Updated March 3
Many Northern Region reservoirs are starting to get open water around the edges again with deteriorating ice. Cache Valley Conservation Officer Verl Hanchett says "I think we're a week and a good wind storm away from having open water at most of these mid and lower elevation reservoirs."
Blacksmith Fork River - Good fishing reported for whitefish and brown trout.
Echo Reservoir - Ice conditions and fishing success have been good. On March 1, the Summit County Conservation Officer reported that there were 95 anglers on Echo and nearly three times that many on Rockport Reservoir. He reported that fishing success at Echo Reservoir was good for yellow perch.
Logan River - Good late winter and early spring fishing conditions exist. The upper reaches of the Logan River from Red Banks upstream to the Idaho border are closed to fishing until July to protect cutthroat trout populations.
Mantua Reservoir - Conservation Officer Rick Schultz reports that the ice is almost completely off of the reservoir and that the boat ramp is now usable. Anglers are reminded to immediately return all fish with a clipped adipose fin to the water. The fish with clipped fins are Kamloops rainbow trout that were stocked to establish a brood population in Mantua.
Newton Reservoir - The north end of the reservoir is beginning to open up. The ice is considered unsafe.
Pineview Reservoir - The edges are reported to be slushy. Some big crappies (up to 13 inches) have been caught but they are hard to find and require lots of effort and patience to find them.
Rockport Reservoir - The ice was still in good shape as of March 1 (officers reported snow machine use and even an airplane on the ice). Fishing success was reported to be slow.
Willard Bay Reservoir - There is almost no fishing activity at the reservoir. The boat ramps are open but Conservation Officer Rick Schultz feels that it is still too early for fishing success to start.
CENTRAL REGION
NEW!: Anglers can email any fishing conditions/success information from central region waters to scottroot@utah.gov Your information will be helpful in compiling this weekly report. Include information such as locations, date and time of day fished, ice thickness, success of baits/flies/lures that you used, or any other tips that will help other anglers. Also, all the information you want to know about facilities at Deer Creek, Jordanelle, Utah Lake and Yuba Reservoir (or any other Utah State Park) can be found by visiting the Utah State Parks Web site
NOTICE : Fish health advisory on the North Fork of American Fork Creek Because of elevated levels of arsenic, anglers are encouraged to limit fish consumption to one cutthroat or brown trout per month on the North Fork of American Fork Creek. Pregnant women and children should not eat fish from this stretch of river. Eating more than one meal per month over a long period of time could result in an intake of arsenic that exceeds EPA standards. Sampled rainbow trout in Tibble Fork reservoir have not shown elevated levels of arsenic. Both natural sources and mine tailings are the probable cause of the arsenic and they are being cleaned up. A continued study of fish in the area will be carried out and this advisory will be updated as needed. Only a small percentage of cutthroats and browns showed elevated levels of arsenic but as a precaution, this advisory is given. Signs are posted along the North Fork warning anglers of the problem. For more information contact Dave Wham (801) 538-6052 or Scott Root (801) 491-5656.
STRAWBERRY RESERVOIR (Feb 26) Snowy conditions with about 15 inches of ice covering most of the reservoir. Use caution and check ice safety before ever taking snow machines or ATVs onto the ice. Ice angler reports mostly reflect fair success. The secret is to use a fish finder and move around until you locate the fish. Fish are not necessarily on the bottom; try different depths before getting discouraged and changing locations. Most success is with white bait-tipped jigs. NOTICE: New fishing regulations for the reservoir began on January 1. These include: limit is 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). Please take a measuring tape or mark 15- and 22-inch notches on your fishing rod. This regulation will ensure larger cutts in the reservoir to help control the chub population. Many of our larger cutts are being harvested, thus the new regulation was needed. Parking areas require a $4 parking fee. 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 (Feb 26) One angler reports finding a small piece of open water and casting flies on the surface recently . He caught many nice surface feeding trout in a 2-hour period. No safe ice fishing. North end of the reservoir and other areas have unsafe ice with a large section of open water in the middle portion of the reservoir near the dam. Boat ramps are iced in with 2 or 3 inches of ice. A couple of unwise ice anglers were seen on the ice. But no fishing success reports this week. Anglers must remember that bass over 12 inches have to be immediately released! Bass limit is 6. All bass over 12 inches must be immediately released. 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.
