Utah Fishing Reports
Statewide
Revised 07-13-18
Links give descriptions of the lake and facilities available. Check proclamtion for details on fishing restrictions as these may not be complete.
WHIRLING DISEASE -- For waters indicated, 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. Click here for DWR information.
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY -- For more information on individual lakes and fish species: Click here for DWR information.
Abajo Mountain
Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout
(Jul 12) In recent months, Monticello Lake, Lloyds Lake and Blanding Reservoir Nos. 3 and 4 have all been stocked with more than 1,000 rainbow trout, each averaging about 10 inches long. Anglers have had success catching pike at Recapture Reservoir, using gold Jake's lures.
American Fork River
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
Baker Reservoir
Crayfish, Brown Trout, Green Sunfish, Rainbow Trout
(Jun 28) There are no recent reports, but the hot weather should make fishing difficult.
Bear Lake
Cisco, Cutthroat Trout, Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout, Whitefish
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(Jul 12) The average lake temperature is approximately 70 degrees. Fishing is slow to fair according to the few angler reports we've received in the past couple weeks. Last week, one group of anglers caught a few cutthroat trout by trolling Dardevles in the early morning. Recently, anglers have recommended varying the depths that you're fishing. Lure patterns that were working well included gold and black, silver, silver and blue or silver and green. If you're fishing deeper than 60 feet, be sure to use lures that are darker and have greater contrast.
Regulations
Bear River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Bullhead Catfish, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Cutthroat Trout, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Whitefish, Yellow Perch
No recent reports.
Beaver Mountain Lakes
Rainbow Trout
(Jun 28) Catchable-sized rainbow trout have been stocked in all the usual lakes. We have received reports of sick and dying fish at Puffer Lake — likely due to warm water and low oxygen associated with low water levels.
Beaver River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(Jun 28) Fishing should be improving with irrigation release flows. Catchable-sized rainbow trout have been stocked.
Regulations
Benches Pond Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(Jul 12) Fishing is fair at the pond, but it's better early in the morning or later in the evening. The pond was stocked on June 25 with 500 rainbow trout, each averaging almost 11 inches long. To catch them, try using worms, PowerBait or spinners. Garlic PowerBait has worked especially well. Highway 31 is now open.
Regulations
Big Sandwash Reservoir
Brown Trout, Crayfish, Rainbow Trout
(Jul 13) Anglers report fair fishing for smallmouth bass and perch from the shoreline, and perch on the east side of the reservoir. For bass, fish the edges of the weed beds with a Rapala floater, senko worm or rattle lure. You should also try tipping jigs with nightcrawlers.
Birch Creek Reservoir
Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
No recent reports.
Blacksmith Fork River
Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Whitefish
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
No recent reports.
Blue Mountains
Brook Trout, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Boulder Mountain Lakes
Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout
(Jun 28) Fair to good fishing can be found across the mountain. Spin fishers should try marabou jigs, tube jigs, Gulp minnows, spinners, Jake's and Kastmasters. Focus on natural baits like night crawlers or cutbait. Natural bait is especially effective for large tigers and splake. Fly anglers should bring an assortment of streamers, terrestrials, beadhead nymphs along with your favorite dry patterns. Most of the Boulder lakes are full of freshwater shrimp, so scuds are a must in your fly box.
Regulations
Boulger Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(Jul 12) Fishing is fair in the afternoon, but better early in the morning or later in the evening. This waterbody was last stocked on June 25 with more than 500 rainbow trout, each averaging about 11 inches long. Highway 31 is now open.
Regulations
Bountiful Pond
Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout
(Jul 13) Fishing is slow to fair. Keep an eye on the stocking reports as fishing at community ponds tends to be best within a few days after stocking. Basic baits, such as nightcrawlers or PowerBait, are generally good to try.
Regulations
Box Creek Reservoirs
Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Brough Reservoir
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
No recent reports.
Regulations
Browne Reservoir
Brook Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Bullock Reservoir
Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Musky (hybred)
No recent reports.
Regulations
Burraston Ponds
Albino Trout, Bluegill, Rainbow Trout
(Jul 13) Fishing is fair. Try using Blue Fox Vibrax Classic spinners or Blue Fox Vibrax Foxtail spinners.
Regulations
Calder Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(Jul 13) Anglers recently reported good catch rates for rainbow trout up to 18 inches. Biologists recommend that fly anglers try using scud and midge patterns, and dry fly hoppers and cicadas close to shore. The reservoir has special catch-and-release regulations. You may only use flies and lures, and bait is not allowed. See the Utah Fishing Guidebook for details.
Regulations
Causey Reservoir
Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Splake (hybrid), Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(Jul 13) Fishing is currently very slow. Anglers report trying a wide variety of setups without getting any bites.
Regulations
Chalk Creek
Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Clear Creek
Rainbow Trout
(Jun 28) Bonneville cutthroat trout are abundant throughout Clear Creek and its tributaries. Fishing is good wherever the water flows are clear.
Cleveland Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(Jul 12) Rainbow trout fishing has been good, especially if you can get out on a float tube. If you're using fly tackle, try using a medium-sinking line with a plum leech, a black/orange woolly bugger or a brown/green/pearl crystal bugger, all with a beadhead. Most of the fish have been caught in 10 to 20 feet of water, well within casting distance from the shore. Cleveland Reservoir was stocked with about 5,000 rainbow trout near the end of May. Highway 31 is now open.
