Weekly statewide fishing report

Our weekly rundown of fishing conditions at various locations in Utah
 

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

August 18

BEAR LAKE - Surface water temperature is 72° F.. Anglers are reporting fair to good fishing on Bear Lake even though the summer temperatures have increased. The best action has been coming from fishermen who are jigging tube jigs tipped with cisco meat in 65–85 feet of water in the early morning from about 6–9 a.m. Some trollers have also reported catching fish using small spoons or flatfish on leadcore line or downriggers fished anywhere from 35–85 feet deep. Best spots for both jigging and trolling have been along the east side from 2nd Point north to the stateline. Action seems to slow down later in the day. You may also consider using some scent Anise/Crawdad/Shrimp on your lures or jigs. There has been some longlining fishing taking place along the east side off Cisco Beach, but the action has been slow. Anglers are using whole cisco for bait. The lake level is currently dropping and was at 5905.85 feet on August 11 which is about three feet lower than the highest level for the year that was reached on May 28, 2003. All sizes of boats can be launched from the Utah State Park marina. Launch early for fishing and get off the lake by early afternoon to avoid long lines at the boat launch later in the day. Smaller boats may be launched off the shore at several points around the lake, however, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended and drivers should be aware of soft sand.

BEAR RIVER - Fishing is slow.

BOUNTIFUL LAKE - Fishing is slow to fair. Just a reminder that all individuals fourteen years and older need to have a valid fishing licenses when fishing.

EAST CANYON RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair to good. Boats are still able to launch from the boat ramps. The water level is approximately twenty feet below spill way.

FARMINGTON POND - Fishing is slow due to increasing water temperature.

HONEYVILLE POND - Fishing is slow. Anglers are still catching a few fish.

HYRUM RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair. The water level is low. Smaller boats are still able to launch.

LOST CREEK RESERVOIR - Fishing is fair to good. Water level is down and the fish are crowded. Boats are unable to launch. The water level is below the boat ramp. The day use fee has been temporarily removed due to the low water level.

MABEY (CLEARFIELD CITY) POND-Fishing is fair for catfish.

NEWTON RESERVOIR - New regulations for Newton Reservoir effective August 2, 2003: the daily bag and possession limits for all game fish are doubled (for example: two tiger muskie, 12 largemouth bass, and 16 channel catfish). Size restrictions on tiger musky and largemouth bass are removed. Previous bag and possession limits and size restrictions for Newton Reservoir will be effective again on January 1, 2004. Except for other emergency changes made since January 1, 2003, all rules established in the 2003 Utah Fishing Regulations remain in effect.

PINEVIEW RESERVOIR - Fishing is slow. The road over the dam is under construction and is closed Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. The boat ramps are all open, but water level is decreasing daily.

UINTAS - Roadside lakes associated with Highway 150 the fishing is good for rainbow and albino trout. Anglers are having better luck using flies, lures, and bait. Water level is down at Whitney and State Line reservoirs. All road side lakes are continuing to be stocked with catchable rainbow. The high lakes have been good fishing for brook and cutthroat trout, especially the east fork of the smiths fork drainage.

WILLARD BAY - Fishing is slow. The south marina is closed and will remain closed through April 1, 2004, or until there is sufficient water to launch a boat. Water levels at the north marina have made launching a boat impossible.

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

NORTHERN | CENTRAL | NORTHEASTERN | SOUTHEASTERN | SOUTHERN | LAKE POWELL

CENTRAL REGION

Send your central region fishing tips to ScottRoot@utah.gov. 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 - (August 13) Fishing success has been fair to good. Best methods have included trolling, jigging and float tubing with sinking fly line and wooly buggers. Minnow imitating lures have also been effective. A few kokanee anglers have reported mixed results. Many of Strawberry's tribs will close on Sept. 1 until October 11. NOTICE: New fishing regulations for the reservoir began on January 1st. These include: an aggregate limit 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). 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 - (Aug 13) Fishing has been reported as good for trout perch and bass. Note to early morning boaters: State Park gates don't open until 6:00 a.m. Reports of good fishing success for trout by trolling, tubing and by shore fishing. Fishing early in the morning can avoid a lot of the recreational boaters. 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) (Aug 13) Artificial flies and lures only! Fishing has been good to very good (if you use the right fly). Moderate to heavy pressure at the usual fishing holes. Move away from the crowds and you will still get into fish. Fishing has been best in the cooler hours of the day. Early hours are the best time of day for anglers to have success. Try standard Provo River small nymphs (size 18 and smaller) such as gold-ribbed hares ear, scuds, pheasant tails, etc. Only two 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 South Bridge downstream to the Heber Valley Railroad trestle (approximately two miles) will be closed to public access through December 19, 2003.