PROVO RIVER (above Olmstead Diversion Dam) (Feb 26) Artificial flies and lures only! Snow has lessened fishing pressure, but a sunny day will bring more anglers. Luckily, however, there is plenty of room on the river! Success is still good by using pheasant tails, gold ribbed hare s ear, pink or olive scuds and other small nymphs. Only 2 brown trout under 15 inches may be kept in this special regulations part of the river. All rainbows and cutthroats must be immediately released. 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.
PROVO RIVER (below Olmstead) bait allowed stretch (Feb 26) (Olmstead Diversion is about 1 mile up the canyon from Bridal Veil Falls). Light fishing pressure and spotty success. There are no size restrictions on this part of the river and bait is allowed.
DEER CREEK RESERVOIR (Feb 26) Don't ice fish! Ice is only an inch or two thick. Some open water exists near Charleston, the main boat ramp, Rainbow Bay and the island. Fishing is expected to be fair from shore. Use caution when accessing open water areas due to slippery rocks and/or muddy conditions on your trek to these spots. Yellow perch limit is 10. All yellow perch caught between Jan. 1 and April 30 must be kept. Regulations: Trout limit is 4 (statewide). Walleye limit is 6 but only one can be over 20 inches. Bass limit is 6. All bass over 12 inches must be immediately released. Check with the State Park for daily ice conditions at (435) 651-0171. 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.
UTAH LAKE (Feb 26) Open water. Shore fishing is difficult due to the shallow/low water conditions. In fact, water doesn't even surround the airport dike. Best shore fishing would be at Lincoln Beach or at the state park. A few anglers were seen catching some crappie and white bass from the boat docks yesterday. For information on ice conditions call Utah Lake State Park at (801) 375-0731.
YUBA RESERVOIR (Feb 26) Notice: 2003 Regulation: Closed to the possession of yellow perch! Water level has raised which has opened up both boat ramps. Boating shouldn't be a problem. Very few anglers are on the lake and slow success reported. Please remember that the walleye limit is 6, but only 1 over 20 inches. The Yuba State Park phone number is (435) 758-2611.
BURRASTON PONDS (Feb 19) Slow fishing success.
HOBBLE CREEK & DIAMOND FORK RIVERS (Feb 26) Hobble Creek catch basin is now about full of water but won't be stocked until April. Bait is allowed on Hobble Creek and on much of Diamond Fork. 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. Access to parts of Diamond Fork will be a little difficult from Monks Hollow to Three Forks due to a 3-year construction project. The US Forest Service has more information about the project at 798-3571.
SPRING LAKE & SALEM POND (Feb 26) New regulation change on both waters: limit is 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.) Though not stocked until April, Salem Pond is providing fair to good fishing success. Bass, bluegill and channel catfish are also in these waters.
PAYSON LAKES (Feb 26) Now inaccessible (winter season).
TIBBLE FORK RESERVOIR (Feb 26) Unsafe ice.
TOOELE COUNTY WATERS (Feb 26) Vernon, Grantsville and Settlement Canyon Reservoirs have open water and very slow success. Light fishing pressure.
NORTHEASTERN REGION
Ice on most lakes and reservoirs, thickness vary. Reservoirs and lakes are being filled. This action lifts the ice in the middle away from the banks. The edges then have to reform so the ice immediately adjacent to the bank is not as thick. Always check ice carefully before venturing out.
BIG SAND WASH RESERVOIR (Feb. 25) Ice on reservoir, reports of good fishing. Reservoir is being filled so check ice carefully.
BULLOCK/COTTONWOOD RESERVOIRS (Feb. 25) No new reports from anglers, ice formed and reservoirs are being filled so check ice carefully. Cottonwood was drained for repairs. Bullock and Cottonwood reservoirs are located approximately 5 miles north of the town of Gusher.