Clinton City Park Pond
Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
Corn Creek
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
(Jun 28) Catchable-sized tiger trout have been stocked in Corn, Chalk and Oak creeks.
Cottonwood Reservoir
Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
(Jul 13) Wiper fishing is fast on the top water in the evening and at dusk. Trout fishing has been extremely slow. Remember: You must release any tiger muskie that have not reached the 40-inch length limit. Please use care and good catch-and-release techniques.
Regulations
Crouse Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Currant Creek
Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Currant Creek Reservoir
Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(Jul 13) Anglers are catching decent-sized rainbow and tiger trout with garlic PowerBait, worms and marshmallows.
Cutler Reservoir
Bass, Catfish, Crappie, Sunfish
No recent reports.
Regulations
Deer Creek Reservoir
Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Yellow Perch
(Jul 13) Boat traffic has been heavy, but anglers are catching smallmouth bass, crappie and 16- to 18-inch rainbow trout. For smallmouth bass, a little bit of everything has been working. Anglers have been catching smallmouths using flashy pearl or flashy silver Berkley Flicker Shad Pro Flash's, various swimbaits, various gold and silver spinners and Gary Yamamoto Senko's rigged in either a nose rig or whacky rig. For trout, try trolling at about 1.8–2.0 mph with the rig suspended in about 20 to 30 feet of water. Try using Luhr-Jensen popgear, Mack's Wedding Rings, Worden's Flatfish's or Christenson's Lakeshore Tackle pink squids and Dakota dodgers.
Regulations
Duck Fork Reservoir
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(Jul 12) Anglers are catching tiger trout that range from 14 to 18 inches long. Try fishing before noon and using beadhead soft-hackle flies in black/red/blue and black/green/pearl color combinations. The reservoir was also stocked with almost 1,300 cutthroat trout on July 2
Regulations
East Canyon Reservoir
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(Jul 13) Fishing at East Canyon is fair to good according to the angler reports we received. One group of anglers did well for wipers and smallmouth bass using spinners. Others recommended PowerBait in various colors or flavors including rainbow, garlic and chartreuse. Another angler recommended fishing at Taylor Hollow.
East Fork of Sevier River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(Jun 28) Kingston Canyon: Irrigation releases from Otter Creek Reservoir have increased the water flow over 200 cfs, which is making fishing difficult.
Black Canyon: Look for fair to good fishing. Terrestrial flies can provide exciting action during the summer.
Upper: The East Fork and most of its tributaries upstream of Tropic Reservoir have abundant brown, rainbow and brook trout. The trout can provide some great fishing opportunities with flies, lures and natural baits. We have begun work to restore native Bonneville cutthroat trout in this drainage. Blubber and Upper Kanab creeks were recently treated with rotenone to remove non-native fish. Fishing opportunities will be limited in those streams until cutthroat trout are established in three or four years.
Regulations
Echo Reservoir
Bass, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Rainbow Trout
(Jul 13) The reservoir's water level has been dropping quickly. Fishing is still fair to good for smallmouth bass and rainbow trout. According to angler reports from this and previous weeks, the smallmouth bass and a few rainbows are biting in the rocks up by the dam. One angler reported catching a 17-inch rainbow trout from this spot. Most of the smallmouths have been small in size, but one angler caught a 12-inch bass a couple of weeks ago. Worms, plastic minnows and perch eyes have worked well.
Regulations
Electric Lake
Cutthroat Trout
(Jul 12) Try trolling with pop gear or dodgers to catch kokanee salmon. Highway 31 is now open.
Enterprise Reservoirs
Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(Jun 28) Water levels are fairly low in both reservoirs. The water level is well below the boat ramp at the upper reservoir, so you can only launch small boats. Catchable-sized rainbow trout have been stocked in the lower reservoir. Smallmouth bass are active and can be caught on curly-tail grubs or Ned rigs.
Fairview Lakes
Rainbow Trout
(Jul 12) The lakes were stocked with about 7,000 rainbow trout on May 18. Try using worms, PowerBait or spinners to catch them. Water levels have been low. Highway 31 is now open.
Farmington Pond
Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(Jul 13) Fishing is slow to fair at the pond right now. Keep an eye on the stocking reports as fishing at the community ponds tends to be best within a few days after stocking. Basic baits, such as nightcrawlers or PowerBait, are generally good to try.
Regulations
Ferron Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(Jul 12) Anglers have caught rainbow and cutthroat trout using beadhead soft-hackle flies in black/red/blue and black/green/pearl color combinations. A recent gill net survey also yielded some large brook trout (some as long as 18 inches). The reservoir was stocked with 2,000 rainbow trout on June 4.
Regulations
Fish Creek (lower)
Rainbow Trout
(Jul 12) Fishing below the dam at Scofield Reservoir is good if you hope to catch chubs. Try using worms or soft-hackle flies here.
