NOTE: Contrary to popular myth, fishing is not hurting because of the drought. Utah waters are doing well; catch rates, in general, are better than average in most areas of the state.

NORTHERN REGION

Updated July 14

BOUNTIFUL POND - Fishing is fair.

EAST CANYON RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair. Boats are still able to launch from the boat ramp.

FARMINGTON POND - Temporarily closed.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair to good. Water level is down and the fish are crowded.

MANTUA - Fishing is fair. Anglers are catching bluegill and bass. Reminder: swimming in not allowed in the reservoir. On Saturday, July 19, the reservoir will be closed to boats. Fishing will still be possible from shore, but boats will not be able to launch.

NEWTON RESERVOIR - Fishing is slow. Anglers are reporting success using worms for perch and spinner baits for bass. Boats are still able to launch.

OGDEN RIVER - Fishing is slow to fair. Anglers are reporting better luck using Rapalas.

PINEVIEW RESERVOIR - The road over the dam is under construction and is closed Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. All of the boat ramps are open. Fishing is slow.

ROCKPORT RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair to good. Most of the fish anglers are catching are 12 to 14 inches in length. Many anglers are fishing with powerbait and worms from shore.

SMITH MOREHOUSE - Fishing is fair to good. Anglers are having better luck using powerbait and worms.

UINTAS - Roadside lakes associated with Highway 150: Fishing is good for rainbow and albino trout. Anglers are having better luck using flies, lures, and bait.

WEBER RIVER - Fishing is fair.

WILLARD BAY - Fishing is fair. Willard Bay State Park has closed its boat ramps due to the low water level.

For more information contact Phil Douglass, Northern Region Conservation Outreach Program, (801) 476-2750 or PhilDouglass@utah.gov.

CENTRAL REGION

NEW!: Anglers can e-mail 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 - (July 9) Strawberry Reservoir tributaries closed on May 15 and most will remain closed until July 12 while other tributaries such as Indian Creek remain closed all year (see proclamation). Still getting reports of good success with pop gear and a worm, jigs tipped with a worm and other techniques. Minnow imitating lures have also been effective. Shore anglers report slow to fair success with standard baits; however, a few reports of large rainbows being caught from shoreline. NOTICE: New fishing regulations for the reservoir began on January 1. These include: an aggregate imit of four trout or kokanee salmon. No more than two may be cutthroat trout under 15 inches and no more than one 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 - (July 2) Anglers generally report good fishing success for trout by trolling or by shore fishing. Perch fishing success has been reported as fair to good and bass fishing success has been reported as fair to good as well. A good all-around reservoir to fish! Anglers must remember that bass over 12 inches have to be immediately released! Bass limit is six. 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) (July 9) Artificial flies and lures only! Good success by using small nymphs (size 18 and smaller) such as gold-ribbed hares ear, scuds, pheasant tails, etc. 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. River Restoration/Construction Note: Beginning July 1 the middle Provo River from Midway Lane/100 So. Bridge downstream to the Heber Valley Railroad trestle (approximately two miles) will be closed to public access through December 19, 2003. Also, construction in the active river channel will resume over the next couple of weeks — the river will be muddy downstream of the railroad trestle during that time

PROVO RIVER (Below Olmstead Diversion) (July 9) - Thousands of carp have been in the lower stretch near Utah Lake. The DWR pushed them back toward Utah Lake last week. Try fishing for game fish closer to town and up the canyon to Olmstead Diversion. This stretch of the river allows bait fishing and doesn't have the size restrictions. (The Olmstead Diversion is located about 1 mile up the canyon from Bridal Veil Falls). Light to moderate fishing pressure. Fair to good fishing success for trout in the area through town and at the lower portion of the canyon.

DEER CREEK RESERVOIR (July 9) Fair success for the smallmouth bass. Fair to good fishing success for trout. Slow to fair success reported for walleye and perch. Yellow perch limit is ten. Regulations: Trout limit is four (statewide). Walleye limit is six but only one can be over 20 inches. Bass limit is six. 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.

UTAH LAKE - (July 9) All largemouth and smallmouth bass over 12 inches must be immediately released. Catfish success has been good for most of the summer. White bass success has been spotty. For information on launching conditions call Utah Lake State Park at (801) 375-0731.