BROUGH RESERVOIR (Feb. 25) Reports of fair fishing. Reservoir is being filled so check ice carefully. Note new regulations: Artificial flies and lures only, NO BAIT in possession and a two trout limit Treated last year to remove the stunted fish and has been restocked with fingerlings. Fish getting to catchable size. Water level is low. 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 is quite rutted.
BROWNIE / EAST PARK / OAKS PARK (Feb. 25) No new reports. Roads closed, access by ski and snowmobile. Brownie has water. East and Oaks Park were empty by end of summer.
CALDER /CROUSE RESERVOIRS (Feb. 25) Reports of good ice fishing on Calder. Low water levels. Crouse winterkilled last winter due to low water levels and could not be filled due to drought. Access varies with the storms and winds, and we received more snow this week.
CURRANT CREEK RESERVOIR (Feb. 25) Reports of ice on reservoir and good fishing. Road frequently maintained to the dam throughout the winter. Please stay on maintained roads. Four-wheeling out through the mud creates major road damage and damage to critical habitats. Road damage alone can cost maintenance crews thousands of dollars to repair and often habitat damage takes a lifetime or more to recover.
FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR (Feb. 25 ) Utah boat ramps are currently open, however this could change at any time with several cold, clear nights. All Wyoming ramps are frozen in. Safe ice generally extends northward from Current Creek, about one mile north of Buckboard Marina, however the ice is patchy and extreme caution should be exercised. Rainbow trout fishing has been good both from the shore and through the ice. Good areas for shore fishing include Sheep Creek, Antelope, Linwood Bay, Stateline Bay, Pipeline, and around the dam Visitors Center using bait or casting small lures and spoons. Ice anglers are doing well in 10-20 feet of water using small jigs tipped with a mealworm. Boat fishing has remained good trolling small spoons, crankbaits, or a popgear/worm combo. Lake trout fishing is spotty with some good reports. Troll flatfish, rapalas or a popgear/minnow combination on or near the bottom using steel line or a downrigger, or jig over structure and along drop-offs using large jigs or spoons, perhaps tipped with a minnow or sucker meat. Long-lining a rapala also is a good winter technique, both over traditional runs and in shallower bays and shoreline areas. Utah Wildlife Resources and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department have initiated a creel survey, which includes fishermen counts using aircraft. These UDWR planes might be observed flying as low as several hundred feet over the reservoir through 2003.
GREEN RIVER (upper) (Feb. 25) Flows are 800 cfs, however, due to power demands associated with test flows at Glen Canyon dam, Green River flows may fluctuate during morning hours through February. The agreement allows flows to increase from 800 to 2,400 cfs, generally between 6 and 10 a.m. Shore anglers should especially be cautious. Fishing has been good with nymphing the dominant winter technique. Try simple or beadhead midge, size 20-24; RS-II, WD-40, or pheasant tails, size 16-20; olive, orange, tan or pink scuds, size 10-14; San Juan Worms or Glo Bugs. A popular technique is dropping a midge or baetis nymph behind a larger attractor pattern. For streamer fishing, try brown, tan or olive wooly buggers, size 2-6, and light-colored minnow imitations. Anglers with spin gear are doing well with small rapalas; spinners; black, brown or olive marabou jigs; and tube jigs.
MATT WARNER RESERVOIR (Feb. 25) Good fishing reported by anglers who were able to drive into the Reservoir when one of the main access roads was plowed. Have received new snowfall. Normal access this time of year is by skis or snowmobile. Lake level continues to be at its lowest levels since reconstruction.
MOON LAKE (Feb. 25) Ice on reservoir, reports of good fishing for splake, rainbow, cutthroat and kokanee. Brook trout and whitefish also in lake, more likely to be taken near inlet. Lake level is very low, ice was about 20 inches thick.
PELICAN LAKE (Feb. 25) Ice on reservoir. Reports of slow fishing for both bass and bluegill. Anglers also reporting that fish are difficult to find.
RED FLEET RESERVOIR (Feb. 25) Ice on reservoir and reports of good fishing. Anglers are mostly reporting fast fishing for trout using a variety of flies, lures and baits. Best fishing reported by those willing to move around on the reservoir.
