakes ( Silver, Red Pine, White Pine, Mary, Twin, etc.) still frozen over and inaccessible.

Mountain Dell Reservoir: Closed to fishing.

Little Dell Reservoir: Special regulations in place (artificial flies and lures only, all cutthroat trout must be immediately released). Little Dell is currently open (ice is gone) and fishing is slow for cutthroat and brook trout.

Mountain Dell Creek (from Little Dell Reservoir water line upstream to headwaters): Special regulations in place (artificial flies and lures only, all cutthroat trout must be immediately released, closed to fishing January 2, 2007 until July 14, 2007).

Mill Creek: Fishing is slow for holdover rainbow trout stocked last summer.

Big Cottonwood Creek: Fishing is slow for brook trout and rainbow trout in the upper reaches of the creek and slow for brown trout in the middle and lower reaches of the stream. Anglers with experience in wintertime stream fishing will have better success than those using bait fishing techniques that are effective in the summer.”

Officer Mike Roach reports “Willow pond is fishing well although the weather has been a little colder. It does not appear that the other Urban ponds have not receive any fish this year. The Jordan river is running very high and you should stay clear of the banks and water. I checked fisher persons on big cottonwood creek and they are catching small brown trout. People are starting to fish Little Del Res. and when the weather is good fishing can be good.”

AMERICAN FORK RIVER - (April 4) Fair success by using flies or worms. Light fishing pressure.

TIBBLE FORK RESERVOIR (April 4) – Open water. Success is reported as fair by using traditional baits.

SPANISH OAKS RES. (April 4) – Officer Bagley reports the lake is now open, stocked and has little pressure!

SALEM POND - (April 4) Fishing success is considered “fair” for trout by using worms or powerbait. Keep your eyes open and you might be lucky enough to watch the local osprey (fish hawk) diving for trout!…He has been active on the pond this week. Officer Bagley reminds anglers that the pond is closed to angling at 10:00 p.m. each night. Remember that regulations include: Limit 4 fish (Daily bag and possession limit is a total of 4 fish in the aggregate for all species, for example: 1 trout, 2 channel catfish and 1 bluegill.) Bass, bluegill and channel catfish are also in these waters.

SPRING LAKE - (April 4) Officer Shawn Bagley reports light fishing pressure and “some” success.

PAYSON LAKES – (April 4) Officer Bagley reports Gate is still locked.

Vernon, Granstville & Settlement Canyon Reservoirs (Tooele Co.) (April 4) -
No report this week. Last week’s report indicated reports of fair success. Angler Ken Broadhead reports “My brother caught a 42 inch 17.8 lb brown in Grantsville Reservoir. His name is Robert Broadhead. He caught the brown on a bubble and fly and on 4 lb test line.”

MILL HOLLOW - Drained! No fish until 2009!

SANPETE CO. WATERS (April 4) – Ice is off Palisade, Nine Mile and Gunnison. Officer Bradley reports slow to fair success.

Email your fishing reports on central region waters to scottroot@utah.gov

Flaming Gorge Fast Rainbow Trout Fishing

Shore and boat anglers catching lots of rainbows at Flaming Gorge

Dutch John -- If you’d like to catch some big rainbow trout, right now is the time to hit Flaming Gorge Reservoir in northeastern Utah.

In April, the rainbow trout fishing at Flaming Gorge can be amazing.

Getting In on the Action

During April and early May, mature rainbows in Flaming Gorge move to locations that both shore and boat anglers can easily access. These areas include points that jut into the reservoir and shorelines covered with small to medium-sized rocks. Although the rainbows can’t spawn successfully without running water, they move to these areas anyway, thinking they’d make good spawning locations.

Some of the best spots to try at Flaming Gorge include Sheep Creek Bay, Hideout Canyon, Lucerne Marina, Linwood Bay, Kingfisher Island, Antelope Flat, Swim Beach, Mustang Ridge and Sunny Cove.

Most points, boat ramps and bays in the Wyoming end of the reservoir also produce chunky spring rainbows.

Fish up to 25 inches have already been caught at Flaming Gorge this month.

Tips for Success

If you’re fishing from shore, try casting a 1/16 to 1/8 oz.
dark-colored jig out to deeper water and then reel the jig to shore.

If the water isn’t too deep, fishing a night crawler below a bobber also works well. Fishing on the bottom of the reservoir, with a single marshmallow near the eye of the hook and a night crawler below it, is also a good technique.

Spinners, spoons and small minnow lures also work well. If the fish are following your lure, but they won’t hit it, try reeling your lure in a little slower, or try fishing with smaller lures.

Fly anglers can find success using dark-colored wooly buggers, streamers or leech patterns with sinking line. Trolling along rocky shorelines in a float tube, with a fly trailing behind you, is an effective technique. A slower presentation seems to be especially effective this time of the year.

The same techniques that work from shore will also work from a boat.
You’ll be fishing the deeper water on points and rocky shorelines, just like shore anglers do. The only difference is you’ll be casting in the opposite direction: you’ll cast your lure or bait into shallow water and then reel it into the deeper water where your boat is.

Make sure you let your jigs and lures sink deep enough to get down to where the fish are.

Handling Fish

Some of the fish you catch may be mature females. They’ll release eggs when you handle them. Since these fish don’t spawn successfully in the reservoir, making them release eggs isn’t a problem.

If you plan to release the fish you catch, try and keep them in the water, and use a pair of pliers to remove the hook. Also, try to keep the amount of time you spend touching the fish to a minimum. And don’t be afraid to take some of the fish you catch home; Flaming Gorge rainbows are as tasty as they get!

Start Your Fishing Season Right

In recent years, this fantastic rainbow fishing at Flaming Gorge has lasted into the first two weeks in May. Beginning about mid-May, the mature rainbows return to deeper water in the reservoir and are harder to access.

If you’re looking for fishing and great scenery, give Flaming Gorge a try over the next few weeks. You'll probably be glad you did!

Lake Powell Fishing Report

April 4, 2007
By Wayne Gustaveson
Lake Elevation: 3599
Water Temp: 56 66 F


Warming is now more gradual and timely than the warm spell
encountered in March. Each morning the temperature climbs another
notch toward the magical 60 degree mark that ushers in the glory of
spring fishing at Lake Powell. If the thermometer reads 58 in the
morning bass will be biting by afternoon. If the morning reading is
64 then bass will spawn. As I write this the temperature reading is
57. I am going fishing anyway.

While waiting for bass to start the spring feeding frenzy, fish can
be readily caught with soft plastic tubes and grubs fished slowly
along the bottom. Largemouth from 3 7 pounds are still active and
waiting. Fishing for big green bass during March was more productive
than during any similar period during this decade. That great fishing
will be supplemented by a similar occurrence of big bronze smallmouth
later this month. This peak in big bass production results from the
big forage years from 2002 to 2005. Enjoy the reward of that
production by spending some time on each fishing trip pursuing bass.

While bass fishing is better in the afternoon and evening when water
reaches its warmest point, stripers are hitting in fits and spurts
all day long. There is consistent catching at the historic spots
along the main channel. At any time of day there will be active
stripers biting in one of the following locations.

The dam has striper schools moving in and out and along both canyon
walls. Patience will be rewarded with a school of moving fish coming
under your boat. They are not bashful about eating once they get in range.

