Utah DWT fishing report by region 11-23

[Fishing Report]

ATTENTION: Quagga and zebra mussels are a major threat to Utah waterways. Watch this video to learn more about these destructive mussels and how to decontaminate your boat.





BAKER RESERVOIR: (November 22) Water clarity and fishing should start improving with colder weather.

BARKER RESERVOIRS (NORTH CREEK LAKES): (November 22) Most lakes on Boulder Mountain are closed to fishing until April 2012. The Barker and Lower Barker reservoirs are open year round. The lakes are iced over but the ice may not be safe yet.

BEAVER MOUNTAIN LAKES: (November 22) Conservation Officer Brent Farnsworth reports that access to the lakes is limited because of the snowpacked roads. Most of the lakes are still accessible to four-wheel drive vehicles, but each snow storm makes driving conditions more difficult. All lakes are iced over, but the weather has not been cold enough for safe ice cover. The lakes are in the transitional stage between open water fishing and ice fishing.

BEAVER RIVER, LOWER: (November 22) Conservation Officer Brent Farnsworth reports that water flows are low because water is not being released from Minersville Reservoir. Use caution when approaching the stream to keep from spooking fish. Try drifting a nightcrawler through the current to produce trout.

BEAVER RIVER, UPPER: (November 22) Conservation Officer Brent Farnsworth reports that water flows are low and clear. There is some ice forming along the banks in the upper stretches. The lower stretches near the mouth of Beaver Canyon are ice-free and fishable. Fish are wary, so use stealth when you approach the stream.

BOULDER MOUNTAIN: (November 22) Most lakes on Boulder Mountain are now closed to fishing until April 2012. Check the current Utah Fishing Guidebook to see which lakes are open year round. Snow is starting to limit access. Most of the lakes are icing over but many don't yet have safe ice.

CLEAR CREEK: (November 22) Summer storms caused major flooding in Clear Creek and its tributaries. Trout appear to be absent from most of the drainage.

CORN CREEK: (November 22) Brown trout get aggressive in the fall. Try using streamers and flashy lures.

DUCK CREEK POND / ASPEN MIRROR LAKE: (November 22) Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked in Duck Creek Pond, Duck Creek and Aspen-Mirror Lake. Highway 14 in Cedar Canyon is closed because of a landslide, but you can access Duck Creek from Highway 89.

EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER IN KINGSTON CANYON: (November 22) Releases from Otter Creek Reservoir are low, so the river is fishable. Brown trout get aggressive in the fall. Try using streamers and flashy lures.

EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER, BLACK CANYON: (November 22) Brown trout get aggressive in the fall. Try using streamers and flashy lures.

EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER, UPPER: (November 22) Brown trout get aggressive in the fall. Try using streamers and flashy lures.

ENTERPRISE RESERVOIR, UPPER: (November 22) There are no recent reports, but fall temperatures should bring fair to good fishing. Expect ice to start forming by mid-December.

FISH LAKE: (November 22) Splake fishing is fair to good and there is little pressure. You may be able to launch a boat for another couple of weeks until snow accumulates. Contact the Fish Lake Lodge at 435-638-1000 for current road conditions. You probably won't see safe ice until closer to the new year.

FORSYTH RESERVOIR: (November 22) Look for the reservoir to ice over in the coming weeks. Splake and tiger trout get aggressive in the fall. Try using Rapalas, flashy spoons, jigs, streamers, frozen minnows or cut bait (like chub or sucker meat).

FREMONT RIVER: (November 22) Water is being released from Johnson, so the river is fairly murky down to Mill Meadow. Brown trout get aggressive in the fall. Try using streamers and flashy lures.

GUNLOCK RESERVOIR: (November 22) The boat ramp is closed until March. Visit www.stateparks.utah.gov for the most current boat ramp schedule.

IRON COUNTY COMMUNITY FISHERIES: (November 22) Leigh Hill Reservoir has closed for the installation of an aeration system and will likely remain closed through the winter.