Fish Lake
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Splake (hybrid), Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(Jun 28) Typical summer fishing patterns are in full swing. Trolling pop gear and worm has been productive for rainbow trout and the occasional splake, tiger or brown trout. You can also catch rainbows by still fishing bait from a boat. Try trolling dodgers and squids for kokanee salmon. Try varying depths from 25 to 50 feet and watch the fish finder until you find the exact depth that the salmon schools are focusing on. Perch fishing is fast just outside the weeds in 15 to 25 feet of water. Use small jigs tipped with nightcrawler or perch meat. Some lake trout can also be caught trolling lures that imitate rainbows and chubs in 30 to 80 feet. Call Fish Lake Resorts at 435-638-1000 or Bowery Haven Resort at 435-638-1040 before you go for up-to-date reports and conditions.
Regulations
Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Brown Trout, Burbot, Channel Catfish, Crayfish, Kokanee Salmon, Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(Jul 13) Fishing at Flaming Gorge has been good.
Lake trout: Catch rates are increasing. Anglers are catching small lake trout while trolling or jigging in 70 to 80 feet of water near main channel points and ridges. Recently, anglers reported high catch rates from Jarvies Bay along the eastern shore. You can locate fish above the bottom using a fish finder. Vertically jig a 1/4- to 3/8-ounce, 3.5-inch white or glow-n-the-dark tube jig (Dry Creek Outfitters) tipped with sucker/chub meat. If you're trolling, try targeting aggressive pups with spoons like RMT Viper Serpents, Northland Forage Minnows, Super Dupers and #3 Needlefish. Small lake trout, less than 25-inches, have become overabundant. This is causing competition for food and a decrease in growth rates. If this trend continues, it will impact the trophy lake trout component because there will be less food to grow big fish. Please help by harvesting your limit of lake trout less than 25 inches. This size class of fish also makes exceptional table fare.
Kokanee salmon: Fishing has been spotty, but it can be good when you are at the right spot. Effective colors and lures have become more variable. Pink has been a go-to color this season, but recent reports recommend green, white and even brass spinner blades. On the Utah side of the reservoir, anglers report success at Sheep Creek Bay near the red cliffs, Kingfisher Island near the rope swing, North Skull Creek, Jarvies Bay and near Mustang Ridge. Kokanee salmon are susceptible to higher mortality because of warm water and air temperatures. Now that water temperatures are above 70°F, anglers should minimize catch and release.
Rainbow trout: Rainbow trout were stocked reservoir-wide during the last week of May. Expect excellent fishing from the shoreline and boats. A boat is essential to access most of the lower reservoir. You can, however, shore fish near the Dam Point Visitor Center and boat ramps. Fish are shallow and cruising the shoreline — especially in the backs of canyons, near inflows and along shallow rocky points. Where you catch one, you will likely catch many. Marabou jigs in earth tones and 1/4-ounce weights have been very effective. Spinners, spoons and other jigs will work as well. Boat anglers will likely pick up rainbows on small spoons and spinners trolled at 30 to 40 feet.
Smallmouth bass: Fishing is excellent along the rocky shoreline throughout the main channel from the dam up to Hideout. Recently, anglers have reported high catch rates using Ned rigs and dropshot rigs with four-inch worms. Jigs that mimic crayfish, their primary forage, are also a good option. Use earth tone colors.
Burbot: There are few angler reports. Target burbot on rocky points and shorelines in 20 to 40 feet of water at night using glow-in-the-dark lures like Yamamoto grubs, Radical Glow tubes, Maniac Cutterbugs and Northland Buckshot spoons. Tip the lure with sucker/chub meat, recharge the glow frequently and jig the presentation a couple inches from the bottom.
Regulations
Forsyth Reservoir
Rainbow Trout, Splake (hybrid), Tiger Trout (hybrid)
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(Jun 28) The lake level is dropping quickly with irrigation releases. A recent netting survey found abundant splake and tiger trout in phenomenal condition. You'll find the best summer fishing on a boat or float tube, fishing on the bottom in deeper water.
Fort Buenaventura
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
Fremont River
Rainbow Trout
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(Jun 28) Water flows are up a little on the upper Fremont with releases from Johnson Reservoir.
Gigliotti Pond
Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(Jul 12) Gigliotti Pond was most recently stocked on June 13 with about 750 rainbow trout, each averaging almost 11 inches long. To catch them, try using nightcrawlers or PowerBait.
Regulations
Glassman's Pond
Bluegill, Black Crappie, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
Grantsville Reservoir
Brown Trout, Crayfish, Rainbow Trout
(Jul 13) Shore fishing has been tough, but anglers fishing from personal watercraft have reported good results. Try using Panther Martin Holographic tiger green, chartreuse or rainbow trout spinners, Eppinger Original Dardevle spoons, Luhr-Jensen Hydro Vibe Extreme spinners or nightcrawlers tipped with an Atlas Mike's marshmallow.
Regulations
Green River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Cutthroat Trout, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout
STOP NEW ZEALAND MUDSNAIL
(Jun 28) To avoid the crowds, anglers should fish weekdays, early and late in the day. Dry fly fishing is fair. Anglers are catching fish on the surface using big bugs like cicadas, hoppers and ants. Yellow sallies and caddis hatches are also occurring, and fish are starting to key on those. Nymphing has been most productive using small zebra midges, baetis, stone flies, San Juan worms and scuds. Scuds have been working better closer to the dam and San Juan worms have performed well in the runs. Try a dry dropper with a cicada or hopper up high and wet fly below. Streamers in olive or black are effective early or late in the day. Spin fishing has been good. Marabou jigs or tube jigs in earth tones, white and ginger are a good option in shallow or deep water. Rainbow or brown trout patterned crankbaits and medium sized silver spoons and spinners have also worked well. Pinch down the barbs for quick release.