If your arrival at the dam is in between schools then try Buoy 1 at
the intersection of Wahweap Creek and Main channel. From there the
next stop is the mouth of Antelope canyon and the first corner inside
the canyon. From there, move uplake past Antelope marina to the Power
Plant Intake area where moving current attracts stripers. The intake
is under the chain link fence on the canyon rim on the right hand
side of the channel when headed upstream.

Buoy 9, a bit further upstream marks a good rockslide and a cove that
are very good striper holding spots. At any location lots of chumming
with finely cut anchovies followed by a chunk of bait on a jig head,
Carolina rig, or with no weight at all will entice hungry stripers
into your boat.

My favorite fishing strategy this week is to fish the backs of the
canyons for whatever I can catch. Use a tube, grub or jerk bait to
fish the shore and rock structure for whatever bites. Bass, stripers,
walleye, crappie and sunfish will be encountered along the way. I
have small baits for panfish and big baits for stripers and bass all
hooked up and ready on a variety of rods. When a pod of active fish
is detected just pick up the correct rod and catch fish. It is
exciting fishing.

I prefer Rock Creek and Last Chance for fast fishing in the spring.

FISHING REPORT FOR THE NORTHEASTERN REGION OF UTAH

Quagga Mussels, a close relative of the Zebra Mussel, were found in Lake Mead in January and it is likely boaters and anglers will transport them into Utah waters if precautions aren’t taken. This invasive species has completely crashed productive sport and commercial fisheries in the Great Lakes, eastern and southern waters and has caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to agriculture, power production and water supply systems. To prevent their spread, anglers and boaters should: remove any visible mud, vegetation, fish and other critters before transporting equipment; eliminate all water from boat and equipment – dry completely or treat chemically; clean and dry everything that came into contact with water including boats, trailers, fishing equipment, other equipment, clothing and even pets before going to another water; never transport or release plants, fish, or other animals into another body of water.

Changes since the last report: the warm spell continues to accelerate melting of snow and ice. With the melt comes muddy roads and slushy snow/ice conditions. Most mid to low elevation lakes and reservoirs are ice-free.

Warning: Whirling disease has been found in the Northeastern Region on both the north and south slope of the Uinta Mountains. It is believed anglers are now the main source of movement of the parasite that causes Whirling Disease. To avoid spreading the disease, do not move fish or fish parts from one water to another. Clean the fish well away from the water and dispose of the unwanted parts in the garbage. If that’s not possible then bury it in a deep hole or burn it completely. One infected fish carcass can contain over a million spores. Also, make sure to clean, dry and sterilize waders, live wells and other fishing gear before venturing to another water or above a diversion (such as a small dam) which are being built to stop the movement of infected fish.

BIG SAND WASH RESERVOIR The reservoir is ice-free with no new reports. Should be fair to good fishing for trout. The reservoir was drained, the dam checked, it passed inspection and is being refilled. The Division stocked catchable fish last summer and plans to stock more catchables and fingerlings to provide immediate and long-term fisheries.

BULLOCK/COTTONWOOD RESERVOIRS Several reports of fair to good fishing for rainbows and a few tiger musky being taken. If warm weather holds, bass should soon be hitting. Small boats can be launched from undeveloped sites near the dams. Reservoirs are located approximately 5 miles north of the town of Gusher.

BROUGH RESERVOIR No new reports other than ice free. Note: Trophy catch and release regulations, please read proclamation. To get to Brough, take State Route 88 south from US Route 40 (Ouray Road). Turn west at the second dirt road past the high power lines. Follow this road approximately 2 miles staying to the left at each main fork. Road can be quite rutted.

BROWNIE / SPIRIT LAKE No new reports. Still snow in the high country, access to both lakes is by skis or snowmobiles. Warning: whirling disease has been found in this area, please make sure to clean, dry and sterilize waders, live wells and other fishing gear before venturing to another water. Also do not clean fish or dump fish parts taken from one water into another lake or stream, as this will also move whirling disease.

CALDER /CROUSE RESERVOIRS Anglers report fair to good fishing. Roads accessible but may be muddy, especially with recent rain and snow. The new “trophy ” regulation for Calder began January 1, 2007. Check ice condition carefully as reservoir is likely filling and so water wells up along the edges. Please read proclamation for details on regulations.

CURRANT CREEK RESERVOIR No new reports. Lake likely has ice but melting quickly. Check ice edge thickness carefully before venturing out. The road has been kept open to the dam.

EAST PARK / OAKS PARK No new reports, Reservoirs likely still have an ice cap but should have open areas along edges.

FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR Utah portion of the reservoir is ice free with possible icebergs in the shaded canyon areas, in the backs of sheltered bays and in Wyoming north of Buckboard. Utah ramps are open to boat launching.

Lake Trout Fishing: Fair to good. Catching fish in the area near Mustang, Jarvies and Sheep Creek. Try the traditional areas, over humps and off points. Try jigging and trolling in 30 to 60 feet of water, which usually works well. Look for flats adjacent to the old river channel and also look for suspended fish. Use downriggers to troll spoons and minnow plugs a few feet off the bottom. Good colors for spoons and plugs include chartreuse, orange and white. Good jig colors are white, brown and chartreuse. Try tipping jigs with a small chunk of sucker meat if you can see them on your graph but can't get them to bite with a plain jig. 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.

Kokanee Fishing: No reports, typically slow until May.

Rainbow Fishing: Good fishing for rainbows in Sheep Creek bay and other inflow areas in the canyon. Most areas where current is entering reservoir attract rainbows in early spring. Also look for large rainbows near boat ramps as mature fish may return to where they were stocked. If fishing from a boat try trolling spoons or rapalas with at least 150 ft of line out or use planer boards. Most colors of spoons and minnow lures will work but go with lures in the one to two inch sizes. Should be good from shore now that ice has melted. Shore fishing is possible from most areas south of Buckboard. Spring is the best time of year to catch large rainbows from shore at the Gorge. If bait fishing, try suspending a worm 4 to 6 feet below a bobber if fish are surfacing or close to surface. If fishing on bottom, try a worm and marshmallow combo to keep the bait off the bottom.

Burbot Fishing: Try fishing with jigs late in the afternoon or early morning on points coming into reservoir. 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 have made their way into the reservoir and could have a major impact on other fish species. They 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.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing: No reports, typically slow fishing until May.

GREEN RIVER - Base flows are currently 800 cfs with no fluctuations during the day. Double peaking flows ended Mar. 5th. UDWR will be working with the BOR and Western Area Power Administration to evaluate impacts that may have occurred to the trout fishery during this winter's double peaking flow regime. Due to low snowpack conditions, approximately 60% of normal in the Green River drainage, flows should remain at 800 cfs until spring high flows for threatened and endangered fish occur sometime in May or June depending on water conditions. Summer conditions should also be low, 1200 to 1500 CFS average, unless March and April are very wet months. Visit the Bureau of Reclamation website www.uc.usbr.gov for the latest information on flows.

Currently, fair to good fishing on the river. Midge hatches are occurring on warmer days. Other hatches should occur toward the end of the month. Please remember the slot limit size range has changed from 13 to 20 inch to 15 to 22 inches to make regulations more consistent statewide.

Some reports of good fishing using woolly buggars, egg patterns and various nymph patterns. Other flies to try include: Two-bead midge #22-24, Para Adams #20-26, Griffith's Gnat #20-24, Tungsten Zebra Midges #14-16 in brown & red, small scuds in olive & grey #18-22, Glo-bugs #12-14 in all colors, San Juan Worms, red #14-12. RS2's and WD 40's gray, olive or wine #18-24 Streamers such as #2-6 Buggers in tan, black or olive, Goldilox Buggers, and Double Bunnies. Visit the following web site to see up to date flies and lures that are catching fish. www.fishgreenriver.com.