YUBA RESERVOIR - (July 9) Painted Rocks ramp is closed for the season. Though water is low, boating has not been a problem according to the State Park Ranger. Success has been spotty to fair for walleye by using bottom bouncers with a spinner rig followed by a nightcrawler or by using a minnow imitating lure such as a rapala. Notice: Division of Wildlife Resources Director Kevin Conway has signed an emergency amendment to Utah's 2003 Fishing Proclamation allowing anglers to keep 12 walleyes, 12 Northern pike, 16 catfish and 8 trout a day at Yuba, from May 19 to Aug. 14. Anglers may also keep up to 20 yellow perch a day. No size limits are in place on these fish during this emergency amendment. Fishing at the central Utah reservoir will end on Aug. 14. From Aug. 15 to Dec. 31, the reservoir and river within the high-water line of the reservoir will be closed to all fishing. Only about 10 - 15 boats out on the lake since the regulation went into effect. Success has been reported as slow to fair for most species. Campgrounds and boat ramps are open. Jigs or bottom bouncers are the preferred method for walleye. Fishing pressure is still considered "light". The Yuba State Park phone number is (435) 758-2611.

BURRASTON PONDS - (July 9) Stocked. Please take a garbage bag to this beautiful area and help clean up the trash that people have left. Fair to good fishing success.

HOBBLE CREEK & DIAMOND FORK RIVERS - (July 9) Hobble Creek catch basin is starting to get a little low. Bait is allowed on Hobble Creek and on much of Diamond Fork. Diamond Fork River has been considered fair to good fishing for trout by using small flies or bait. Remember, 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 three-year construction project. The US Forest Service has more information about the project at 798-3571.

SPRING LAKE & SALEM POND - (July 9) Stocked last week with nice-sized channel catfish. Anglers are fishing (w/traditional baits) for rainbows by using powerbait and channel catfish by using worms. New regulation change on both waters: Limit of four fish (Daily bag and possession limit is an aggregate total of four fish for all species, for example: one trout, two channel catfish and one bluegill.) Bass, bluegill and channel catfish are also in these waters.

CANYON VIEW POND (July 9) - Success has been fair.

PAYSON LAKES - (July 9) Lakes have been stocked. Fishing success is good.

TIBBLE FORK RESERVOIR - (July 9) Stocked. Fair to good fishing success with traditional baits and lures.

TOOELE COUNTY WATERS - (July 9) Grantsville, Vernon, Settlement Canyon and Rainbow reservoirs have all been producing fair to good success.

MILL HOLLOW - (July 9) Stocked. Good success by using traditional baits or try using small, dark-colored flies on the surface in the morning and evening hours.

SILVER LAKE (near Brighton Ski Resort) - (July 9) Stocked. Good fishing success. Dark-colored flies in the morning or evening can work very well.

SANPETE COUNTY WATERS - (July 9) Many of the waters have been stocked and fishing has been fair to good by using traditional baits.

NORTHEASTERN REGION

Updated July 2

Notes: There have been some concerns expressed by our personnel and those of sister agencies. 1) Some individuals are setting up semi-permanent campsites. Camping is usually restricted to 14–16 days so that others may enjoy our public resources. 2) Please stay on maintained roads. Four-wheeling out through the mud creates major road damage and damages critical wildlife habitats. Road damage alone can cost maintenance crews thousands of dollars to repair and often habitat damage takes a lifetime or more to recover. Protect your privilege to be on public lands stay on the roads.

BIG SAND WASH RESERVOIR Reports of fair fishing for rainbows and a few bass being taken. Water levels up considerably. Good access to the boat ramp.

BULLOCK/COTTONWOOD RESERVOIRS No new reports from anglers. Cottonwood was drained for repairs last year and so needs to fill. Recent survey showed good numbers of bass and rainbow trout in Bullock. The reservoirs are located approximately five miles north of the town of Gusher.

BROUGH RESERVOIR Reports of fair fishing for rainbow and brown trout. Note new regulations: Artificial flies and lures only, NO BAIT in possession and a two trout limit. 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 two miles staying to the left at each main fork. Road is quite rutted.

BROWNIE/EAST PARK/OAKS PARK East and Oaks Park have filled. Reports on fishing success vary. Brownie is more consistently reported as good fishing.

CALDER /CROUSE RESERVOIRS Reports of good fishing at Calder despite low water levels. Crouse winterkilled last year and has not been refilled. Division will raise the limit on Calder beginning July 7th to eight fish. All other regulations remain in effect including the four fish limit on Matt Warner.