JOHNSON RESERVOIR: (November 22) There is no ice yet, but the water is fairly murky.

KOLOB RESERVOIR: (November 22) Kolob Reservoir is closed to bait fishing until May 2012. Access is still good but will become limited with any more snow storms. Look for the reservoir to ice over by Christmas. Try using streamer patterns like wooly buggers and leeches. Adding a nymph dropper may increase your success. The trout limit is 2 and all trout between 15 and 22 inches must be immediately released.

KOOSHAREM RESERVOIR: (November 22) The reservoir has iced over, but safe ice is probably at least a week away.

LOWER BOWNS RESERVOIR: (November 22) The reservoir has iced over, but safe ice is probably at least a week away.

MAMMOTH CREEK: (November 22) Brown trout get aggressive in the fall. Try using streamers and flashy lures.

MILL MEADOW RESERVOIR: (November 22) Look for the reservoir to ice over in the coming weeks.

MINERSVILLE RESERVOIR: (November 22) Conservation Officer Brent Farnsworth reports that the reservoir is only about five feet below full pool and the water is clear and cool. Fishing has been fair to good throughout the fall. This time of year, fishing is often best in the middle of the day as the sun warms the water near the shore. Anglers have had success for trout casting a dark wooly bugger from the shore. Most trout are smaller, but there are fish up to 20 inches and even a few over 22 inches.

MONROE MOUNTAIN LAKES: (November 22) There is not much winter fishing pressure because of poor access.

NAVAJO LAKE: (November 22) Highway 14 in Cedar Canyon has been closed because of a landslide. Snow keeps piling up on the road with each storm. The lake is icing over but is likely a week or so away from having safe ice.

OTTER CREEK RESERVOIR & STATE PARK: (November 22) Fishing is slow to fair but anglers are catching a few nice fish. There isn't any ice yet, but the reservoir usually ices over around mid-December.

PANGUITCH LAKE: (November 22) The water level is slowly coming up. There isn't any ice yet, but the lake usually ices over around mid-December. Shore fishing is fair to good. Flies, lures and bait are all producing right now. If one technique doesn't produce, try changing your tactics until you find success. Remember that all cutthroat and tigers between 15 and 22 inches must be released.

PINE LAKE: (November 22) Work on the dam has finished and the lake level is slowly coming up. Much of the road is snow packed so a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. The lake is starting to ice over but the ice is still thin.

PIUTE RESERVOIR: (November 22) There isn't any ice yet, but the reservoir usually ices over around mid-December.

QUAIL LAKE: (November 22) Visit www.stateparks.utah.gov for the current boat ramp schedule. Bass fishing is fair. Try fishing for bass in depths of 10 to 15 feet using plastics like senkos, swimbaits, hula grubs and drop-shots, as well as deep-diving crankbaits. Rainbow trout have been stocked and should provide fair to good fishing.

SAND HOLLOW RESERVOIR: (November 22) With the cooler temperatures, bass have moved a little deeper and success has slowed. However, anglers are still finding fair success at depths of 10 to 15 feet. You can reach those depths using plastics like senkos, swimbaits, hula grubs and drop-shots, as well as deep-diving crankbaits. Slowing the presentation is a big key to success in colder water, so senkos and drop-shots are often popular choices. Quagga mussels have been detected at Sand Hollow, so plan extra time to have your boat washed before leaving.

SEVIER RIVER IN MARYSVALE CANYON: (November 22) Water is being released from Piute. The high water flows are making fishing difficult.

THOUSAND LAKE MOUNTAIN: (November 22) Most of the lakes have safe ice, at least four inches, though conditions in Solomon Basin may be more variable. There is not much snow so access should be fair.

TROPIC RESERVOIR: (November 14) Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked. A recent fish population survey found a good number of brown trout from 15 to over 20 inches. For browns, try casting or trolling minnow-imitating lures and flies. Also try frozen minnows or cut bait.

WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMUNITY FISHERIES: (November 22) Catchable-sized rainbows have been stocked at all of the community fishing ponds in Washington County, including a new pond at the Sullivan Virgin River Park on 300 East in Washington.

WIDE HOLLOW RESERVOIR: (October 28) The reservoir is full and clear, and catchable-sized rainbow trout have been stocked.

YANKEE MEADOW RESERVOIR: (November 22) The reservoir should be icing over, but the ice is probably not safe yet. There is some snow on the road.

[Fishing Report]

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Please e-mail your fishing reports on Northeastern Region waters to RonStewart@utah.gov.

ATTENTION: Quagga and zebra mussels are a major threat to Utah waterways. Watch this video to learn more about these destructive mussels and how to decontaminate your boat.





BIG SANDWASH RESERVOIR: (November 24) The most recent report indicated fair to good fishing for rainbows and slow fishing for bass. Standard trout baits are working well for trout. Small fish- or crayfish-colored lures or brightly colored, flashy lures are also a good bet. Ice is starting to form in the shallows. You can access the reservoir from the boat ramp and from a new public-access point on the northeast corner.

BROUGH RESERVOIR: (November 24) Fishing has improved, and there have been several reports of fair to good fishing for larger fish. Use a strong-enough pole, line and leader to bring the fish in quickly, and then keep the entire fish in the water while removing the hook. Barbless hooks and rubber nets make it much easier to remove flies and lures. Fish that you can land, disengage and release quickly are much more likely to survive. Tired fish and fish exposed to the air may swim away, but they are much more likely to die a few days after release.

BROWNE LAKE: (November 24) Ice now covers the lake, with two to four inches in some areas. Check it carefully before venturing out. Call the Ashley National Forest for the latest road report.

BULLOCK RESERVOIR: (November 24) Anglers report slow fishing for everything.

CALDER RESERVOIR: (November 24) Ice mostly covers the reservoir, but it's not thick enough to be safe. There are still some pockets of open water, including some reaches of shore. Anglers report fair to good catch rates from shore. Try using large terrestrial flies, minnow/leech imitations or small brightly colored spoons. The reservoir has special catch-and-release regulations. You must use flies and lures only — bait is not allowed. See the Utah Fishing Guidebook for details. To protect the larger fish, proper catch-and-release techniques are critical. Use a strong-enough pole, line and leader to bring the fish in quickly, and then keep the entire fish in the water while removing the hook. Barbless hooks and rubber nets make it much easier to remove flies and lures. Fish that you can land, disengage and release quickly are much more likely to survive. Tired fish and fish exposed to the air may swim away, but they are much more likely to die a few days after release.

COTTONWOOD RESERVOIR: (November 24) Anglers report slow fishing.

CROUSE RESERVOIR: (November 24) Ice has covered more than half of the reservoir, but it is not safe. There may still be some fishable open water on the far side of the dam. The reservoir was stocked with catchable-sized fish at the beginning of summer. They have had excellent growth due to above-average water levels and lots of available forage. Try using brightly colored lures and trout baits.

CURRANT CREEK RESERVOIR: (November 24) Ice is forming, but the reservoir is still mostly open water. The road remains open, and there's an inch or two of snow near the dam. There are still some large areas with enough bank access to fish. Check the ice carefully before venturing out.

EAST PARK RESERVOIR: (November 24) Ice is forming, and lakes at a similar elevation are mostly or completely covered. Check the ice carefully before venturing out.

FLAMING GORGE: (November 24) You'll find good fishing for trout species:

Lake trout: Lake trout fishing has been good. Anglers are finding schools of smaller trout (also called pups) down around 60 to 100 feet. If you can find a school, the hits will be fast and light. A good line (fluorocarbon or braid) helps you feel the strike and get a good hook-set when jigging. You can help the Flaming Gorge fishery by harvesting a limit of smaller lake trout. The limit is eight fish, with one over 28 inches.