STARVATION RESERVOIR (Feb. 25) Ice on reservoir but ice thickness will vary considerably. Some signs of ice changing color near highway. Check ice carefully and watch for weak areas and stress fractures. Only a few anglers reported on reservoir, reports of slow or spotty fishing. Studies indicate the forage base is in jeopardy as few if any young chubs are reaching an age to reproduce. The only way to ensure future fishing is to remove predators (smaller walleye and bass) so the forage fish fingerlings survive to replace the 20 plus-year-old breeding population before it dies out. Anglers and others can assist this project by catching and keeping your limits of walleye and bass.
STEINAKER RESERVOIR (Feb. 25) Reports of good fishing for rainbows and slow for bass. Anglers catching mostly smaller fish with a few larger ones being reported.
UINTA MOUNTAIN LAKES AND STREAMS (Feb. 25) Expect snow in the high country; ponds and lakes should be frozen. Be prepared for any kind of weather from sunny to freezing cold winds and blizzards. Note: four trout limit with a bonus of four more brook trout - see proclamation for details.
SOUTHEASTERN REGION
Updated Feb. 25
ALL ICE ANGLERS CAUTIONED: Ice conditions at many of our reservoirs and lakes are changing rapidly with the onset of spring. The risks associated with ice fishing increase considerably from one week until the next. Don't ice fish alone. Take along rescue equipment, including a strong rope, floatation device, ice picks, and a cell phone.
ABAJO AND BLUE MOUNTAINS Ice fishing is over in San Juan County.
CLEVELAND RESERVOIR Please avoid this reservoir until ice-off. The ice is dangerous and unpredictable.
DUCK FORK RESERVOIR This body of water is fishless, but will be stocked with small tiger trout and Colorado River cutthroat in summer. The tiger trout are expected to be large enough to catch in 2004.
ELECTRIC LAKE No report on fishing success or ice conditions. Tributaries will be closed until July 12th. When tributaries open, the limit will be 2 trout; and artificial flies and lures must be used. Electric Lake itself has no special regulations this year. The limit will be 4 trout. No tackle restrictions.
FERRON RESERVOIR Recent snowstorms have blocked access. The trout limit is 4. However, anglers may take a bonus limit of 4 brook trout in addition to the normal trout limit. All tributaries are closed until July 12th.
GIGLIOTTI POND Anglers should probably wait until May, when restocking will occur. In 2003, the trout limit will be 4 fish. All largemouth bass and bluegill must be immediately released.
GOOSEBERRY RESERVOIR Little or no ice fishing has been taking place. No information on fishing success. All tributaries are closed until July 12th.
GRASSY TRAIL RESERVOIR The reservoir is closed to fishing in 2003.
GREEN RIVER GOLF COURSE PONDS No report on angling success. The limit is 4 fish in the aggregate for all species.
HUNTINGTON CREEK Flows are low. A lot of stretches have open water. Fly fisherman, Tom Ogden, recommends a Hare's Ear nymph or size 12-14 Montana nymph. Most fish are in the 10-12 inch range. On the right fork (from Flood and Engineer's Canyon upstream to Electric Lake) only artificial flies may be used. The trout limit is 2. On the left fork, only artificial flies and lures may be used. The harvest of brown trout is encouraged. Crandall Creek, which empties into Huntington Creek, is closed to fishing for 2003 to protect a population of pure Colorado River cutthroat trout.
HUNTINGTON GAME FARM POND Anglers are encouraged to wait until the pond is restocked in May. In 2003, the limit will be 4 fish in the aggregate for all species.
HUNTINGTON NORTH RESERVOIR The ice pack is receding and extremely dangerous. There is open water along the shoreline. Anglers are urged to wait until ice-off. In 2003, the bass limit is 2; all largemouth bass over 12 inches must be immediately released.
HUNTINGTON RESERVOIR (near the top of Huntington Canyon) This reservoir is extremely dangerous, due to the potential for buckling and subsidence of the ice pack. Please stay off! Anglers are urged to wait until ice-off, before resuming fishing. Tributaries are closed until July 12th. The reservoir is closed to the possession of cutthroat trout or trout with cutthroat markings.