CURRANT CREEK RESERVOIR Reports of good to excellent fishing. Roads to boat ramp and campground open.

FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR All boat ramps are open except Anvil Draw, which is closed due to low water. Rainbow trout fishing remains good at Sheep Creek, Antelope Flats, Linwood Bay, Stateline Bay, Pipeline, South Buckboard, and near the dam Visitor Center. For shore fishing, try Power Bait or a worm and marshmallow combination floated off the bottom, or cast small lures or jigs. Another effective technique is fishing a nightcrawler three to six feet below a bobber. Boat fishermen are doing well trolling small spoons, crankbaits, or a popgear/worm combo; and casting lures or jigs near shoreline areas. Lake trout fishing has been good, with several large fish reported in the Antelope/Stateline Bay areas. Fishing for small lake trout is very good near Buckboard, Big Bend and Anvil Draw. 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. There are many small- and medium-sized lake trout in Flaming Gorge, so please harvest a few. Kokanee fishing is improving with fish typically 30–40 feet in depth. Troll a small fluorescent lure, with or without a dodger or popgear. Smallmouth bass fishing is good to excellent with fish found reservoir-wide along rocky structure. Crayfish-colored grubs or crankbaits are effective, however smallmouths also will take spinners and spoons. Utah Wildlife Resources and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department have initiated a creel survey, which includes fishermen counts using aircraft. These DWR planes might be observed flying as low as several hundred feet over the reservoir through 2003.

GREEN RIVER (upper) Flows are scheduled for 800 cfs, and will be held at that level through summer and fall. Fishing has been good, with Cicadas providing surface action using size 8–10 imitations. Sporadic Blue Wing Olive hatches are providing additional surface action, especially on cool afternoons. Good dry patterns include Adams, BWO or Griffith's Gnat, size 16–20. For nymph fishing 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. Spin fishermen should try small rapalas; spinners; black, brown or olive marabou jigs; and tube jigs.

MATT WARNER RESERVOIR Reports of fair to good fishing. Lake level continues to be at its lowest levels since reconstruction

MOON LAKE Reports of good fishing for splake and rainbows. Anglers also catching cutthroat, kokanee, brook trout and whitefish. Lake level has come up due to some recent rains and late snow melt.

PELICAN LAKE Reports from anglers of good fishing for bass and bluegill. Afternoon winds, especially during rain and thunderstorms, have and will make boating an adventure.

RED FLEET RESERVOIR Reports of good fishing for trout, bass and bluegill. Lake levels have come up recently.

STARVATION RESERVOIR Report of good fishing for walleye, trout and bass. Lake levels remain high. 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 by catching and keeping your limits of walleye and bass.

STEINAKER RESERVOIR Reports of fair to good fishing for trout and bass. Lake levels have come up considerably during the last few weeks.

UINTA MOUNTAIN LAKES AND STREAMS Reports of good to excellent fishing as high country snow has melted out early. Ponds, lakes and streams all producing well. Fishing on high elevation lakes and streams is often spotty but with over 400 fishable waters, if one isn't producing just move on to the next one. 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 July 9

GENERAL - During the heat of summer, anglers need to be more attentive to time of day. Fish only in the early morning or late evening for best results. Fish in deeper water. Pay attention to any natural foods the fish may be eating. At this time of year, Cicadas, moths, midges, bees, hornets, damsel flies and grasshoppers are very abundant. Hook one of them and float it downstream. They make effective fish-getters. Besides hooking natural baits, use artificial flies to imitate insects. Artificial ants, mosquitoes, mayflies, midges, stone flies, gnats, nymphs, etc., are very effective this time of year.

BENCHES RESERVOIR - Early morning fishing is most productive. The most effective offering is an artificial fly and bubble. A size 14 renegade pattern is recommended. Brown leech patterns work as well. Gold Jake's have been the most effective spinners. Rainbow PowerBait has been the most popular bait.

BLUE LAKE (south Skyline Drive) Fishing was fair over the weekend.

BLUE MOUNTAINS - Fishing at Blanding #3 continues to be good in the evening with bait and spinners, and fair during the middle of the day with bait. The reservoir was stocked with a total of 3,000 rainbow trout this spring, but won't be restocked again this summer due to concerns about the reservoir drying up. Recapture Reservoir continues to be good for northern pike from a boat trolling crankbaits and is fair from shore with spinners. Foy Reservoir continues to provide good fishing with bait and spinners. Fly fishing has been excellent using nymph patterns. Both Foy and Monticello reservoirs were planted with 4,500 catchable-size rainbow trout last month. Lloyds Lake has been good near the inlet for anglers using salmon eggs.