Regulations
Gunlock Reservoir
Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(Jun 28) Visit the State Parks website for open hours. Gunlock Reservoir was treated with rotenone in 2015 to remove illegally introduced smallmouth bass. Smallmouth pose a serious threat to native fish in the Virgin and Santa Clara rivers. We have begun re-stocking largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie. Small- and medium-sized largemouth bass (10 to 12 inches) are now abundant and can provide some fun action.
Regulations
Gunnison Bend Reservoir
Catfish, Largemouth Bass, White Bass
(Jun 28) Largemouth bass, white bass and channel catfish are all active and providing fair to good fishing. Anglers report good fishing with small jigs in green and yellow tipped with nightcrawler and one-inch perch pattern swim baits.
Holmes Creek Reservoir
Bluegill, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Walleye
(Jun 23) Fishing at Holmes Creek Reservoir appears to be fair to good right now. One family of anglers reported good success last week using PowerBait. They caught several planter-sized rainbow trout. Generally this is a good time of year to fish the reservoir for largemouth bass as well, but we have not received any recent reports on the quality of the bass bite at this location.
Regulations
Honeyville Ponds
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Huntington Creek
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(Jul 12) Highway 31 is now open, and Huntington Creek is accessible. Try using soft-hackle flies or renegades to catch brown and cutthroat trout here.
Regulations
Huntington North Reservoir
Crayfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(Jul 12) Anglers have had success catching rainbow trout and wiper using a size 6 beadhead crystal bugger in brown/green/pearl colors. Fishing was best in the vicinity of the boat ramp.
Regulations
Huntington Reservoir
Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(Jul 12) Fishing is best when you can get out on a boat or a float tube, away from the shoreline. With fly tackle, anglers have been successful using size 6–10 buggers and soft-hackle flies. You might also do well with beadhead green-tinsel leeches, brown/green/pearl crystal buggers and plum leeches with a purple tail. The tiger trout have been between 13 and 19 inches long. Highway 31 is now open.
Regulations
Hyrum Reservoir
Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid), Yellow Perch
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(Jul 13) Most of the reports we received from anglers indicated slow to fair fishing, but we did receive a report of one angler who did well for perch and rainbow trout using worms on two separate occasions. A different angler reported losing one decent-sized largemouth bass.
Joe's Valley Reservoir
Crayfish, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid), Splake (hybrid)
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(Jul 12) Fishing has been fair at the reservoir. Try using jigs tipped with chub meat or crankbaits to catch trout and tiger muskies here. Anglers have also had some luck catching cutthroat trout using size 4 beadhead crystal buggers in black/silver and black/red/blue color combinations on fast-sinking fly line.
Regulations
Johnson Reservoir
Cutthroat Trout, Tiger Musky, Rainbow Trout
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(Jun 28) Water level is dropping with irrigation releases and the water is getting murky. Slow to fair fishing for tiger muskies.
Regulations
Jordan River
Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Sunfish, Walleye, White Bass
No recent reports.
Jordanelle Reservoir
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(Jul 13) Boat traffic has been heavy, but anglers are catching smallmouth bass, 12- to 16-inch kokanee salmon, 14- to 16-inch rainbow trout, 10- to 12-inch wipers, and occasionally 18- to 22-inch brown trout. For kokanee, try trolling at 1.3 mph with the rigs suspended in 15- to 25 feet of water. Try using Christenson's Lakeshore Tackle pink spotted glow squids and gold with silver fish scale Dakota dodgers tipped with a Berkley Gulp! Maggot. For wipers, try trolling at 2.6–3.0 mph straight out from the boat docks in about eight to 12 feet of water. Try using Berkley Flicker Shad Pro Flash's in a variety of lighter colors.
Regulations
Kaysville Ponds
Black bullhead, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(Jul 13) Fishing at the Kaysville Ponds has been a bit slow for larger fish. Several groups of anglers reported that their children enjoyed catching tiny bluegill near the shore. Use a small piece of a worm on a small hook, and you can potentially catch the bluegill over and over very easily. Keep an eye on the stocking reports as fishing at the community ponds tends to be best within a few days after stocking. Basic baits, such as nightcrawlers or PowerBait, are generally good to try.
Regulations
Kolob Reservoir
Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(Jun 28) The water level is very low because of winter releases and poor snow pack. Minimal water will be released through the summer, so hopefully the level rises or at least maintains. Fishing is fair to good. A recent netting survey found lots of trout: about 75 percent were 12- to 14-inch cutthroat with a handful up to 21 inches. Unfortunately, it also appears that someone illegally introduced bluegill and green sunfish. The bluegill are unlikely to establish, but we could see a population of green sunfish. Hopefully the water temperature will be cold enough to keep the numbers low and avoid negative effects on trout. Bait fishing is allowed until September 8. Remember: the limit allows you to keep two trout under 15 inches or over 22 inches. You must immediately release all trout between 15 and 22 inches.