Spin fishermen should try small rapalas (floating, countdown and husky jerk); spinners; black, brown or olive marabou jigs; and tube jigs. Please check to see that your tube jigs contain no fish attracting scents as they are illegal to use in the river. New Zealand Mudsnail densities have dramatically increased in several localized areas near Little Hole, and have been documented in most areas of the river. Please thoroughly clean mud and vegetation from waders, boats and fishing gear; and if possible, completely dry equipment before leaving the area. A hot water bath (120 degrees Fahrenheit) will kill mudsnails, and spraying equipment with 409 or a similar soap solution before drying will increase effectiveness.

GREEN RIVER (lower) Water level is low. No new reports from anglers. Lower sections are clear of ice but with muddy water.

MATT WARNER RESERVOIR Single report of slow fishing, person accessing reservoir went through a lot of mud and the last of the snow drifts. Roads likely will be much more accessible by next weekend.

MOON LAKE No new reports. With the warm weather conditions we have received it’s likely access is good to the Lake and there is also likely to be open water along the edges. If there is ice, then check carefully, especially along the edges, before venturing out. Also be aware of pressure ridges and breaks if crossing, especially with a vehicle. The lake contains a variety of trout and kokanee.

PELICAN LAKE Lake is ice-free but no reports from anglers.

RED FLEET RESERVOIR Reservoir ice cap came off two weeks ago. Anglers report fair to good fishing for rainbows. Should also be a good time to try for larger brown trout.

STARVATION RESERVOIR Reservoir ice is gone. Reports are of good fishing for trout including a few large browns. No reports yet for walleye, bass or yellow perch.

STEINAKER RESERVOIR Reservoir ice cap melted/blew off two weeks. Reports of fair to good fishing form shore and from boats for browns and rainbows including some larger fish being taken.

UINTA MOUNTAIN LAKES AND STREAMS No new reports from the mountain. Have heard of some fair to good fishing on lower streams. Mountain lakes still have ice and snow. Try brightly colored lures or jigs tipped with a mealworm or piece of night crawler. Fishing success on mountain lakes and streams can be spotty so if one hole or lake isn’t producing try moving to another. With over 400 managed fisheries on the South Slope alone, it’s easy to find a new place to fish. Always go prepared for serious weather, as the Uinta Mountains are well known for frequent unexpected storms and high winds. Note: The Uinta Mountains have a four trout limit with a bonus of four more brook trout - see proclamation for details.

FISHING REPORT FOR THE CENTRAL REGION OF UTAH

STRAWBERRY RESERVOIR - (April 4) Officer Paul Davis and Strawberry Project Leader Alan Ward both report that the mouth of the rivers feeding the reservoir are starting to open up.” The ladders has considerable open water now. Still reports thick ice over 14 inches on much of the reservoir still. Fishing success is fair. ATV’s and snowmobiles not recommended because they may get stuck and the edges will be softening up soon. Wear waterproof boots. Anglers report that early morning hours are best and many different types of bait-tipped jigs are producing fish. Move around to different locations and fish at different depths until you find the schools of fish. Regulations for the reservoir include: Limit 4 trout or kokanee salmon in the aggregate. No more than 2 may be cutthroat trout under 15 inches and no more than 1 may be a cutthroat over 22 inches in length. All cutthroat between 15 and 22 inches must be immediately released (any trout with cutthroat markings is considered a cutthroat). Don't feel compelled to harvest fish on every trip. Please do your part to ensure the future of this heavily utilized fishery by voluntarily releasing fish!

JORDANELLE RESERVOIR (April 4) Open water and boat anglers report good success by trolling with various lures and jigs. Shore anglers report fair to good success with baits. Bass limit is 6. All bass over 12 inches must be immediately released.

DEER CREEK RESERVOIR (April 4) Open water! Officer Paul Davis reports “Deer Creek is crowded and the fishing from boats and float tubes seem to be effective. Shore fishing is slow but they are catching a few.”
Bass limit 6. All bass over 12 inches must be immediately released. Walleye limit has been increased this year to 10 but only one over 24 inches may be kept.

UTAH LAKE - (April 4) Officer Bagley reports “The Lake is open water. White bass fishing and large mouth bass are being caught near Mill Race (SW Provo). Limited success on walleye.” Officer Chad Bettridge reports “The white bass have picked up quite a lot in all of the marinas. They have also caught some big catfish at both the State Park and Lindon. The walleye have started stacking at the reclamation plant and Sandy Beach. Remind anglers of the regulations on the tributaries.” Try twist tail grubs or minnows for best luck on walleye. Lake level is high. tributaries to Utah Lake are closed from March 1st to May 1st Walleye limit has been changed this year to 10 but only one can be over 24 inches. There is no limit on white bass. largemouth and smallmouth bass limit is 6...but... All largemouth and smallmouth bass over 12 inches must be immediately released. For more information on conditions call Utah Lake State Park at (801) 375-0731.

YUBA RESERVOIR (April 4) Officer Jay Topham report “I have been to yuba several times. Fishing for trout has been good. Use a jakes spin a lure in the gravel beds to catch them spawning. Some are catching them on bait to. The perch are starting to show up. Some people are catching them. You may put in the letter that all perch must me immdiately released.” For more info call the State Park @ 435-758-2611.

PROVO RIVER (April 4) Officer Dave Swenson reports “The middle Provo river is fishing quite well using midge patterns, emergers, and blue wings. Fish midday as the hatches come off.” Two Notices- #1: Just received notice that a Drop Structure will be removed from the middle section of the Provo River located just downstream from Jordanelle Dam beginning on April 9th. Work is expected to last for about one month. The drop structure is a sill placed across the river channel many years ago to back water up so that water could be diverted for irrigation. To try and minimize impacts to anglers, work will not be performed in the river channel from Friday to Sunday during this time. During construction, some muddy water will go down stream during work hours.

Notice #2: tributaries to Utah Lake are closed from March 1st to May 1st (see proclamation for specifics).
Please read the proclamation for regulations since there are different regs on different stretches of the Provo. For example, Between Charleston Bridge and the Legacy Bridge (near Midway) the use of bait is allowed and a standard limit of 4 trout (any trout species and any size). Do your part to 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.

Little Dell Reservoir (April 4) Fair to good fishing for the cutts on this “artificial fly and lure only water” Remember that it is also a “Catch and Release only” water!

BURRASTON PONDS - (April 4) Fair to good fishing success.

DIAMOND FORK RIVER - (April 4) Success continues to be reported as “slow to fair” using flies, lures or bait. NOTICE: The DWR treated the stream in September of 2006 with rotenone from Three Forks to it’s headwaters to remove all fish (mostly browns). Over 20,000 Bonneville cutthroat trout fingerlings were stocked on Halloween into this area to help restore this sensitive species and to provide anglers a good sport fishery. The restoration stretch is closed to fishing but the first 10 miles of Diamond Fork (from the turnoff of Hwy 6) is not effected by this treatment and anglers report slow success for brown trout. Remember: that on Diamond Fork...from Springville Crossing to it headwaters is “artificial flies and lures only” and it is closed to the possession of cutthroat trout.

DANIELS CANYON CREEK (April 4) – Clear water and fair to good fishing.

HOBBLE CREEK & CATCH BASIN - (April 4) Slow to fair fishing success.