BOULGERS RESERVOIR - Fishing is best in the early morning. Late evenings are fair to good. Fishing at other times of day is unproductive. Refer to "Benches Reservoir" for end tackle recommendations. The reservoir's full annual allotment of 4,800 nine- to ten-inch fish was planted in June.

CLEVELAND RESERVOIR - Fishing success has been low. Fish very early in the morning for best results. The best baits have been Power Nuggets and PowerBait. Grasshopper fly patterns and gold or silver Panther Martin lures have been effective recently. In June, the reservoir was planted with 4,000 catchable-size rainbow trout. No further stocking will occur this year, due to concerns about the reservoir drying up.

DUCK FORK RESERVOIR - Duck Fork will be replanted with Colorado River cutthroat trout and fingerling tiger trout this summer. The tiger trout are expected to be large enough to catch in 2004. Duck Fork regulations will protect the Colorado River cutthroat population for future egg collection and fish transplant operations. The DWR hopes that this measure will help keep the Colorado cut from being listed as threatened or endangered.

ELECTRIC LAKE - Small boats can be hand-carried to the water. Trolling anglers have had fair success with brass Vibrax lures, gold and red Jake's, or frog flatfish. Bait fishermen have had fair success with night crawlers tipped with a red salmon egg or Power Egg. Fly fishermen have been using red crystal buggers on sinking line. The limit at Electric Lake is four trout which may be taken on any type of bait, lure or fly. Tributaries are open on July 12, where the limit is two trout, which must be caught with artificial flies and lures only.

EMERALD LAKE (South Manti) - Fishing has been fair with artificial flies or PowerBait.

EMERY RESERVOIR - The drought has reduced this reservoir to a virtual puddle. Fishing has been slow. Little or no angler pressure.

FAIRVIEW LAKES - Todd Munford of Big Pine Sports in Fairview reports that fishing success has fluctuated between slow and great. Best success will be had in the early morning. Fly fishermen have been using olive or green crystal buggers or purple leeches on sinking line. Spin casters have been using gold Jake's or Panther Martins. Bait fishermen have had luck using PowerBait off the rocks in the early morning or late evening. No motorized boats are allowed.

FERRON RESERVOIR - The water level is very low, due to dam repair work. Fishing was good over the holiday weekend for bait fishermen using worms or PowerBait. One very successful fisherman jigged a green neon marshmallow near the bottom with a slip sinker. The reservoir was stocked with 3,000 nine- to ten-inch rainbow trout in June. The trout limit is four. However, anglers may take a bonus limit of four brook trout in addition to the normal trout limit. All tributaries open on July 12th.

GIGLIOTTI POND - Trout fishing is poor, although catch-and-release fishing for bluegill and bass has been fair. The Castle Country Bass Masters and DWR continue to be concerned about hooking mortality of bass and bluegill. If you hook a bass or bluegill deeply, please cut your line and release the fish. Your attempt to dislodge a deeply set hook will kill the fish.

GOOSEBERRY RESERVOIR - Todd Munford reports fair fishing around the main campground and west shore with a night crawler behind a full bubble or PowerBait. Fly fishing is improving for anglers using damsel fly imitations. Brown leeches or olive/green crystal buggers are also effective. The reservoir's summer allotment of 6,400 nine- to ten-inch rainbow trout was planted in June. All tributaries open on July 12th.

GRASSY LAKE (above Joes Valley Reservoir) - Fishing has been slow.

GRASSY TRAIL RESERVOIR - The reservoir is closed to fishing in 2003.

GREEN RIVER GOLF COURSE PONDS - The limit is four fish in the aggregate for all species.

HUNTINGTON CREEK - Fly fishing has been fair on the right fork and fair to good on the left fork. For good surface action, Todd Munford recommends a #14 royal wulff, #12 orange stimulator, or #14 red or yellow humpies. Nymph fishermen should try #16 beadhead pheasant tails, beadhead prince nymphs or large attractor patterns with a nymph dropper, such as a #18 disco midge or RS2. Below the forks, bait fishermen have been using night crawlers or salmon eggs. On the right fork (from Flood and Engineer's Canyon upstream to Electric Lake) only artificial flies may be used and the trout limit is two. On the left fork, only artificial flies and lures may be used. The harvest of brown trout is encouraged.