Regulations
Koosharem Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(Jun 28) Fishing has been slow, but you can catch a large fish if you put in some time. Rainbow trout have been stocked.
Lake Powell
Bluegill, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, Rainbow Trout, Walleye
STOP QUAGGAG MUSCLE
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(Jul 12) by Wayne Gustaveson
Lake elevation: 3,608 feet
Water temperatures: 80–84°F
The water temperature is in the 80s all day and night. That is great for swimming, wakeboarding and scuba diving — but it makes fishing a bit more challenging. Here are some ways to beat the heat and catch some fish.
Lakewide, the best fishing is for smallmouth bass. You can catch bass in the morning and evening using plastic baits fished near shore or around the submerged islands that are now coming out of the water as the water level goes down. Target rocky structure at a depth of 10 to 25 feet for best results. Use plastic single or double tails grubs, swimbaits, Yamamoto D-Shad and topwater lures. If you hit the lake just before dawn, the top water fishing for bass is incredible. Once the sun comes up bass fishing slows down as fish go deep looking for crayfish. It lights up again near sunset as the light diminishes and fish get more aggressive.
You can still catch an occasional walleye by trolling in the morning near rocky structure, but the catch rate is declining. Walleye are more active at night. Target them in rocky habitat at depths of 15 to 30 feet right as the sun comes up and goes down and the daylight fades.
Each year in July, we have the challenge of catching 60 stripers for a disease certification check up. The common result is that stripers are disease free of viruses. For the first time this year, we failed to collect our required numbers of fish. A slight breeze this morning, kept the slurping stripers away from view. Our fallback position was to use bait along the walls in Navajo Canyon but that was not up to par. In fact, we only caught 5 stripers with three boats and nine anglers fishing from Navajo Canyon to the San Juan. We didn't see any boils or slurps in the main channel from Wahweap to Cha Canyon because of the slight breeze that kept the fish down. Some days fishing is not as good. We chose one of those days. That really makes me want to go out tomorrow because I know it will be better then.
The best striper fishing is in the far northern lake, where full blown striper boils are wide open from North Wash to Good Hope Bay. Launching at Hite is no longer possible due to dropping lake level, but it is worth the long run uplake from Bullfrog to the Horn to chase boiling stripers.
If you go, pick a day with calm water and no wind in the forecast to make sure the fish will come to the top to feed.
Many people are camping on the shore of the lake in houseboats or tents. There are more fishing opportunities than those mentioned above. Catfish are really aggressive now and are easy to catch on the sandy beaches where boats can park. Both bluegill and green sunfish are in the shallows and you can see them in shallow water where there is brush. Many of the brushy sites are drying out as the lake declines but sunfish are still near those areas. To find sunfish, look for blocky rocks that fish can use as shade near the dried brush. Use small hooks and small worms to catch some very impressive bluegill that are now just finishing up their spawning ritual. After spawning fish get hungry and are easier to catch. Fishing is always great at the lake if you pick the right species, at the right time, and the right spot.
Regulations
LaSal Mountains
Albino Trout, Bluegill, Grayling, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Splake (hybrid)
(Jul 12) Dons Lake and Hidden Lake were both stocked with more than 700 rainbow trout on July 9. Kens Lake and Rattlesnake Ranch Pond, as well as several others on the La Sal Mountains, have been stocked with several thousand rainbow trout this year. (The fish averaged about 10 inches long.) Try using worms, PowerBait or spinners to catch them.
Locomotive Springs
Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Logan River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Whitefish
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(Jul 13) The river was stocked with approximately 1,900 planter-sized rainbow trout on June 27. Fishing has been fair to good on the river. We have not received any reports of what fly patterns are working best, but spinners have been working according to one angler.
Regulations
Lost Creek Reservoir
Brown Trout, Crayfish, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(Jun 29) Fishing at Lost Creek Reservoir is currently slow to fair, according to the angler reports we received this week. One group of anglers this week who trolled with Rapalas and spoons reported mostly slow fishing with a few active spots just east near where the two canyons meet. They landed three rainbow trout. Reporting shore anglers this week said that salmon eggs were working, but not PowerBait.
Regulations
Lower Bowns
Rainbow Trout
(Jun 28) Fishing is good to excellent with bait and lures.
Mabey Pond
Crappie, Catfish, Largemouth Bass
No recent reports.
Regulations
Mantua Reservoir
Bluegill, Cutthroat Trout, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(Jul 13) Fishing has been fair to good. Bluegill were readily hitting worms in many of the reports we received. One family fishing from a boat caught a healthy mix of bluegills, green sunfish and a couple of largemouth bass. This group tried a large variety of lures and bait, including different flavors of PowerBait and Gulp. They had general success with most of what they used, without a clear favorite. Everyone in the family ended up catching something. A jon boat angler caught a few bluegills and a two-pound bass using earthworms under a bobber. Another family caught 30 bluegill on worms, and three bass and one trout with a Rat-L-Trap. This group observed a nearby angler doing just as well using crankbaits.