PROVO RIVER (Below Olmstead Diversion) (Aug 13) Best success has been reported on the upper stretches of town and up the canyon to Olmstead for trout. 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). Moderate fishing pressure.

DEER CREEK RESERVOIR (Aug 13) Only the main State Park ramp is in the water and launching is not a problem. The Island ramp is "launch at your own risk." Success has dropped off just a bit since the weather got hot. Best chance for trolling success is to go out in the early morning hours just around dawn. Yellow perch limit is 10. 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 - (Aug 13) Boat ramp is "launch at your own risk." The harbor is only one 1.5 feet deep and the marina is three feet deep. Main body of water in the lake averages only about four feet in depth. All largemouth and smallmouth bass over 12 inches must be immediately released. Catfish success has been fair to 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 - (Aug 13) As of August 15, the reservoir and river within the high-water line of the reservoir will be closed to all fishing. The lake has been drained to repair the dam.

COTTONWOOD CANYON LAKES (East of SLC) (Aug 13) - Recent surveys indicate that some of these higher elevation lakes have plenty of hungry trout. Best bets include: Twin Lakes, Mary, Martha, Catherine, Pittsburgh, Red Pine and Upper Red Pine lakes. White Pine has a few good-sized fish but expect slow fishing. A small dark fly in the morning or evening should produce well. Lures have produced success as well.

BURRASTON PONDS - (Aug 13) Fair fishing success by using traditional baits. Even with volunteers cleaning up around the pond, people are still dumping trash

HOBBLE CREEK & DIAMOND FORK RIVERS - (Aug 13) Hobble Creek catch basin is dry. The river is low but fishing holes can still be found with hungry trout. Diamond Fork River has been considered fair to good for most of the summer if using small flies or bait. 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 - (Aug 13) Some clumps of vegetation are on the surface. Anglers are fishing (w/traditional baits) for rainbows by using powerbait and channel catfish by using worms. Success has been considered slow to fair for trout and catfish. Remember that regulations on both waters include: Limit of four fish (Daily bag and possession limit is a total of 4 fish in the aggregate 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 (Aug 13) - Due to the shallow water and warm temperature, the pond won't be stocked again until next year.

PAYSON LAKES - (Aug 13) Fishing success is fair to good by using standard baits.

TIBBLE FORK RESERVOIR - (Aug 13) Fair to good fishing success with traditional baits and lures.

TOOELE COUNTY WATERS - (Aug 13) Grantsville, Vernon, Settlement Canyon and Rainbow Reservoirs have all been producing fair success. Water level at Vernon may be drained down significantly by mid-September.

MILL HOLLOW - (Aug 13) Fair to 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) - (Aug 13) Good fishing success. Dark-colored flies in the morning or evening can work very well.

SANPETE COUNTY WATERS - (Aug 6) Many of the waters have been stocked and fishing has been fair to good by using traditional baits.

NORTHERN | CENTRAL | NORTHEASTERN | SOUTHEASTERN | SOUTHERN | LAKE POWELL

NORTHEASTERN REGION

Updated August 14

BIG SAND WASH RESERVOIR Reports of fair fishing for rainbows and a few bass being taken.

BULLOCK/COTTONWOOD RESERVOIRS Anglers report fair fishing for bass and rainbow. Cottonwood was drained for repairs last year and so needs to fill. The reservoirs are located approximately 5 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 / SPIRIT LAKE Reports of good fishing from both reservoirs. Access good, may vary depending on weather.

EAST PARK / OAKS PARK East and Oaks Park filled this spring. Reports on fishing success vary.