THISTLE CREEK (April 4) – Officer Shawn Bagley reports light pressure with fair to good success.

SALT LAKE WATERS (April 4) Officer Ray Loken reports “High lakes ( Silver, Red Pine, White Pine, Mary, Twin, etc.) still frozen over and inaccessible.

Mountain Dell Reservoir: Closed to fishing.

Little Dell Reservoir: Special regulations in place (artificial flies and lures only, all cutthroat trout must be immediately released). Little Dell is currently open (ice is gone) and fishing is slow for cutthroat and brook trout.

Mountain Dell Creek (from Little Dell Reservoir water line upstream to headwaters): Special regulations in place (artificial flies and lures only, all cutthroat trout must be immediately released, closed to fishing January 2, 2007 until July 14, 2007).

Mill Creek: Fishing is slow for holdover rainbow trout stocked last summer.

Big Cottonwood Creek: Fishing is slow for brook trout and rainbow trout in the upper reaches of the creek and slow for brown trout in the middle and lower reaches of the stream. Anglers with experience in wintertime stream fishing will have better success than those using bait fishing techniques that are effective in the summer.”

Officer Mike Roach reports “Willow pond is fishing well although the weather has been a little colder. It does not appear that the other Urban ponds have not receive any fish this year. The Jordan river is running very high and you should stay clear of the banks and water. I checked fisher persons on big cottonwood creek and they are catching small brown trout. People are starting to fish Little Del Res. and when the weather is good fishing can be good.”

AMERICAN FORK RIVER - (April 4) Fair success by using flies or worms. Light fishing pressure.

TIBBLE FORK RESERVOIR (April 4) – Open water. Success is reported as fair by using traditional baits.

SPANISH OAKS RES. (April 4) – Officer Bagley reports the lake is now open, stocked and has little pressure!

SALEM POND - (April 4) Fishing success is considered “fair” for trout by using worms or powerbait. Keep your eyes open and you might be lucky enough to watch the local osprey (fish hawk) diving for trout!…He has been active on the pond this week. Officer Bagley reminds anglers that the pond is closed to angling at 10:00 p.m. each night. Remember that regulations include: Limit 4 fish (Daily bag and possession limit is a total of 4 fish in the aggregate for all species, for example: 1 trout, 2 channel catfish and 1 bluegill.) Bass, bluegill and channel catfish are also in these waters.

SPRING LAKE - (April 4) Officer Shawn Bagley reports light fishing pressure and “some” success.

PAYSON LAKES – (April 4) Officer Bagley reports Gate is still locked.

Vernon, Granstville & Settlement Canyon Reservoirs (Tooele Co.) (April 4) -
No report this week. Last week’s report indicated reports of fair success. Angler Ken Broadhead reports “My brother caught a 42 inch 17.8 lb brown in Grantsville Reservoir. His name is Robert Broadhead. He caught the brown on a bubble and fly and on 4 lb test line.”

MILL HOLLOW - Drained! No fish until 2009!

SANPETE CO. WATERS (April 4) – Ice is off Palisade, Nine Mile and Gunnison. Officer Bradley reports slow to fair success.

Email your fishing reports on central region waters to scottroot@utah.gov

FISHING REPORT FOR SOUTHEASTERN UTAH

GENERAL Ice fishing is over. Spring is here!

ABAJO MOUNTAINS San Juan County reservoirs are ice-free. A lot of trout over-wintered at Foy Reservoir. They are jumping like popcorn in a popper! Fishing at Lloyd’s Lake ranges from fair to good. Blanding #3 and #4 offer good fishing with baits or spinners. Recapture Reservoir is still slow.

ELECTRIC LAKE Open water occurs on the north end. The ice is slushy. Try open-water angling elsewhere.

HUNTINGTON CREEK Angler pressure has been low. In the fly-only zone, try a #12 beadhead Montana, drifted along the bottom. Below the forks, worms and salmon eggs have been good.

HUNTINGTON NORTH STATE PARK Some nice bass (up to 16 inches) are still being taken from the shoreline. Fishing has been mostly slow for trout, although some folks have had luck by slowly retrieving lures in shallow water.

HUNTINGTON RESERVOIR (also known as MAMMOTH RESERVOIR)
No report. Tiger trout range from 12-17 inches. Closed to the possession of cutthroat trout.

JOES VALLEY RESERVOIR Aquatics Biologist Justin Hart fished on 3-29-07 with little success. He decided to wait a week or so for the water to warm up. Try a whole chub or a 3-inch curlytail grub on a ¼ oz. jighead, tipped with chub meat. April and May are traditionally the best months to fish Joes Valley for trophy-size splake. Several 7-10 pounders are caught each spring. Special regulations apply. Please refer to the 2007 fishing guide.

LAKE POWELL Visit http://www.wayne@wayneswords.com for the fishing report, provided by Wayne Gustaveson, DWR project leader.

LASAL MOUNTAINS Fishing success at Ken’s Lake has been sporadic. Deeper water offers the best fishing. Angler Tom Ogden has had good success with size 8 white sparkle leeches or size 8 orange/green sparkle leeches.

LOWER FISH CREEK Aquatics Biologist Kenny Breidinger fished last Sunday and caught six browns, one tiger and a chub. The bite was light. He used dark-colored beadhead nymphs, fished near the bottom.

MILLSITE RESERVOIR Fishing continues to be good for 12-15 inch trout. Try a Jake’s Spin-a-Lure or pink PowerBait.

SCOFIELD RESERVOIR The shoreline is open and fishable. Dedicated Hunter Thad Whiteside made several trips to Scofield Reservoir last weekend to interview anglers. Fishermen, who used worms injected with air, seemed to have the fastest action. Anglers, using egg sacks, seemed to catch the biggest fish. Thad noted that one angler, using salmon eggs, caught a 3.8 pounder. The morning was productive with the bite occurring at 15-minute intervals. The early evening, from 4-6 p.m., was also good. Thad described fishing as great! A report came in from Boone Kummer who had good luck in the morning on the east side. He fished with egg sacks in 10-15 feet of water, and caught a 16-inch tiger and 12-14 inch rainbows and cutthroats. Last Sunday, Tom Ogden fished the southwest side from waders. He had best luck with a black leech on a size 8 hook. Tom said that all fish lay on the bottom. In four hours, he caught nine trout, which included rainbows, cutts and tigers. All ranged from 15-17 inches.

FISHING REPORT FOR THE SOUTHERN REGION OF UTAH

BAKER RESERVOIR: Fishing has been slow, but could pick up at any time. Recent sampling found good numbers of hold-over rainbows and few larger browns.

BARKER RESERVOIRS, NORTH CREEK LAKES: Barker Reservoir and Lower Barker Reservoir are open to year-round fishing. Dougherty Basin is closed until July 14. All other lakes in the basin are closed until April 21. Access is limited to ATV and snowmobile.

BEAVER MOUNTAIN LAKES: The roads on Beaver Mountain are still snowpacked and the lakes are ice covered, although the ice is getting soft. Fishing on the lakes is not recommended until the ice goes.

BEAVER RIVER, LOWER: Water is low and a little turbid. Fishing pressure has increased lately. Good success reported for browns and the occasional rainbow using wooly buggers and flashy spinners. Some midge and mayfly hatches in the afternoon. Much of the river is on private property, so please treat the area with respect. Much of the private land is open to walk-in access, but some is closed to trespass so watch for signs.