Regulations
Matt Warner Reservoir
Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(Jul 13) Anglers report good fishing using trout baits like PowerBait or worms. Fly anglers are doing well, too. Most of the fish are in the 18- to 21-inch range. With the warmer weather, we may start seeing blue-green algal blooms. These blooms may cause low oxygen levels, resulting in potential fish kills and water that contains toxins for animals and humans. If you see anything like this, please report call and report it to us. Also, Matt Warner is one of three locations included in the Fishing With The Fox contest that started Memorial Day weekend and ends August 15. Catch a fish with a blue tag that says DWR WIN FISHING WITH THE FOX and register it online, or email tonyakieffer@utah.gov for directions on how to get registered with your tagged fish.
Mill Meadow Reservoir
Brake (hybrid), Brownbows (hybrid), Perch, Rainbow, Splake (hybrid), Tiger Musky (hybrid), Tiger Trout (hybrid)
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(Jun 28) Rainbow trout have been stocked, but there are no recent reports of fishing success. A recent netting survey found that suckers are abundant and trout are suffering due to competition. Brown trout are also abundant, but are fairly skinny.
Regulations
Miller's Flat Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(Jul 12) Highway 31 is open, and the reservoir continues to be accessible. Try using worms, PowerBait or gold spinners to catch trout here. Anglers have had the most success trolling in small boats about 50 yards from shore and using small, gold Panther Martin and Jake's spinners
Millsite Reservoir
Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Minersville Reservoir
Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(Jun 28) Fishing is slow to fair. Trout have moved away from the shorelines, so anglers on boat and float tubes are finding better results. Try trolling streamers on sinking line or behind a bubble on spinning gear. Surface action on midges is common on calm mornings and evenings. Wipers are getting more active, with best fishing at dawn and dusk.
Regulations
Misc
Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Monroe Mountain Lakes
Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(Jun 28) Catchable-sized rainbow trout have been stocked at the Box Creek reservoirs and north end lakes (Big, Deep, Anabella). Manning Meadow Reservoir is closed to fishing until July 14.
Moon Lake
Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Splake (hybrid), Whitefish
No recent reports.
Regulations
Navajo Lake
Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout
(Jun 28) Catchable-sized rainbow trout have been stocked. Fishing is fair.
Newcastle Reservoir
Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Wiper (hybrid)
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(Jun 28) Fishing is fair to good for rainbow trout during the early morning and late evening using nightcrawlers. Anglers are catching a few smallmouth and wipers.
Regulations
Newton Reservoir
Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Musky (hybrid), Yellow Perch
No recent reports.
Regulations
Nine Mile Reservoir
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Ogden River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(Jul 13) The river was stocked with 950 planter-sized rainbow trout on June 25. Fishing has been fair to good for brown trout. Anglers reported good fishing using spinners or worms
Regulations
Otter Creek Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(Jun 28) The reservoir is at 54 percent of capacity and dropping steadily. Trout have moved away from shore and fishing is better from boats. Trolling with pop gear has been fair to good. Still fishing Power Bait from a boat is also popular. In a boat, focus on 20 to 30 feet of water. If you're fishing from shore, focus on the steeper areas at the south end.
Regulations
Palisade Reservoir
Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(Jul 13) Anglers have been catching 16- to 18-inch rainbow trout. Try using Rapala Original Floating lures, Mepps Aglia Marabou spinners, Panther Martin Holy Hammered spinners or Jake's Spin-A-Lures.
Panguitch Lake
Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(Jun 28) Fishing has been fair to good from boats, and slower from shore because trout have moved out to deeper water. Most anglers are fishing with bait from boats.
Regulations
Paragonah Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(Jun 28) The DWR a netting survey recently to assess potential loss of fish after last year's flooding following the Brian Head Fire. We found that rainbow trout density has been significantly reduced, though a handful have survived and have experienced favorable growth and condition. In addition, tiger trout stocked last fall (13,000 were stocked) have survived very well and have grown to 10 to 11 inches. Anglers can look forward to some good fishing this year for tiger trout, with an occasional rainbow mixed in.
Regulations
Payson Lakes
Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout
(Jul 13) Anglers have been catching 10-inch rainbow trout. Traditional fishing methods work well, but you can also try using Panther Martin Teardrop spinners, Panther Martin Holographic Fly spinners or Kastmaster spoons.
Regulations
Pelican Lake
Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass
(Jul 13) Bass fishing is excellent on warm days. You may want to try throwing bass jigs along the weeds beds. The fishing pier is old and damaged, so we won't be putting it in this year. Carp have been very active, so you may try you hand at bowfishing. Due to a treatment that has now been moved to the fall of 2018, limits have been liberalized to 12 largemouth bass and no limit on bluegill.
Regulations
Pine Lake
Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(Jun 28) Rainbow trout have been stocked. Fishing should be fair.
Pine Valley Reservoir
Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
Pineview Reservoir
Bluegill, Bullhead Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Tiger Musky (hybrid), Trout, Yellow Perch
(Jul 13) Tiger muskie fishing is really picking up! More anglers are catching tiger muskies compared to previous weeks. In some of these reports, anglers caught several tiger muskies during one fishing trip. Use big, flashy lures like crankbaits and spinnerbaits when you're targeting tiger muskies. Catching this spectacular fish can require a great deal of persistence, so keep casting. Fishing for perch, catfish and smallmouth bass has also been good. One angler caught a large number of catfish and perch using worms. Anglers are still catching smallmouth bass too.