JOES VALLEY RESERVOIR Ice anglers are encouraged to be very cautious, due to destabilizing ice conditions as a result of water being drawn. In 2003, the trout limit is 2. No more than one trout may be over 22 inches. All trout 15-22 inches must be immediately released.
KEN'S LAKE According to Conservation Officer, Ed Meyers, Ken's Lake is rising and ice-free. After being nearly drained last fall, the lake is now quite full. Meyers expects that a number of trout survived the draw down and winter. Stocking will occur in April or May. In 2003, fishing is prohibited from a boat with a gas engine.
LAKE POWELL The Lake Powell fishing report home page is: http://www.wayneswords.com. DWR Biologist and Project Leader, Wayne Gustaveson, updates fishing conditions at this website weekly. He provides detailed information on locations, tackle, and techniques for each species in the lake.
LASAL MOUNTAINS Access roads remain closed to Warner and Oowah lakes, reports Ed Meyers, Conservation Officer. Recent storms have probably made access to other lakes impossible.
MILLSITE RESERVOIR The reservoir is ice-free. Justin Hart, Fisheries Biologist had some luck catching 12-inch splake last weekend with pumpkin-colored grubs.
PRICE RIVER No report on angling success. Lower Fish Creek and the Price River remain partially frozen. Flows are low. From the railroad bridge approximately 1 mile below the Scofield Reservoir dam downstream to the confluence with the White River only artificial flies and lures may be used.
SCOFIELD RESERVOIR Conservation Officer Stacey Taggart reports windy, frigid conditions at Scofield and slow fishing success with all types of tackle. Ice is 15-20 inches thick. Tributaries are closed until July 12th.
STRAIGHT CANYON (COTTONWOOD CREEK) Angler Tom Ogden recommends a #12 Hare's Ear.
LAKE POWELL
Feb. 19, 2003
By Wayne Gustaveson: www.wayneswords.com
Lake elevation: 3612 ft., Water temperature: 47–50° F
Winter is retreating in Lake Powell country. Late February often boasts stable weather conditions before March winds and spring storms hit. The cool-water walleye is the prime target of early spring anglers.
Walleye are in prespawn mode. They spawn along clean rock areas but also run to current. Perhaps the very best place to fish for walleye would be the backwaters near the Colorado River as it enters Lake Powell near Hite. The main channel, North Wash, Trachyte, White and Farleys are the prime spots. Rock is the best substrate. There is much silt in this area so walleye would likely congregate near rock points, rock slides, and rock islands during the actual spawning act. They stage prior to spawning in deeper water near these geological features. Protected eddies near current are another likely walleye congregation point.
The best bait is the lowly worm. Fish very slowly maintaining constant bottom contact with a worm harness, bottom bouncer or plastic grub with a piece of worm affixed to sweeten the bite. Let the bait rest for a few moments between movements so finicky walleye can make up their mind to bite.
An occasional bass or striper may be caught but walleye are the most active fish this time of year.
In the remainder of the lake walleye will be going through the same prespawning rituals but the chance of catching more than a stray fish seems much better in the upper lake.
There have been chance encounters with striper schools. Check spots that have been good in past years with the graph. Much graphing may finally place you over a school of suspended moving stripers. Once encountered stripers tend to bite bait or spoons for a short time before moving on. Some have caught as few as 5 while others have found 20 stripers before the meandering school disappears
It is more likely to get less than five fish during a normal February fishing trip but it does get one out of the house on a pleasant afternoon.
SOUTHERN REGION
Updated Feb. 5
BAKER RESERVOIR: The reservoir is full. Little fishing pressure. A few nice brown trout have been taken. Try powerbait, nightcrawlers, or spinners from shore. BEAVER MOUNTAIN LAKES: Access is limited to snowmobiles. Little pressure and no recent reports on fishing success.