HUNTINGTON GAME FARM POND - Fishing success is poor. No more trout will be stocked until next May.

HUNTINGTON NORTH RESERVOIR - Trout fishing continues to be slow. More trout will be stocked in October. Water recreationalists dominate the water for now. In 2003, the bass limit is two; all largemouth bass over 12 inches must be immediately released.

HUNTINGTON RESERVOIR (near the top of Huntington Canyon) - Fishing continues to be slow. The tiger trout are in deep water, but may be caught with dark lures, crystal buggers or leeches. Todd Munford recommends trolling or retrieving a straight night crawler in deep water behind a full bubble with four feet of leader. Tributaries open on July 12. The reservoir is closed to the possession of cutthroat trout or trout with cutthroat markings.

JOES VALLEY RESERVOIR - The boat ramp is still open and the water level is good for boating. Fishing success has dropped off. The splake are holding in at least 30 feet of water. In the recent past, boat anglers have had fair success jigging three- to four-inch white grubs, tipped with a piece of chub meat. 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.

KENS LAKE - Kens Lake is full and continues to receive some fishing pressure. The lake is being used by a lot of water recreationalists, so fish very early or very late in the day. This lake was planted with 4,000 nine- to ten-inch rainbow trout this spring. No further stocking will occur this year.

LASAL MOUNTAINS - All mountain lakes offer fair to good fishing. Flies and lures tend to be very successful in the early morning or late evening. Recommended flies include ants, beetles and wooly worms. Worms and salmon eggs seem to be the most popular baits.

MARYS LAKE - This water was stocked in June with its summer allotment of 1,200 rainbow trout, but has received very little fishing pressure all summer.

MILLER FLAT RESERVOIR - Fishing success picked up this past weekend. Bait fishermen had good luck with Velveta cheese or salmon eggs. Effective fly patterns have been the mosquito, double renegade, renegade and brown or purple leech patterns. The most popular bait continues to be PowerBait, which is most effective in the early morning or evening. The reservoir was stocked in June with its total annual allotment of 3,000 catchable-size rainbow trout.

MILLSITE RESERVOIR - There have been a lot of water recreationalists and few anglers. Velveta cheese continues to be the most effective bait. Fish in the early morning for best results.

PETES HOLE - Fishing was good over the weekend, especially with a fly and bubble. Try renegades, royal coachmen, beadhead prince nymphs or a roostertail fly with red and gold flashing. Worms or PowerBait were moderately productive. In June, Pete's was stocked with 4,800 catchable rainbow trout.

POTTER'S PONDS - Fishing has been fair. We recommend a fly and bubble in the morning or evening using renegades, royal coachmen or Scofield special patterns. Velveta cheese seems to be the most popular bait. Both ponds were planted with 5,600 rainbow trout apiece in June.

PRICE RIVER/LOWER FISH CREEK - Heavy flows from the reservoir continue. From the railroad bridge approximately one 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 indicates that a large midge hatch has made shoreline fishing difficult. Redside shiners are spawning near shore which has also dampened fishing success. Dead shiners continue to be the best bait. These may be caught at the reservoir, using minnow traps. Todd Munford reports that fly fishermen have had some success with green/olive crystal buggers along the west shore. He describes trolling as fair with leaded line and orange/pearl triple teasers, pop gear and a worm, or teeny crayfish lures. All tributaries open on July 12. There are no special regulations on fishing tributaries. The statewide trout limit applies.

SOUP BOWL - Fishing success was good over the weekend with a fly and bubble. The pond was stocked in June with its annual allotment of 1,500 rainbow trout.

SPINNERS RESERVOIR - Fishing has been very slow; however, we have received reports of 10-, 6- and 2 1/2-lb. rainbow trout being caught this past week.

STRAIGHT CANYON CREEK - Try using live baits, such as Cicadas and grasshoppers.

WILLOW LAKE - Good fishing was had over the weekend. Effective fish-getters include gold Jake's, worms and PowerBait. Flies and a bubble continue to be the most successful offering. Fish early and late in the day. The lake was stocked with 5,000 catchable rainbow trout in June.