BEAVER RIVER, UPPER: The ice is leaving the Beaver River in Beaver Canyon. There are stretches of water with no ice cover, so there are plenty of places to fish on the river. 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.

BOULDER MTN LAKES: MOST BOULDER MTN. LAKES ARE CLOSED UNTIL APRIL 21. Check the proclamation for which lakes are open year-round. Mostly snowed in and only accessible by ATV or snowmobile.

CHALK CREEK: Small stream east of Fillmore. Little fishing pressure.

CLEAR CREEK: Small stream along I-70 by Fremont Indian State Park. Very little pressure. Turbidity has been up lately.

CORN CREEK: Little pressure. No recent reports

DUCK CREEK/ASPEN MIRROR: CLOSED to fishing until April 21. Duck Creek stream is included in the closure.

EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER—KINGSTON CANYON: No reports of fishing. There is public access on a section of Kingston Canyon midway through the canyon that was purchased through the Blue Ribbon Program. Look for the signs. Most of the remainder of the canyon is private and posted, so ask permission first.

EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER—BLACK CANYON: Turbidity has been up recently. For the section of river from the BLM property boundary (about 4 miles south of Antimony) upstream to the confluence with Deer Creek, special regulations include the use of artificial flies and lures only and a limit of 2 trout. Some private land is closed to trespass, so watch for the signs.

EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER—ABOVE TROPIC RES.: No recent reports. Access should be improving.

ENTERPRISE RESERVOIR (Upper and Lower): Ice is gone, the shoreline is fairly muddy. Good success reported for rainbows casting a wooly bugger from shore. Water has been released from the upper reservoir in preparation for dam repairs, and the water is about 1/3 capacity. Lower reservoir is near full capacity. Catchable rainbows will be stocked in the lower reservoir soon.


FISH LAKE: Ice is still 18 inches thick at the lake and the edges have remained mostly solid. Fishing has been good for splake, rainbows, and perch. The best perch fishing has been on the north side of the lake near Joe Bush. The ice is expected to remain safe for about two more weeks depending on wind and temp.
Note: A few tiger muskies have moved up from Johnson Reservoir in the last year. The general statewide limits on tiger muskie apply here - 1 fish, which must be over 40 inches.

FORSYTH RESERVOIR: Should have open water. No recent reports. Please prevent the spread of WHIRLING DISEASE. DO NOT TRANSPORT any parts of fish caught here to other waters.

FREMONT RIVER: The section upstream from Mill Meadow Reservoir has abundant brown trout. The lower sections of stream can be good at any time of year if the water is not turbid. Much of the lower stream is on private land. Ask for permission before fishing on private land. 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.

GUNNISON BEND RESERVOIR, DMAD: No recent reports. Little to no pressure. Please respect private property surrounding the reservoir.

GUNLOCK RESERVOIR: No recent reports. A fish consumption advisory has been issued for largemouth bass from Gunlock. It is recommended that adults limit their consumption of largemouth bass to two 8-oz portions per month. Women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should limit their consumption to one 4-oz portion per month. For further details, check the news release on the DWR website. Remember special regulations for bass - 4 bass under 10 inches and 2 over 20 inches.

JOHNSON RESERVOIR: No fishing pressure. Tiger muskie action will be slow to non-existent until late spring. The reservoir contains a great abundance of suckers, Utah chubs, and small yellow perch. Special regulations: Whole fish and amphibians are not allowed as bait. Cut bait must be no longer than one inch in any dimension and only one piece per hook. Limit one tiger musky over 40 inches—all tiger muskies less than 40 inches must be immediately released.

KOLOB RESERVOIR: Kolob Reservoir is still not accessible due to the snow levels. You can drive to within three miles of the lake. The ice is thin and getting closer to leaving. Tributaries are closed to fishing until July 14. Special regulations include artificial flies and lures only, with a limit of 1 trout, which must be over 18 inches. Scented jigs are not allowed. Please call the poaching hotline (1-800-662-DEER) to report violations.

KOOSHAREM RESERVOIR: Ice is unsafe. Edges have not started melting yet. No fishing pressure observed. No recent reports.

LOWER BOWNS RESERVOIR: Lake is iced over. No fishing pressure.

MAMMOTH CREEK: Turbidity can vary day to day. Try nymphs for browns and possibly white fish near the confluence with the Sevier River. Public access is possible on some of Mammoth Creek west of Highway 89. Special regulations apply to a section of Mammoth Creek—check the proclamation for details. Please prevent the spread of WHIRLING DISEASE. DO NOT TRANSPORT any parts of fish caught here to other waters.

MILL MEADOW RESERVOIR: Should have open water. No recent reports. Remember that the perch limit is 20. Please prevent the spread of WHIRLING DISEASE. DO NOT TRANSPORT any parts of fish caught here to other waters.

MINERSVILLE RESERVOIR: Ice is gone. Fishing pressure is picking up again and should be moderate by the weekend. Fishing is not red-hot, but is fair to good. Fly fishing from the shore is successful right now. Special regulations include artificial flies and lures only, with a limit of 1 trout, which must be over 22 inches. Scented jigs are not allowed. Please call the poaching hotline (1-800-662-DEER) to report violations.
Please prevent the spread of WHIRLING DISEASE. DO NOT TRANSPORT any parts of fish caught here to other waters.

MONROE MOUNTAIN LAKES: Inaccessible due to snow. These lakes typically don’t get much ice fishing pressure. Manning Meadow Reservoir is closed until July 14.

NAVAJO LAKE: Gate is locked—access by snowmobile. No recent reports.

NEWCASTLE RESERVOIR: Ice is gone. One report of slow fishing.

OTTER CREEK RESERVOIR: From the weekend of March 10: The ice is melting fast. Most of the shoreline has about 50-100 feet of open water around it. Remaining ice is unsafe. Shore anglers doing well on fat rainbows by casting lures early in the morning or by using bait. Green or yellow powerbait has been very productive. Boat ramp is still iced in. Pressure has been medium to heavy on weekends. Please prevent the spread of WHIRLING DISEASE. DO NOT TRANSPORT any parts of fish caught here to other waters.

PANGUITCH LAKE: NEW REGULATIONS NOW IN EFFECT: Limit is 4 trout, which must be less than 15 inches or over 22 inches. All trout 15 to 22 inches must be released. Most tributaries (see proclamation for which streams this applies to) are closed until July 14. Ice is 18 inches thick. Fishing is fair for rainbows up to 15”, with an occasional larger rainbow or cutthroat. Try jigging ice flies and light-colored jigs tipped with mealworms or night crawlers.

PARAGONAH (RED CREEK) RESERVOIR: Access is difficult due to snow. No recent reports. Tributaries are closed until July 14.

PINE LAKE: No recent reports.

PINE VALLEY RESERVOIR: No recent reports.

PIUTE RESERVOIR: Most of the ice is gone. Fishing from shore has been fair to good for large rainbows. A few small boats have been on the water. Please use caution until the ice is completely gone. Pressure has been medium to heavy on weekends.

QUAIL LAKE: Trout fishing is starting to pick up again. Pop gear and worm, or powerbait in 20 feet have been producing. Bass and bluegill are still slow because water temps are low. Some bass have been picked up along the shore on the south side of the lake. Remember the special regulations for bass - 4 bass under 10 inches and 2 over 20 inches.

REDMOND LAKE: No recent reports.

REX RESERVOIR: No recent reports.