Regulations
Pioneer Park Pond
Black Bullhead, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
Piute Reservoir
Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
(Jun 28) Due to the likelihood of the reservoir being drained this year, the daily trout limit at Piute Reservoir has been raised to eight through the remainder of 2018. Suckers are still abundant, despite repeated water fluctuation in recent years. Rainbow trout were stocked last fall, but are likely to experience poor growth and survival.
Porcupine Reservoir
Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Splake (hybrid)
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
No recent reports.
Regulations
Price River
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Regulations
Provo River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Walleye
(Jul 13) Lower: There has been a lot of raft traffic, but the water flows have lessened. Watch for caddis and midge hatches throughout the day, and an occasional pale morning dun mayfly hatch. Try using zebra midges, cased-caddis nymphs, sow bugs, PMD nymphs and streamers.
Middle: The water flows are great for this time of year, and there are plenty of hatches happening. Watch for caddis, midges, pale morning dun mayflies, yellow stoneflies and some green drakes. Try using drake nymphs, zebra midges, sow bugs, caddis nymphs, PMD nymphs, soft-hackled flies and streamers.
Regulations
Quail Creek Reservoir
Bluegill, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(Jun 28) Bass fishing is fair to good.
Regulations
Red Creek Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Red Fleet Reservoir
Bluegill, Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(Jul 13) Fishing is good. Anglers report catching perch from shore in the shallow weed beds. Wipers and cutthroat have also been very active. If you fish from a boat, you may also catch crappie and walleye. Try getting jigs that mimic smaller panfish. For perch or walleye, try fishing a jighead and worm in 10 to 15 feet of water.
Regulations
Redmond Reservoir
Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike
No recent reports.
Rockport Reservoir
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid), Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
(Jul 13) Shore fishing for trout has been very slow. One group of anglers had four rods in the water with various PowerBait colors and a worm-and-marshmallow setup, but didn't get a single bite in three hours. They did, however, do well for small smallmouth bass using silver spinners and Kastmasters.
A harmful algae bloom could still be affecting Rockport in select areas, but monitoring efforts are ongoing. Follow any directions posted by Rockport State Park. Anglers can still fish in waters where a bloom is occurring, but they are encouraged to clean the fish, discard guts and thoroughly wash their hands with clean water. Since toxins concentrate mostly in a fish's organs (fatty tissue and skin), discard these items and eat only the fillets.
Regulations
Salem Pond
Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout
(Jul 13) Anglers have been catching bluegill, 8- to 10-inch rainbow trout and 13- to 15-inch channel catfish. For catfish, try using Berkley Gulp! Catfish Dough or Magic Bait Catfish Bait.
Regulations
Sand Cove Reservoirs
Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Sand Hollow Reservoir
Bluegill, Largemouth Bass
STOP QUAGGAG MUSCLE
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(Jun 28) Bass are very active and providing good to excellent fishing. Anglers are finding fair to good success with senkos, crank baits and ned rigs. Anglers are catching bass from both boats and shore. Topwater action can be particularly exciting at dawn and dusk. Bluegill are also getting active. Fishing early and late can also help you avoid the heat and pleasure boat traffic.
Regulations
Scofield Reservoir
Crayfish, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(Jul 12) Anglers are catching mostly cutthroat trout from the shore. Try using worms, PowerBait, spinners or soft-hackle flies in tan/green/pearl or midnight fire. Fish in the dam cove or along the western shore, including the Walk-in Access portion. Anglers have also been catching cutthroat trout using white or pearl-sparkle tube jigs tipped with chub meat. Yellow garlic PowerBait has worked well for rainbow trout. Scofield was stocked most recently on June 27 with 11,600 rainbow trout, each averaging about 10.5 inches long. The reservoir has also been stocked with 12,000 cutthroat trout this year. Highway 31 is now open.
Regulations
Settlement Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(Jul 13) Fishing has been difficult. For wipers, try using 1/16-ounce, neon-colored jigheads with Mister Twister Curly Tail Tri Alive grubs in baby bass, rainbow trout or Tennessee shad.
Regulations
Silver Lake
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Smith and Morehouse Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Starvation Reservoir
Brown Trout, Crayfish, Smouthmouth Bass, Walleye
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(Jul 13) Anglers are having the best success for walleye in the early morning and late evenings fishing with glow-in-the-dark jigheads, curlytail lures and nightcrawlers. Anglers should fish shallow, sloping shorelines with rock and some vegetation, and make sure to set the hook when you feel a bump. Smallmouth fishing has also picked up along the rocky edges. Biologists have been conducting surveys and have found high densities of smaller walleye. Anglers are being encouraged to harvest these small walleye to help balance the fishery and produce healthier walleye populations. Biologists are also asking anglers to voluntarily release crappie to help establish the population.