WRIGLEY SPRING RESERVOIR Fishing has picked up for bait fishermen using worms or PowerBait. Gold Kastmasters or Jake's have done well. A dry fly and bubble combination in the morning or evening is recommended. In June, the reservoir was stocked with 4,800 catchable rainbow trout.

LAKE POWELL

July 10, 2003

By Wayne Gustaveson: www.wayneswords.com
Lake elevation: 3615 ft., Water temperature: 76–83° F.

Fish reports were pouring in this week from the "Bullfrog Boils." It was hard to keep up with all the successful anglers who chased stripers around Bullfrog Bay. The common report was that boils were best in the early morning and late evening but there were boils seen through out the day. Most boils were of the slurp variety with 30–50 fish popping up to skim larval shad from the surface. The boils lasted from a few minutes to a half hour. Most boils were not long but recurred often. Many reported seeing more than 100 boils over the long holiday weekend.

With time the stripers became increasingly boat shy. Wise anglers found that casting small shad imitating lures over and ahead of the feeding schools would catch fish while lures hitting in the middle of the school spooked feeding stripers. Lures reeled through the leading edge of the feeding school were the most effective.

Center of the boiling action was Bullfrog Bay. Boils extended uplake to Moki and included Halls Creek. There was still no surface action reported upstream from Moki. Downlake boils with catchable stripers were found in the San Juan at Cha Bay and Neskahi Bay. Less catchable stripers were boiling in Warm Creek, Navajo, Last Chance and near main channel buoy 24 and buoy 36–39. Catching stripers from these schools required a little more stealth and casting over and beyond the leading fish in the school was very important.

As the moon gets brighter boils will decrease in number and duration. Usually full moon results in evening boils being much better and more consistent that morning boils. Shad will continue to grow during the brief lull in surface feeding induced by the full moon. Larger shad are more difficult targets. Stripers will soon have to work harder to find shad. That means boils will become less frequent but when seen they will be more violent in intensity. Stripers eating larger shad are much easier to catch. Stealth will not be as important when stripers are eating larger shad.

Expect boiling intensity to decrease this week as nights get brighter. Boils will still be consistently found but number and duration will diminish. After the full moon boil duration, intensity and striper catchability will steadily improve as the moon darkens.

The year of the striper boil continues. This has been the most successful July on record for catching surface feeding stripers. We expect August to be even better.

Bass fishing is steady but not as flashy as fishing top water for stripers. Look deeper for smallmouth with the 25 foot contour being the center of the action. Use shad colored grubs, tubes and senkos for best results.

SOUTHERN REGION

July 10, 2003

BAKER RESERVOIR: The reservoir level is dropping. Still good fishing for pan-size rainbow trout. Try powerbait, or nightcrawlers from shore.

BARKER RESERVOIRS, NORTH CREEK LAKES: Barker Reservoir and Lower Barker Reservoir are located at the head of the North Creek drainage northwest of the town of Escalante. The two reservoirs are accessible by road. Eight other smaller reservoirs and ponds are located in the area and are accessible by 1/4- to 2-mile hikes from the Barkers. The Barkers have been stocked with catchable-size rainbows and are fair fishing. Dougherty Basin Lake is closed to fishing until July 12.

BEAVER MOUNTAIN LAKES: All have been stocked with catchable rainbow trout and/ or cutthroat. Brook trout are also present in most of the lakes. Best fishing reported at Anderson Meadow, Puffer, and Little Reservoir; fair at Labaron; slow at Kents and Three Creeks. Water levels are dropping and algae blooms are present at

BEAVER RIVER: The river is running clear. Abundant caddis and mayfly hatches. Try elk hair caddis or Wulff patterns. Small spinners or bait will work too. The section from Minersville Reservoir upstream to the Greenville Bridge is closed to fishing until July 12. Water is being released from Minersville Res so the lower river is up. Rainbows have been stocked here. 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: The road to the top is now open. With the low water levels going into last winter, there was some winter kill at a number of lakes on the top. A standard technique for Boulder Mountain brook trout is fishing a black marabou jig near cover. Worms will also work. If flyfishing, try leech, bugger, or scud patterns. Special regulations on Boulder Mountain waters include a limit of four trout with only two over 14 inches. There is a bonus limit of 4 brook trout (total limit of no more than eight trout if at least four are brook trout, with the size restriction noted above).

CHALK CREEK: Small stream east of Fillmore. The Forest gate and campground are now open. The stream is clear. Good fishing for small wild rainbow trout and rainbow/cutthroat hybrids. The North Fork provides a good spot for those willing to hike. Meadow Creek and Pioneer Creek are other small streams in the area that contain populations of small, wild trout.