SAND COVE RESERVOIRS: Pressure has increased with warmer weather. Limited success in the upper reservoir for a few hold-over rainbows. Catchable rainbows will be stocked within the next month. Good success in the lower reservoir for small largemouth bass.

SAND HOLLOW RESERVOIR: Bass fishing is still slow due to water temperature. Fishing could pick up at any time. Special regulations for bass - 4 bass under 10 inches and 2 over 20 inches. Public access to the reservoir is available only through the State Park.

SEVIER RIVER (UPPER), ASAY CREEK: Turbidity varies from day to day. Most of the trout water on the upper Sevier is located upstream (south) from the town of Hatch. Intermittent sections of good habitat are present above Hatch and easily accessible from Highway 89. Asay Creek west of Highway 89 is on private land and access is restricted.

SEVIER RIVER—MARYSVALE CANYON: Medium flow. Water is fishable, no recent reports.
THOUSAND LAKES MTN: Mostly snowed in and only accessible by 4 wheeler or snowmobile. Lakes should all be iced over.

TROPIC RESERVOIR: No pressure, no reports.

URBAN PONDS: Hurricane Pond has been very productive for trout. Power Bait has been best. Catch and release only for largemouth bass. Anglers 14 years or older need a valid Utah fishing license to fish at urban waters. Older anglers are requested to use artificial flies or lures.

WIDE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: Fishing has been good for rainbows.

YANKEE MEADOW RESERVOIR: Access may be difficult. No recent reports. Inlet stream is closed to fishing until July 14.

FISHING REPORT FOR SOUTHEASTERN UTAH

ABAJO MOUNTAINS Sergeant J Shirley reports good fishing at Blanding #4 Reservoir. Fishing has been slow at Recapture Reservoir.

CLEVELAND RESERVOIR Deep snow around the shoreline makes access difficult. Very little fishing pressure.

ELECTRIC LAKE Fishing has been fair. The lake remains iced over.

GIGLIOTTI POND The pond is ice-free. Conservation Officer Chris Pugliese says that fishing with nightcrawlers was good over the weekend.

HUNTINGTON CREEK Try a #12 beadhead Montana nymph, drifted along the bottom.

HUNTINGTON NORTH STATE PARK Ice is off. The water level is very low and will remain that way until work on the dam gates and spillway is completed in April. Jerry Jones fished last night and caught 8 rainbows and a bass on a gold Jake’s Spin-a-Lure. Over the weekend, fishing was fair with a worm dangling 4 feet below a bobber. Conservation Officer Chris Pugliese says that crawdad fishing has been good.

HUNTINGTON RESERVOIR (also known as MAMMOTH RESERVOIR)
A blanket of snow covers a thick ice pack. Bring a snow shovel and auger extension. Fishing success has been sporadic, ranging from slow to fair. Try a chartreuse or white jig tipped with a nightcrawler and salmon egg, fished 12 inches off the bottom. Tiger trout range from 12-17 inches. Closed to the possession of cutthroat trout.

JOES VALLEY RESERVOIR Fishing is not recommended until ice-off. The ice cap is thinning dangerously. Special regulations apply. Please refer to the 2007 fishing guide.

LAKE POWELL Visit http://www.wayne@wayneswords.com for the fishing report, provided by Wayne Gustaveson, DWR project leader.

LASAL MOUNTAINS Kens Lake has thawed. Tom Ogden fished from a tube on Saturday, but battled high wind. He used a #8 copper-colored wooly bugger and hooked two fish. Brown trout range from 12-15 inches. Mountain reservoirs remain frozen and inaccessible.

LOWER FISH CREEK Tom Ogden recommends a #8 beadhead San Juan Worm, a #12 beadhead hares ear, or a #12 beadhead Montana nymph.

MILLSITE RESERVOIR State Park Manager Dan Richards reported that the reservoir opened up Over the weekend, he fished with his son and each took a limit of fish, trolling spoons behind his boat. Bait fishing from shore has been fair to good with worms and PowerBait.

SCOFIELD RESERVOIR Fishing success has been sporadic, ranging from poor to good, depending on the day and angler expertise. Reports of “slow” fishing far outnumber reports of “good” fishing. Shoreline ice tends to be soft and slushy, although the ice pack itself remains solid. Try a chartreuse tube jig, tipped with a mealworm and salmon egg. Some anglers have been using a nightcrawler tipped with PowerBait.

FISHING REPORT FOR THE CENTRAL REGION OF UTAH

STRAWBERRY RESERVOIR - (March 13) Ice fishing still occurring and anglers report fair success. About the only “ice-fishable” water in the central region. Ice is 16+ inches with a layer of slush on top. ATV’s and snowmobiles not recommended because they may get stuck. Anglers report that early morning hours are best and many different types of bait-tipped jigs are producing fish. Move around to different locations and fish at different depths until you find the schools of fish. Regulations for the reservoir include: Limit 4 trout or kokanee salmon in the aggregate. No more than 2 may be cutthroat trout under 15 inches and no more than 1 may be a cutthroat over 22 inches in length. All cutthroat between 15 and 22 inches must be immediately released (any trout with cutthroat markings is considered a cutthroat). Don't feel compelled to harvest fish on every trip. Please do your part to ensure the future of this heavily utilized fishery by voluntarily releasing fish!

JORDANELLE RESERVOIR (March 13) Getting more and more open water. Ice is weak, especially around the edges so please don’t ice fish at this time. Bass limit is 6. All bass over 12 inches must be immediately released.

DEER CREEK RESERVOIR (March 13) Unsafe ice. Expect ice-off in the near future. Bass limit 6. All bass over 12 inches must be immediately released. Walleye limit has been increased this year to 10 but only one over 24 inches may be kept.

UTAH LAKE - (March 13) Open water with just a few pockets of ice remaining. Boats can now be launched at the Lincoln Beach ramp. Anglers reporting fair success for white bass. A few small walleye have been caught but walleye success is very slow. tributaries to Utah Lake are closed from March 1st to May 1st Walleye limit has been changed this year to 10 but only one can be over 24 inches. There is no limit on white bass. largemouth and smallmouth bass limit is 6...but... All largemouth and smallmouth bass over 12 inches must be immediately released. For more information on conditions call Utah Lake State Park at (801) 375-0731.

YUBA RESERVOIR (March 13) State Park ranger reports about 15-20 feet of open water along the shoreline. Remaining ice is unsafe. Expect is off soon. Call the state park at (435) 758-2611 for current conditions. Perch success is fair to good BUT, the perch may not be kept at Yuba. For more info call the State Park.

PROVO RIVER (March 13) Good fishing on most stretches of the river. Midge hatches occurring daily and nymph fishing producing good success as well. Notice: tributaries to Utah Lake are closed from March 1st to May 1st (see proclamation for specifics).
Please read the proclamation for regulations since there are different regs on different stretches of the Provo. For example, Between Charleston Bridge and the Legacy Bridge (near Midway) the use of bait is allowed and a standard limit of 4 trout (any trout species and any size). Do your part to 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.

BURRASTON PONDS - (March 13) Slow fishing success.

DIAMOND FORK RIVER - (March 13) Success continues to be reported as “slow to fair” using flies, lures or bait. NOTICE: The DWR treated the stream in September of 2006 with rotenone from Three Forks to it’s headwaters to remove all fish (mostly browns). Over 20,000 Bonneville cutthroat trout fingerlings were stocked on Halloween into this area to help restore this sensitive species and to provide anglers a good sport fishery. The restoration stretch is closed to fishing but the first 10 miles of Diamond Fork (from the turnoff of Hwy 6) is not effected by this treatment and anglers report slow success for brown trout. Remember: that on Diamond Fork...from Springville Crossing to it headwaters is “artificial flies and lures only” and it is closed to the possession of cutthroat trout.