BEAVER RIVER: The river above the town of Beaver has been low and clear. Ice will limit fishing in some locations. Try nymphs or streamers if flyfishing; nightcrawlers or small spinners if spin fishing. Flows in the lower section of river (below Minersville Res) are now reduced. 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: Many Boulder Mountain reservoirs and lakes are now closed to fishing for the winter. Check the current proclamation to see which lakes remain open. Lakes above 8000 ft now have ice over a foot thick. Access has deteriorated somewhat with snow. Special regulations on Boulder Mountain waters include a limit of 4 trout with only 2 over 14 inches.
CLEAR CREEK: Small stream along I-70, by Fremont Indian State Park. The stream has been low and clear. Ice in some locations. Little pressure this time of year. Try nymph or streamer fly patterns, or small spinners. The tributaries also contain populations of small, wild trout.
DUCK CREEK/ASPEN MIRROR: Closed to fishing until April 21.
EAST FORK OF THE SEVIER RIVER: Floods and siltation associated with fires on Mt Dutton this past summer have impacted the fishery in the river. There are few trout left downstream from Deer Creek. Restoration of the fishery will depend on how quickly the riparian and uplands areas in the drainage recover. 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. The gates at Otter Creek Reservoir are closed and flows are low through Kingston Canyon. Almost all of this section is now posted so please obtain permission first.
ENTERPRISE RESERVOIR (Upper and Lower): The upper reservoir is empty and the lower reservoir is low. Both lakes were treated with rotenone this fall to remove green sunfish and golden shiners. They will be restocked with trout and smallmouth bass next year when water conditions are suitable.
FISH LAKE: Solid ice, from 5-12 inches depending upon location. Lots of pressure the past couple of weekends. Success has declined somewhat with the increase in numbers of anglers. Best success has been for those who have got away form the crowds. Some success for splake using standard jigging techniques. Use a Kastmaster or similar spoon or plastic grub tipped with sucker or perch meat. White or pearl colored jigs have been working well. Start jigging near the bottom at about the weedline. Vary your jigging technique or depth until you find the right combination. Smaller jigs or ice-flies tipped with meal worms, used alone or as a dropper, may work if your usual setup doesn t. Some rainbows are also being taken. Try out in deeper water for lake trout. If fishing slows, you can keep the kids interested by fishing shallow for perch using about anything tipped with a piece of worm. Special regulations for Fish Lake include no more than 2 of your 4-trout limit may be lake trout and only 1 may be a lake trout larger than 20 inches.
FORSYTH RESERVOIR: Ice had been soft near shore prior to recent cold snap. Should be OK now. Fishing success has slowed a little as of late. Some tiger trout up to 16 inches. Please prevent the spread of Whirling disease. Do not transport any parts of fish caught here to other waters.
FREMONT RIVER: Flows are low in the upper section. Snow and ice will strict access and fishing. Private property along the lower section — obtain permission before fishing. 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: The reservoir is still low but now up to the bottom of the ramp. Little fishing pressure. No recent reports. Remember special regulations for bass - 4 bass under 10 inches and 2 over 20 inches.
JOHNSON RESERVOIR: The reservoir is low. Solid ice. Slow fishing. Abundant chubs, suckers and small perch are a problem here. A limited number of tiger muskies have been stocked in Johnson Reservoir. If you catch one, please contact the nearest UDWR office with some details.
KOLOB RESERVOIR: Gates on the road form the south have been closed by the Park Service. Access is limited to snowmobiles. Four wheelers on the road may be cited by the Park Service. No recent reports on ice conditions, there should be solid ice. Special regulations include artificial flies and lures only, with a limit of 1 trout which must be over 22 inches.
KOOSHAREM RESERVOIR: The reservoir has complete ice cover. It was treated this fall to remove chubs. It was stocked with small trout this fall. These fish should reach catchable size by late spring..
LOWER BOWNS: The lake is very low. No recent reports. Should have solid ice but access may be limited by snow.
MILL MEADOW RESERVOIR: Ice is still OK. Mixed reports on fishing success but some nice trout being taken by most anglers who are persistent. Please prevent the spread of Whirling disease. Do not transport any parts of fish caught here to other waters.