CORN CREEK: The Forest gate is open. The stream is clear. Brown trout are abundant, some up to 14 inches. Fishing can be a challenge here with thick riparian vegetation. Lots of crickets in the area. Use them as bait or use a fly imitation.

CLEAR CREEK: Small stream along I-70 by Fremont Indian State Park. The stream clear. Crickets are abundant in the area. Good fishing for browns and rainbows up to 14 inches. The tributaries also contain populations of small, wild trout.

DUCK CREEK/ASPEN MIRROR: These are stocked about every two weeks with catchable-sized rainbow trout. Try powerbait from shore.

EAST FORK OF THE SEVIER RIVER: A few trout have been reported from the area near Osiris Mill and above, some small cutthroat are also present below. Small rainbow trout have also been stocked through the canyon. There will be few larger trout here until populations recover from impacts of fires and flooding last year. For the section of river from the BLM property boundary (about four 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 two trout. Water is being released from Otter Creek Reservoir so flows are now up 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 very low. The lower reservoir still has some water and has been stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout. It has been good fishing from shore. The upper reservoir will not be stocked with trout this summer due to low water conditions.

FISH LAKE: The fast action at Twin Creek has slowed some but fishing is still good lake-wide. Splake can usually be caught from boats by jigging. Use a Kastmaster or similar spoon or plastic grub tipped with sucker or perch meat. Chartreuse or white jigs are popular. Start jigging near the bottom at about the weedline. Vary your jigging technique or depth until you find the right combination. Generally, fishing for splake becomes more difficult as the fish move deeper and may become suspended. If you can find them, you can still have some success. Rainbows may be taken jigging tube jigs tipped with bait, still fishing with worms or powerbait or by trolling. Perch can be caught fishing shallow and using about anything tipped with a piece of worm. Special regulations for Fish Lake include no more than two of your four-trout limit may be lake trout and only 1 may be a lake trout larger than 20 inches. Remember, Twin Creek is closed to fishing. Good fishing is available at streams in the area. Try hopper imitations or elk hair caddis.

FORSYTH RESERVOIR: The reservoir is dropping. Good fishing for tiger trout and splake. Try casting spinners or trolling. Bait from shore will also work. Please prevent the spread of whirling disease. Do not transport any parts of fish caught here to other waters.

FREMONT RIVER: Flows are now up in the section between Johnson Reservoir and Mill Meadow Reservoir. Small browns are abundant here. 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.

GUNNISON BEND RESERVOIR: Reservoir near Delta. White bass are still being caught. Please respect private property surrounding the reservoir.

GUNLOCK RESERVOIR: Bass fishing has slowed. Good for sunfish and bluegill. Bluegill and crappie are present here, too. Try crayfish crankbaits or lager plastic baits for the bass, smaller tube jigs or worms for the pan fish. No reports on catfish. Remember special regulations for bass — four bass under ten inches and two over 20 inches.

JOHNSON RESERVOIR: 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 DWR office with some details.

KOLOB RESERVOIR: Mixed reports with the warmer weather. Some days have been slow. Fish are moving deeper. Special regulations include artificial flies and lures only, with a limit of one trout which must be over 22 inches. Scented jigs are not allowed. The stream above the lake is closed to fishing.

KOOSHAREM RESERVOIR: Fishing has been good for small, fat rainbow trout. Try spinners or bait from shore.

LOWER BOWNS: Generally some good fishing for 12- to 14-inch rainbows early in the year.

MILL MEADOW RESERVOIR: The reservoir level is dropping. Good fishing for rainbows and hybrid trout, and brown trout. Try powerbait or worms. Trolling something silver is also working. Please prevent the spread of whirling disease. Do not transport any parts of fish caught here to other waters.

MINERSVILLE RESERVOIR: The reservoir is low and dropping. Fishing has been slow but some nice fish are available. Use dark or olive wooly bugger or leech patterns if fly fishing; dark jigs if spin fishing. Heavy hatches of midges in the evenings. If the exceptionally warm weather continues, it may be time to give these fish a break. In the past, during low, warm water conditions, mortality of even "properly" released trout has increased. 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 level is low. The lake has been heavily stocked with rainbows. Try powerbait or worms.