CALDER /CROUSE RESERVOIRS Reports of good fishing at Calder despite low water levels. Crouse winterkilled last year and has not been refilled. New limit on Calder is 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 - Anvil Draw ramp is closed due to low water. Smallmouth bass fishing is good to excellent. Cast crayfish-colored jigs or crankbaits along rocky structure reservoir-wide or at the back of bays along weed lines. For larger bass, work the lure into 20 feet of water. Kokanee salmon fishing is slow and spotty, with best catches reported from Gold Point, Squaw Hollow and the Pipeline. Fish a small fluorescent lure, with or without a flasher, at 35- to 50-foot depths. Rainbow trout fishing is slow from shore, however boat fishing remains fair trolling small spoons, crankbaits, or a popgear/worm combo; and casting lures or jigs near shoreline areas. Lake trout fishing has been fair to good. Good areas include Linwood Bay, Stateline, Rawlins Draw and Mustang; with reports of small fish concentrated from Anvil Draw to Squaw Hollow. 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 limit. Utah Wildlife Resources and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department are conducting 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 800 cfs with no fluctuation. Fishing has been good, although challenging due to the low, clear water. Cicada imitations, size 8–10, and other traditional terrestrial patterns, including hoppers, beetles and ants, are providing good dry fly action. Scattered caddis hatches have provided additional surface action. 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; or hare's ears, size 16–20. A popular technique is dropping a midge or baetis nymph behind a large 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 mostly for small fish. Lake levels were helped by recent rains.

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.

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 still good.

NORTHERN | CENTRAL | NORTHEASTERN | SOUTHEASTERN | SOUTHERN | LAKE POWELL

SOUTHEASTERN REGION

Updated August 15

GENERAL - Although fishing conditions are generally slow at present, anglers can expect improvements as the fall season approaches.

BENCHES RESERVOIR - According to Todd Munford of Big Pine Sports in Fairview, fishing has been slow to fair. Fly fishermen in float tubes and pontoon boats have had the best success with sinking line and brown and olive leech patterns. Spincasters have had luck by quickly retrieving a gold Jake's from the dam. Shoreline bait fishermen have experienced some success, using PowerBait behind a full bubble and long leader.

BLUE MOUNTAINS - No recent report.

BOULGERS RESERVOIR - See "Benches Reservoir" for fishing success and tackle recommendations.

CLEVELAND RESERVOIR - Fishing has been fair from shore with corn PowerBait. Fly fishermen from tubes or pontoon boats have had fair success with red crystal buggers on sinking line.

DUCK FORK RESERVOIR - Duck Fork will be replanted with Colorado River cutthroat trout and fingerling tiger trout this fall. 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 River cutthroat from being listed as threatened or endangered. If that were to happen, traditional fishing in southeastern Utah could be dramatically impacted. Tiger trout are being planted to provide for sport fishing at this water.

ELECTRIC LAKE - Fishing success has been sporadic, but is generally slow to fair. Fishing from small watercraft has been better than from the bank. The limit at Electric Lake is four trout which may be taken on any type of bait, lure or fly. In the tributaries, the limit is two trout, which must be caught with artificial flies or lures.

FAIRVIEW LAKES - Todd Munford reports that shoreline fishing has been fair from the rocks on the west end, using PowerBait behind a full bubble with four feet of leader. Fly fishing has been best in the late evening with a black leech pattern. Spincasters have had luck with a gold Jake's.

FERRON RESERVOIR - Shoreline fishing has ranged from fair to good with a salmon egg and worm combination for brookies on the northeast end. Fly fishermen have done fairly well from boats using olive leeches or chartreuse/red crystal buggers. The trout limit is four. However, anglers may take a bonus limit of four brook trout in addition to the normal trout limit.

GIGLIOTTI POND - The water level is low, and trout fishing has been poor. Bass and bluegill anglers are encouraged to use artificial baits and lures, and exercise caution when releasing a bass or bluegill. If you see that your hook has been swallowed deeply, please cut the line and release the fish. Most fish will survive until the hook becomes dislodged, dissolved, or passes through the digestive system.

GOOSEBERRY RESERVOIR - Todd Munford reports generally slow fishing. Anglers, on the west shoreline south of the campground, have had some luck with a night crawler, tipped with a floating Power Egg behind a full bubble and four feet of leader. Fly fishing has been best in the channel on the south end. Olive or brown leeches stripped quickly with sinking line have been effective.

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 - Low flows continue. Fish early or late for best results. Todd Munford reports success on the right fork with a #14 royal wulff or #18 griffiths gnat pattern. For left fork anglers, willing to hike several miles down from Millers Flat dam, good surface action can be had with a #14 elk hair caddis or tan/yellow hopper pattern. Good below-surface action can be had with a #14 beadhead pheasant tail/prince nymph or a #14 lil brassy. Special regulations on Huntington Creek are as follows: 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, and the harvest of brown trout is encouraged.

HUNTINGTON NORTH RESERVOIR - Trout fishing continues to be slow. More trout will be stocked in October as other water recreation subsides. The bass limit is two; all largemouth bass over 12 inches must be immediately released.