MINERSVILLE RESERVOIR: Ice was gone prior to the cold snap this past weekend. There may be new ice now. Fishing has been spotty but has been good at times. Most fish are 15-18 inches. Special regulations include a trout limit of one fish, which must be over 22 inches; artificial flies and lures only. Scented jigs are not allowed. The park is now administered by Beaver County. Please prevent the spread of Whirling disease. Do not transport any parts of fish caught here to other waters.
NAVAJO LAKE: The lake is low. There is now solid ice cover. Little pressure but some reports of success for brook trout.
NEWCASTLE RESERVOIR: The reservoir level is still low. The lake has had complete ice cover, but recent warm weather means unsafe ice. Use caution. Little pressure. Slow fishing for rainbow trout.
OTTER CREEK RESERVOIR: Ice had been getting soft with some water near shoreline prior to cold weather this past weekend. Use caution. Reports have been mixed. Best success has been with jigs or ice flies tipped with meal worms, fished near the bottom. Most fish are about a pound. Please prevent the spread of Whirling disease. Do not transport any parts of fish caught here to other waters.
PANGUITCH LAKE: Solid ice, 12 inches or more. Fishing has been fair for rainbows using small jigs tipped with mealworms or powerbait. Trout at Panguitch during the winter tend to bite lightly, so use light line without much weight and watch closely. Ice flies tipped with meal worms or powerbait or cheese will work. New regulations which begin in January include a limit of 4 trout, of which only one may be a cutthroat trout. All cutthroat trout under 22 inches must be released immediately. This regulation is intended to protect the Bear Lake cutthroat trout in the lake. Good numbers of larger cutthroat (which feed on chubs) will help to control the number of Utah chubs in the lake and still provide a chance at a trophy sized fish.
PARAGONAH (RED CREEK) RESERVOIR: The lake is low. No recent reports on ice conditions. Access has been possible by truck but may be limited by snow from this past weekend.
PINE LAKE: Access has been possible by truck but that could change anytime with snow. Solid ice. Fair fishing for small rainbows and cutthroat.
PINE VALLEY RESERVOIR: The reservoir is low. No reports on ice conditions.
PIUTE RESERVOIR: Piute was treated with rotenone in mid November to reduce abundant chubs and suckers and has been restocked with small trout. Look for some good fishing here the next few years if we get out of the drought cycle.
QUAIL LAKE: The lake is very low with limited fishing pressure. Slow fishing for rainbow trout. Some being taken from both shore and boats.
REDMOND LAKE: The lake is receiving some fishing pressure now. Winter is generally one of the better times for pike fishing. Reports of limited success so far. Most pike have been on the small side this year. Try a large spoon or minnow-imitating lure or a dead minnow.
REX RESERVOIR: Limited pressure. Good success reported by the few trying. Ice has been getting soft with unusually warm weather. Use caution. Any new snow may make access difficult.
SEVIER RIVER, ASAY CREEK, MAMMOTH CREEK: Flows are low. Best success now may be using small nymphs for whitefish in the deeper pools. The trout water on the Sevier is primarily restricted to the area upstream (south) from the town of Hatch. Intermittent sections of good habitat are present above Hatch and easily accessible from Highway 89. The river contains mainly brown trout and mountain whitefish. Asay Creek west of Highway 89 is on private land and access is restricted. Public access is possible on much of Mammoth Creek west of Highway 89. Special regulations apply to a section of Mammoth Creek, check the proclamation for details. Whirling disease has been recently documented in the drainage. Please prevent the spread of Whirling disease. Do not transport any parts of fish caught here to other waters.
ST GEORGE AREA URBAN PONDS: The two Towa ponds along the Snow Canyon Parkway and the Skyline Drive Pond have been stocked with catchable size rainbow trout. The Stratton Pond below Quail Lake has also been recently stocked. The limit is 2 trout. Anglers 14 years or older need a valid Utah fishing license to fish here. Older anglers are requested to use artificial flies or lures. Kids will have good luck here using powerbait. Please pick up any litter and keep the area clean.
THOUSAND LAKES MTN: No recent reports on fishing success. Lakes should have thick ice by now.
YANKEE MEADOW RESERVOIR: No recent reports on access or ice conditions.