NEWCASTLE RESERVOIR: The reservoir level is low. Slow fishing for rainbow trout. Cast spinners or fish worms or powerbait from shore. Some of the larger trout are feeding on golden shiners so gold spoons or rapalas may work. Smallmouth bass are biting. Cast a small (two-inch or less) plastic curly tail grub with 1/16- to 1/4-oz lead head jig (depending upon the wind) and retrieve it slowly over the bottom. Using a "Carolina" rig with the same bait and unweighted hook with the weight added 12–18 inches above the grub will also work and decrease the number of snags. Some "boils" of bass chasing schools of shiners have been reported this past month.

OTTER CREEK RESERVOIR: Good fishing continues from both shore and from boats. Rainbow trout up to two pounds. Rainbow powerbait or worms with a marshmallow are working best from shore. Floating vegetation makes trolling difficult in some locations. Please prevent the spread of whirling disease. Do not transport any parts of fish caught here to other waters.

PANGUITCH LAKE: The lake level is low. Launching is possible from the north public ramp and at some of the private marinas. Fair fishing for 13–15 inch rainbows. Best fishing is from boats with powerbait or worms in the deeper channel areas. Best fishing form shore is on the north side. New regulations this year 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 provide a chance at a trophy-sized fish.

PARAGONAH (RED CREEK) RESERVOIR: Fishing has slowed somewhat. It generally picks up again in June as water warms and midge hatches begin. Remember the stream above is closed to fishing until July 12.

PINE LAKE: Good access. Good fishing for 11–14 inch rainbows and small cutthroat. Try bugger, leech or damsel fly patterns if flyfishing; worms or powerbait from shore.

PINE VALLEY RESERVOIR: Stocking has begun and will continue about every two weeks through the summer. Try bait from shore.

PIUTE RESERVOIR: Slow so far this summer. Look for some good fishing here the next few years if we get out of the drought cycle.

QUAIL LAKE: The lake is low but filling. Fishing for bass has improved. Remember the special regulations for bass — four bass under ten inches and two over 20 inches.

REDMOND LAKE: Reservoir has been filling and is turbid. Little fishing pressure. Try a large spoon or minnow-imitating lure or a dead minnow for pike.

REX RESERVOIR: Fair fishing with powerbait. Heavy pressure on weekends.

SAND COVE RESERVOIRS: Two small reservoirs by the town of Veyo. The dam was rebuilt on the lower reservoir and both reservoirs were dredged this past winter. Both have been refilled and the upper reservoir has been stocked with catchable rainbow trout. Bluegill have also been stocked but numbers and size will probably be low for a year or two.

SAND HOLLOW RESERVOIR: A new reservoir near St. George. The State Park is open but the reservoir is dropping. The launch ramp is closed. The reservoir is closed to fishing for this year. It has been stocked with largemouth bass and bluegill but needs a year or two for those populations to develop. Enjoy the boating, ATVs and sun, but leave the fishing rods at home.

SEVIER RIVER, ASAY CREEK, MAMMOTH CREEK: The upper tributaries (Asay Creek and Mammoth Creek) are clear. Most of the trout water on the 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. 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. Try caddis, cicada, or hopper patterns if flyfishing. Whirling disease has been documented in the drainage. Please prevent the spread of whirling disease. Do not transport any parts of fish caught here to other waters.

THOUSAND LAKES MTN: No reports on fishing success.

TROPIC RESERVOIR: Located at the head of the East Fork of the Sevier River near Bryce Canyon National Park. Good access. The lake is dropping. Good fishing from shore using powerbait or spinners.

URBAN PONDS: Stocking of trout at the two Tawa ponds along the Snow Canyon Parkway and the Skyline Drive Pond in St. George is over for the summer. Some trout remain, however, as well as bass and bluegill. The limit is two 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. Please pick up any litter and keep the area clean. The Stratton Pond below Quail Lake has been recently stocked with catchable trout. Catfish have been stocked at the Parowan Pond.

WIDE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: Reservoir at Escalante State Park west of the town of Escalante. Fair fishing for rainbow trout and bass, good for bluegill. The reservoir level is dropping rapidly. Launching boats is no longer advisable. Won't be much water left in a couple weeks.

YANKEE MEADOW RESERVOIR: Good access. The reservoir is low. Fair fishing for rainbows, brook and cutthroat. Try spinners, jigs, or bait from shore. No camping is allowed around the immediate shoreline. Please pack your garbage out.

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