HUNTINGTON RESERVOIR - (near the top of Huntington Canyon) Todd Munford reports slow fishing. Best results have been had by boaters, trolling gold Jake's or brown/tan roostertails on leaded line. Shoreline fishermen have had best luck with a straight night crawler behind a full bubble, cast out as far as possible. Fly fishermen have had fair success from tubes or pontoon boats, using black/brown crystal buggers or double renegades. The reservoir is closed to the possession of cutthroat trout or trout with cutthroat markings.

JOES VALLEY RESERVOIR - The boat ramp is now out of the water. Only hand-launched water craft can be used. Fishing success has been slow. The splake are holding in deep water. In 2003, the trout limit is two. No more than one trout may be over 22 inches. All trout 15–22 inches must be immediately released.

KENS LAKE - No recent report.

LASAL MOUNTAINS - No recent report.

MILLER FLAT RESERVOIR - Shoreline fishing has been good with red salmon eggs behind a full bubble with 3–4 feet of leader. Fly fishermen have had fair success with a brown leech or red crystal bugger.

PETES HOLE - No recent report.

POTTERS PONDS - Shoreline fishing has been good with PowerBait behind a full bubble with 3–4 feet of leader. Fly fishermen have had luck with a brown leech or red crystal bugger.

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. No recent report.

SCOFIELD RESERVOIR - Fishing has generally been slow. Trollers near the boy scout camp have had some success with leaded line and rainbow needlefish or silver triple teasers. Shoreline anglers have had best success in the early morning with dead red shiner minnows. Fly fishing has been fair from tubes or pontoon boats slow-trolling black/red wooly buggers or olive leech patterns. There are no special regulations on the tributaries.

WILLOW LAKE - Fishing has been slow to fair. Cheese and dough baits have not been very effective.

WRIGLEY SPRING RESERVOIR - (See Willow Lake)

NORTHERN | CENTRAL | NORTHEASTERN | SOUTHEASTERN | SOUTHERN | LAKE POWELL

LAKE POWELL

August 14, 2003

By Wayne Gustaveson: www.wayneswords.com
Lake elevation: 3608 ft., Water temperature: 80–85° F.

Boat access may be more important than fishing this week. Some of those obstacles to launching that were flooded last spring are poking their heads above the surface once more. Hite ramp is all but cut off from the main lake by a giant sand bar. Stateline ramp has now been closed due to shallow water off the end of the ramp. The concrete is still covered with 18 inches of water but there is not enough depth between the ramp and breakwater to safely maneuver. The courtesy dock is still in place, ahs a littel more depth and may be available for loading passengers for one more week. Antelope Point ramp will remain open for a few more days. Boat trailers are commonly extending beyond the concrete onto sand and rock while launching the boat. These ramps are classified as "launch at your own risk due to low water." The old flat ramp at Bullfrog will soon be exposed. Despite these challenges there will be at least one decent ramp operating for angler access at Bullfrog, Halls and Wahweap for the rest of this year.

Fishing is challenging over most of the lake. Fish have lots of shad to eat and some very long, bright nights to contemplate their good fortune. There may be a quick burst of feeding between noon and 2:00 p.m. as fish that have been resting resume activity. Teenager anglers will relate well to the fish feeding schedule. They like to play most of the night and then sleep in the next morning. Best fishing time will be late afternoon and evening. Fishing may be at its peak just after dark as the moon rises.

Best fishing locations have not changed much. In the upper lake, Hite and San Juan are best, while lower lake areas from Wahweap to Bullfrog are not as good. Striper boils are not seen in the lower lake. From Bullfrog boils increase with distance traveled upstream. Good Hope to White Canyon is best. There are not as many boils this week as last. Stripers have not quit feeding they are just feeding deeper in the water column and not seen as often on the surface. Best approach is to graph a school and use jigs or spoons to catch them in deep water.

Smallmouth bass are feeding at night. It is possible to coax a fish to bite in the morning, but if you really want to catch bass fish at dusk when they are active. It is really not about which lure to use. The standard assortment of soft plastic baits, crankbaits and surface lures will work. They just have to be applied at the right time during the evening feeding period.

Channel catfish are very active and really prowling the sandy shallows just as the moon rises. The are probably the easiest fish to catch at Lake Powell right now. Use a soft chicken liver or anchovy for best results.

NORTHERN | CENTRAL | NORTHEASTERN | SOUTHEASTERN | SOUTHERN | LAKE POWELL

SOUTHERN REGION

August 14, 2003

BAKER RESERVOIR: The reservoir is low. Anglers are still able to launch small boats. Fishing has slowed for rainbow trout. Best success in deeper water from boats.