Regulations
Steinaker Reservoir
Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(Jul 13) The water levels are extremely low and dropping daily. We anticipate that you will only be able to use the boat ramp for two more weeks. Largemouth bass fishing has been excellent during the warmer parts of the day, especially near the rocky edges and the dock. Remember, there is no daily bag limit for any species at Steinaker: largemouth or smallmouth bass, rainbow or brown trout and bluegill. The reservoir is currently 45 to 47 percent full. This is about 20 percent less than what the Water Conservancy predicted in their draw down schedule for this time of year. Steinaker will be drained to dead pool by Sept. 1, per construction contract. This means the boat ramp will most likely be unusable by mid to late July. This change will remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2018. Work on the dam will commence in late fall and will continue through the winter. We will not stock brown trout or rainbow trout in 2018 or 2019. We hope to be able to begin restoration of the fishery in 2020.
Regulations
Strawberry Reservoir
Crayfish, Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
(Jul 13) Anglers have been catching 17- to 22-inch cutthroat trout and 15- to 20-inch kokanee salmon. The kokanee have moved deeper in the water column. Try trolling at 1.3–1.6 mph with the lure suspended in 45 to 50 feet of water. Anglers are catching 10- to 12-inch kokanee on the Solider Creek side, and larger than 15-inch kokanee on the Strawberry Bay side. Try using white, orange or pink squids with a neutral-colored dodger bent in a heads up/heads down orientation. Tip with white Berkley Gulp! Maggots and scent with Pro-Cure Kokanee Special or garlic Mike's Gel Scent.
Regulations
Thousand Lakes Mountain
Trout
(Jun 28) Fair to good fishing reported at Meeks and Floating Island lakes. Fishing is fast at Neffs Reservoir for brook trout, which are abundant.
Tibble Fork Reservoir
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
(Jul 13) There is a lot of recreational pressure, so fishing is best early in the morning. Traditional fishing methods work well, but you can also try using Swedish Pimple spoons, Blue Fox Vibrax Classic spinners or Mepps Aglia Brite spinners.
Regulations
Tropic Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
(Jun 28) Catchable-sized rainbow trout have been stocked.
Uinta Lakes
Albino Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(Jul 13) Fishing in the mountains is good to hot. Regardless of the bite, the Uinta Mountains are still a great place to relax and fish during the summer. Many of the car-accessible lakes are being stocked almost every week. A variety of lures and bait are working, but recently worms, PowerBait and a fly-and-bubble setup have been recommended by anglers as being particularly effective on the car-accessible lakes. Be sure to bring bug spray
Regulations
Utah Lake
Bluegill, Bullhead Catfish, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Smouthmouth Bass, Walleye, White Bass
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(Jul 13) Anglers are catching channel catfish that are 25 inches or longer. Try using chicken livers encased in nude nylon, shrimp soaked in chicken blood, nightcrawlers or Magic Bait Catfish Bait. There is currently an algal bloom warning in place at Utah Lake. You can still fish in the lake, but avoid areas with scum.
Regulations
Vernon Reservoir
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
(Jul 13) Traditional fishing methods work well, but you can also try using silver Jake's Spin-A-Lures, Kastmaster spoons or Blue Fox Flash spinners.
(Jun 19) Darrell of Vernon caught 2 rainbows using PowerBait. "Water level is very low. Will be unfishable very soon."
Regulations
Weber River
Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Whitefish
STOP WHIRLING DISEASE
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(Jul 13) Fishing has been fair to good on the river. The river was stocked with 300 planter-sized rainbow trout on July 2. While walking the banks of the Weber recently, one angler observed an afternoon caddis hatch. Size 12 would be the biggest this angler recommends, and 14 would be their ideal recommendation.
Regulations
Wide Hollow Reservoir
Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
(Jun 28) The water level is dropping quickly and there have been some trout dying due to warm temperatures. Fishing is slow to fair for bass and bluegill. We began introducing black crappie in 2017 in order to establish a new population for anglers to target. If you catch any crappie, we request that you release them so that they can spawn.
Willard Bay
Bullhead Catfish, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Perch, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Wipers (hybrid), Yellow Perch
(Jul 13) Fishing has been extremely slow over the last two weeks. Several anglers report very little success despite trying a variety of methods.
Regulations
Willow Lake
Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout (hybrid)
(Jul 12) The lake was stocked most recently on June 27 with more than 300 rainbow trout and 3,000 tiger trout. Try using traditional baits and spinners or tube jigs to catch fish here.
Willow Pond
Bluegill,Brown Trout, Catfish, Rainbow Trout
(Jul 13) Fishing is slow, but a lot anglers have been fishing at the pond. Traditional fishing methods work best.
Regulations
Woodruff Reservoir
Rainbow Trout
No recent reports.
Yankee Meadow Reservoir
Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout
(Jun 28) Catchable-sized rainbow trout have been stocked. Fishing is slow to fair using bait from the shore. You can find fair to good action catching rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout by fishing streamers and lures from float tubes or boats. We conducted a netting survey recently and found abundant rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout. It doesn't appear that any fish were lost to fire effects and the lack of fishing pressure last summer has created a stockpile of fish this year.
Regulations
Yuba Reservoir
Channel Catfish, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Yellow Perch
FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY
(Jul 13) Fishing has been slow for sportfish, but anglers are catching carp that are five pounds or heavier. Try using bread, chicken liver, nightcrawlers or chicken blood-soaked shrimp to catch carp.
Regulations
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