HOBBLE CREEK & CATCH BASIN - (March 13) Slow fishing success.

THISTLE CREEK (March 13) –Light pressure with fair success.

SALT LAKE WATERS (March 13) Fishing success is reported to be “fair”. Stocking should begin next month.

AMERICAN FORK RIVER - (March 13) Fair success by using flies or worms. Light fishing pressure.

TIBBLE FORK RESERVOIR (March 13) – Open water now! The inlet is producing some trout by using worms or even flies. Success on the main body of the lake is reported as fair by using traditional baits.

SPANISH OAKS RES. (March 13) – No report this week but expect gate to be locked and no vehicle access to reservoir until March.

SALEM POND - (March 13) Fishing success is considered “fair to good” for trout by using worms or powerbait. Remember that regulations include: Limit 4 fish (Daily bag and possession limit is a total of 4 fish in the aggregate for all species, for example: 1 trout, 2 channel catfish and 1 bluegill.) Bass, bluegill and channel catfish are also in these waters.

SPRING LAKE - (March 13) Slow fishing.

PAYSON LAKES - (March 13) Gate is locked for the season and no vehicle access.

Vernon, Granstville & Settlement Canyon Reservoirs (Tooele Co.) (March 13) -
Open water with reports of fair success.

MILL HOLLOW - Drained! No fish until 2009!

SANPETE CO. WATERS (March 13) – No report this week but expect unsafe ice on many waters and some lower elevation waters will have open water.

Email your fishing reports on central region waters to scottroot@utah.gov

Fishing Report for the Northern Region of Utah

Blacksmith Fork River

Flows in the Blacksmith Fork have been a little off color however with the warm temperatures forecasted in the coming weeks look for the river to rise and become laden with sediment. Anglers have had success fishing with live worms and #2 silver mepps fishermen are also using gnats with some success.

East Canyon Reservoir and State Park

Fishing at East Canyon Reservoir is unsafe. Ice is melting fast and people can not get safely on the ice. Highway 65 (from I-80/Parleys Canyon) is closed. Use highway 66 from I-84 (Morgan). The fish cleaning station is closed. For current ice conditions contact East Canyon State Park at 801-829-6866.

Echo Reservoir

Ice is melting fast and people can not get safely on the ice.

Hyrum Reservoir and State Park

The State Park has posted unsafe ice condition signs at the reservoir. There is open water at the inlet and around the edges. With the warm weather that is forecast this week look for the ice that is left to deteriorate quickly.

Logan River

Warmer daytime temps have contributed to increased fish activity on the Logan River. Patterns that have been working during the past couple of weeks continue to do well: Zebra midges (both red and black Zebras), Bug Lites, Prince Nymphs, and Copper Johns. Try a Purple Haze or Stimulator as a strike indicator, as these patterns will occasionally bring fish up. Don’t overlook using a Brassie or Red Brassie with a bead head dropper. The best fishing has been at and above 2nd Dam and at 3rd Dam with some pretty strong days just above and just below 1st Dam

Mantua

The ice if there is any left should be considered unsafe.

Ogden River

The river is running at about 30 CFS and rising but still clear. With the warming trend we might get run off and have high muddy water. Fisherman last week were having good success using gnats and mosquitoes with gnats working better. Also anglers reported success using spinners. Bait fishermen were not having success. Pressure is still light but starting to pick up with the warmer temps.

Pineview Reservoir

Ice is going fast and should be considered unsafe.

Porcupine Reservoir

Open water around the edges. Ice is going fast and should be considered unsafe.

Rockport

Ice is unsafe and not accessible may be ice free by the weekend

Weber River

The River between Rockport and Echo reservoirs is fishable and receiving high pressure. Below Echo Reservoir the river is off colored and would be difficult to have much success fishing. Based on the weather forecast expect it to get worse.

Willard Bay

Willard Bay has open water as of Monday, February 26th. The water is drawn down because of the east dike repair work but boats can be launched in the North Marina. Pressure is picking up but success remains low. Note: The inlet channel has been closed since March 1st and remains closed until April 28th. It has been reported that repairs to the dyke should begin in about 2 weeks and go until about mid April. The plans are to hold water in upstream reservoirs to put about 3 feet of water on Willard after repairs are done.

FISHING REPORT FOR NORTHEASTERN REGION OF UTAH

Changes since the last report include a warm spell, which has accelerated melting of snow and ice. Ice fractures becoming dangerous on many waters even when it looks like there is enough ice to hold a vehicle. With the melt comes muddy roads, slushy snow/ice conditions and some lower elevation reservoirs have filled enough so that the edges are unsafe.

Warning: Whirling disease has been found in the Northeastern Region on both the north and south slope of the Uinta Mountains. It is believed anglers are now the main source of movement of the parasite that causes Whirling Disease. To avoid spreading the disease, do not move fish or fish parts from one water to another. Clean the fish well away from the water and dispose of the unwanted parts in the garbage. If that’s not possible then bury it in a deep hole or burn it completely. One infected fish carcass can contain over a million spores. Also, make sure to clean, dry and sterilize waders, live wells and other fishing gear before venturing to another water or above a diversion (such as a small dam) which are being built to stop the movement of infected fish.

BIG SAND WASH RESERVOIR No new reports, ice condition likely unsafe. The reservoir was drained, the dam checked, it passed inspection and is being refilled. The Division stocked catchable fish last summer and plans to stock more catchables and fingerlings to provide immediate and long-term fisheries.

BULLOCK/COTTONWOOD RESERVOIRS No new reports. Nearby reservoirs are filling and have water along the edges and unsafe ice conditions, so it’s likely these do too. Reservoirs are located approximately 5 miles north of the town of Gusher.

BROUGH RESERVOIR No new reports. Old reports of anglers seeing the fish in their fish finders but catch rates were slow. Reservoir ice was over a foot deep but melting quickly and it is being filled so ice condition is likely unsafe. Note: Trophy catch and release regulations, please read proclamation. To get to Brough, take State Route 88 south from US Route 40 (Ouray Road). Turn west at the second dirt road past the high power lines. Follow this road approximately 2 miles staying to the left at each main fork. Road can be quite rutted.

BROWNIE / SPIRIT LAKE Last reports were good fishing. Access to both lakes is by skis or snowmobiles. Warning: whirling disease has been found in this area, please make sure to clean, dry and sterilize waders, live wells and other fishing gear before venturing to another water. Also do not clean fish or dump fish parts taken from one water into another lake or stream, as this will also move whirling disease.

CALDER /CROUSE RESERVOIRS We’re getting fewer reports which probably indicates slower fishing and more mud to cross to get there. Snow is melting fast and road access is questionable due to mud and drifts. The new “trophy ” regulation for Calder began January 1, 2007. Check ice condition carefully as reservoir is likely filling and so water wells up along the edges. Please read proclamation for details on regulations.

CURRANT CREEK RESERVOIR Lake still has ice and we’ve heard a few reports of fair to good fishing. Check ice edge thickness carefully before venturing out. The road has been kept open to the dam.

EAST PARK / OAKS PARK No new reports, access by skis or snowmobile. Reservoirs have ice. Check ice edge condition carefully before venturing out.

FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR As of 3/12/07 ice covers the majority of the Reservoir but major pressure ridges and some open water have appeared in numerous areas. Ice in Wyoming is roughly 8 inches thick but several 4-wheelers have crashed through in the last couple of weeks due to weak areas and pressure ridges. Areas south of Buckboard are thinner with more pressure ridges. The area around the dam is melting with the Mustang and Cedar Springs ramps open to boat launching. The lower Canyon toward Jarvies is still has ice. The Canyon Area of the Reservoir is typically ice free by the end of March and the entire Reservoir is typically ice free by early April.

Lake Trout Fishing: Good to excellent fishing for lake trout 18-24 inches in northern end of Reservoir. Buckboard, Big Bend, Holmes Crossing, Lost Dog, and the Confluence Area are all locations producing fish. Be wary of ice conditions, especially when using a vehicle as pressure ridges and open water have developed. Use white, glow, chartreuse, or crayfish colored tube jigs on a 3/16 or ¼ oz jig head with or without sucker meat. Use minimum stretch line for good hook sets. Fish seem to be at depths 60 to 90 feet over the old river channels but don’t rule out shallower locations next to the river channel if deeper locations don’t produce. A graph is very valuable to see suspended fish, which are typically more apt to bite. Put the jig right in front of them. Mornings seem to be the best time to fish. There are many anglers catching limits of eight fish when they locate them. Be sure to harvest fish under 28 inches to help reduce this over populated size of fish. 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. Fishing for larger lake trout has been slow to good depending on the day. Big bend and Anvil draw area has been producing fish but ice conditions should be checked carefully. Linwood/Swim Beach has been slow to fair.

Kokanee Fishing: no reports, typically slow until May.

Rainbow Fishing: Good to excellent fishing for rainbows 14 to 20 inches in the northern areas of the reservoir. Most areas that you can access the reservoir are producing fish in 15-30 feet of water. Typical rainbow fishing equipment spoons, jigs tipped with meal worms, worms or powerbait are working. A graph will help see when fish are below you so you can put the lure in front of them. Adjust the transducer so you can see you lure on the graph. Anglers are catching limits regularly. Some rainbows are being caught in the Sheep Creek area but action seems to be slow.

Burbot Fishing: Burbot fishing has been good in areas from Lost Dog down to Holmes crossing. Also, we’re getting reports of fish being caught off the Buckboard boat ramp in 20 - 40 feet of water. Concentrate on areas that might hold crayfish, as they seem to be the major prey item this time of year. Most fish are being caught from sunset to 9 pm and then again from 4 am to sunrise. Try using glow tube jigs, 2 to 3 inches, or glow spoons, 1 to 2 inches, tipped with sucker meat or other legal fish bait. Drill numerous holes and move around if not having success through one hole. Be sure to re-energize glow jigs often. Bite seems to be light and if you miss one, drop it back down immediately, as the fish seem to stay at the location and will often bite again. These fish must be harvested if caught to help control their population as they were illegally introduced to the upper Green River drainage and have made their way into the reservoir and could have a major impact on other fish species. They 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.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing: No reports, typically slow fishing until May.

GREEN RIVER - Base flows are currently 800 cfs with no fluctuations during the day. Double peaking flows ended Mar. 5th. UDWR will be working with the BOR and Western Area Power Administration to evaluate impacts that may have occurred to the trout fishery during this winter's double peaking flow regime.

Due to low snowpack conditions, approximately 70% of normal in the Green River drainage, flows should remain at 800 cfs until the spring high flows for threatened and endangered fish (occur sometime in May or June depending on water conditions). Summer conditions should also be low, 1200 to 1500 CFS average, unless March and April are very wet months. Visit the Bureau of Reclamation website www.uc.usbr.gov for the latest information on flows.

Currently, fair to good fishing on the river. Midge hatches are occurring on warmer days. Other hatches should occur toward the end of the month. Please remember the slot limit size range has changed from 13 to 20 inch to 15 to 22 inches to make regulations more consistent statewide. Try using wooly buggars, egg patterns and various nymph patterns. Other flies to try include: Two-bead midge (#22-24), Para Adams (#20-26), Griffith's Gnat (#20-24), Tungsten Zebra Midges ( #14-16 brown, red), small scuds (olive, grey, #18-22), Glo-bugs (#12-14 all colors), San Juan Worms, red (#14-12) RS2's and WD 40's (grey, olive or wine #18-24), streamers such as #2-6 Buggers in tan, black, or olive, Goldilox Buggers, and Double Bunnies. Visit the following web site to see up to date flies and lures that are catching fish. www.fishgreenriver.com.

Spin fishermen should try small rapalas (floating, countdown and husky jerk); spinners; black, brown or olive marabou jigs; and tube jigs. Please check to see that your tube jigs contain no fish attracting scents, as they are illegal to use in the river.

New Zealand Mudsnail densities have dramatically increased in several localized areas near Little Hole, and have been documented in most areas of the river. Please thoroughly clean mud and vegetation from waders, boats and fishing gear; and if possible, completely dry equipment before leaving the area. A hot water bath (120 degrees Fahrenheit) will kill mudsnails, and spraying equipment with 409 or a similar soap solution before drying will increase effectiveness.

GREEN RIVER (lower) Water level is low, but above average for this time of year due to the dam flows and recent run off. No new reports from anglers. Almost all of the lower sections are clear of ice but with very muddy water.

MATT WARNER RESERVOIR Occasional report of fair to good fishing. Access is by snowmobiles or skis.

MOON LAKE Recent reports indicate fair to good fishing on a good ice cap. Anglers were drive to the lake, which still had plenty of ice. With the warm weather, check the ice conditions carefully, especially along the edges, before venturing out. Also be aware of pressure ridges and breaks if crossing, especially with a vehicle. The lake contains a variety of trout and kokanee.

PELICAN LAKE A few anglers were reported out on the ice on Saturday but others refused to cross the edges to get there. Fishing was slow. Lake has an ice cap but ice around edges is considerably less and water is welling up as reservoir fills. Check ice very carefully before venturing out and be aware of changing conditions such as ice melting and wind movements.

RED FLEET RESERVOIR Reservoir still has an ice cap but be aware that edges may not be as thick as reservoir is filling. No anglers seen out on the ice last Saturday. Check ice conditions carefully before going out and be aware of changes (melting, winds, etc.) while out on the ice.

STARVATION RESERVOIR Reservoir ice is mostly gone, but it does have ice sheets, which could make boating dangerous. A sheet was reported near the boat ramp, which was confining boaters but winds may have moved it. Reports of slow fishing by anglers trying to fish the open water edges.

STEINAKER RESERVOIR Reservoir ice cap likely still over a foot thick but water is welling up around the edges as it fills. Open water is visible on the north end and south west corner near the inlet. No anglers reported out on the ice last Saturday, ice is likely unsafe

UINTA MOUNTAIN LAKES AND STREAMS We’ve been getting fewer reports but those few indicate mostly good fishing by those willing to go in by skis or snowmobile. Try brightly colored lures or jigs tipped with a mealworm or piece of night crawler. Fishing success on mountain lakes and streams can be spotty so if one hole or lake isn’t producing try moving to another. With over 400 managed fisheries on the South Slope alone, it’s easy to find a new place to fish. Always go prepared for serious weather, as the Uinta Mountains are well known for frequent unexpected storms and high winds. Note: The Uinta Mountains have a four trout limit with a bonus of four more brook trout - see proclamation for details.