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 two-mile hikes from the Barkers. The Barkers have been stocked with catchable-size rainbows and are fair fishing. Dougherty Basin Lake has special regulations. Check the current proclamation.

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 Middle and Lower Kents.

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. 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: Many lakes are loweer than normal. 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 four 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. Stream conditions depend on thundershowers. Good fishing for small wild rainbow trout and rainbow/cutthroat hybrids. Best fishing is away from the campground and more heavily fished spots. The North Fork provides a good spot for those willing to hike. Meadow Creek and Pioneer Creek are other small streams in the area that contain populations of small, wild trout.

CORN CREEK: Some fish were lost here due to recent flash flooding associated with thundershowers, but some fish remain. Stream flows and fishing conditions will depend on thundershowers. Fishing can be a challenge here with thick riparian vegetation.

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 is getting veryy low but a few trout are still being caught. The upper reservoir will not be stocked with trout this summer due to low water conditions.

FISH LAKE: Fishing for rainbow trout has slowed somewhat. Fishing for splake is a little more difficult as the fish move deeper and may become suspended. If you can find them, you can still have some success. 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. Rainbows may be taken jigging tube jigs tipped with bait, still fishing with worms or powerbait or by trolling. Popgear and a worm work about as well as anything. 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 one 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. There are special regulations on UM Creek — flies and lures only and catch and release for cutthroat trout.

FORSYTH RESERVOIR: The reservoir is very low, little fishing pressure. 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. Conditions in the lower river will vary with thundershowers and irrigation. It doesn't take much to muddy up this stretch. 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.

GOOSEBERRY AREA: Construction along Sevenmile/Gooseberry Road can cause delays. Gates Lake is being drained for work on the dam.

GUNNISON BEND RESERVOIR: Reservoir near Delta. Fishing for white bass and catfish have slowed. Please respect private property surrounding the reservoir.

GUNLOCK RESERVOIR: The reservoir is low but the launching ramp is still usable. Bass fishing has slowed, but a few nice fish are being taken. Green sunfish, 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. Other water recreational use has decreased, so anglers don't have to compete with jet skis now. Remember special regulations for bass — four bass under 10 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 UDWR 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 1 trout which must be over 22 inches. Scented jigs are not allowed.

KOOSHAREM RESERVOIR: The reservoir is low. Fishing has slowed.

LOWER BOWNS: The reservoir is low. Fair for 12- to 14-inch rainbows early in the year.

MANNING MEADOW RESERVOIR, BARNEY LAKE: Two reservoirs on Monroe Mountain. Manning Meadow is used as a broodstock lake for Bonneville cutthroat trout. Special regulations here include flies and lures only and a limit of only one trout which must be at least 22 inches. Barney Lake is also flies and lures only but the limit is two trout of any size. Barney contains some tiger trout as well as Bonneville cutthroat trout.

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 also here. Cast a small (two-inch or less) plastic curly tail grub with 1/16-oz – 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. Fishing for smallmouth has been slow, probably due to the abundance of small shiners available for bass to eat.

OTTER CREEK RESERVOIR: The reservoir is getting low. The ramp is still usable. 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. Vegetation makes fishing from some locations along shore difficult. There has been an algae bloom also. 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 four 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. Try at dusk with midge patterns or bait.

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: Reservoir level is good. Good fishing for rainbow trout. Try bait from shore.

PIUTE RESERVOIR: Very low. Water level is below the ramp. Slow fishing.

QUAIL LAKE: The lake is low but filling. Slow fishing. Remember the special regulations for bass — four bass under 10 inches and two over 20 inches.

REDMOND LAKE: Now recent reports.

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. The upper reservoir was stocked with rainbow trout early. Bluegill have also been stocked but numbers and size will probably be low for a year or two. Both reservoirs are very low.

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: Conditions in the upper tributaries (Asay Creek and Mammoth Creek) have varied with thundershowers. 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: Reservoirs levels are good for this time of year. Fair fishing at most spots.

TROPIC RESERVOIR: Located at the head of the East Fork of the Sevier River near Bryce Canyon National Park. Good access. The lake is low. Fishing has slowed.

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 bass, bluegill, and green sunfish are being caught. Catch and release only for largemouth bass. The trout limit is two. 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. Catfish have been stocked at the Parowan Pond.

WIDE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: Reservoir at Escalante State Park west of the town of Escalante. The reservoir level is very low. Launching boats is no longer advisable. Trout fishing is done for the summer. Some bass and bluegill remain.

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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