Kokanee salmon: All kokanee caught between Sept. 10 and Nov. 30 must be immediately released. Water temperatures at the surface have cooled to the low 50s, so fish can be anywhere. Although the DWR has stocked millions of kokanee over the last few years, the population remains low due to predation by lake trout and burbot. Anglers need to harvest small lake trout and burbot to reduce their impact on kokanee.

Rainbow trout: Anglers report good to excellent fishing from the shoreline and from boats. A boat is essential to access most of the reservoir; however, there is shore fishing near the visitors' center (by the dam) and by the boat ramps. Fish can be anywhere, including close to shore. Look for schools near cliffs, points and submerged ridges in about 20 to 60 feet of water.

Smallmouth bass: Bass fishing has been slow. An angler reported catching one last week (70 feet down) while jigging for lake trout, but it's mostly over until next summer.

Burbot: We've received several reports from anglers who are catching burbot on shore and in boats. Some of the fish weigh more than eight pounds. Try fishing for a few hours, starting around sunset, along the rocky points and cliffs near the main channel. Burbot hit during the day, but they become more active during the twilight hours. Fish the bottom (or just slightly above it) in depths from 10–50 feet. Use just about anything that glows (e.g., spoons, tube jigs, curly-tailed jigs or minnow jigs) and tip your lure with some type of bait. Place your baits close to the bottom and recharge the glow frequently. It is common to catch a fish immediately after re-glowing and dropping a lure. You'll help the Flaming Gorge fishery by harvesting as many burbot as possible. There is no limit on burbot.

GREEN RIVER BELOW FLAMING GORGE DAM: (November 24) Anglers are doing well with large terrestrial imitations (like grasshoppers and black ants) and using a scud or shrimp trailer. Often, the fish are attracted to the larger presentation and then hit the smaller scud. On windy days, anglers who use lures have been more successful because it's easier to cast. Try Rapalas (floating, countdown and husky jerk); spinners; spoons; black, brown or olive marabou jigs; and plastic jigs. As always, watch for hatches and change flies and lures accordingly.

LONG PARK RESERVOIR: (November 24) There were reports of good shore fishing, but now ice is forming and covering most of the reservoir.

MATT WARNER: (November 24) Ice is forming and now covers almost the entire reservoir. However, there are a few big pockets of open water, which are not accessible from the bank. Check the ice carefully before venturing out.

MOOSE POND: (November 24) Ice is forming along the edges and has closed off most of the pond.

PELICAN LAKE: (November 24) Fishing has been slow. Ice is forming along the edges at night but melting during the day. Watch for waterfowl hunters as they are now using the reservoir more than anglers. Note: The DWR is monitoring this lake for the presence of invasive mussels. Before and after boating, be sure to clean, drain and dry boats, fishing gear, decoys or other equipment exposed to water (like waders, rubber boots and fish finders).

RED FLEET RESERVOIR: (November 24) Anglers report good fishing for rainbows and slow fishing for bass and bluegill. Some anglers who specifically targeted walleye have caught fish; however, most of the walleye catch has been accidental. Red Fleet has no limit on walleye, and all walleye must be killed and removed — you may not catch and release them. Note: Be sure to clean, drain and dry any equipment or gear used in the water to prevent the spread of mussels and other aquatic invaders. Clean everything, including boats, jets skis, pull-behind floats, skis, kneeboards, fishing gear and any other item exposed to water.

SHEEP CREEK LAKE: (November 24) Ice is beginning to form and now covers most of the lake. Fishing has been slow. Check with the Forest Service for the most recent reports on road access. If the gates are still open, expect roads to be snow-covered and a bit icy.

SPIRIT LAKE: (November 24) Fishing was good for rainbows and small tiger trout until more ice formed after the last set of storms. There haven't been any recent reports on ice thickness, but the reservoir is likely covered. Check the ice carefully before venturing out.

STARVATION RESERVOIR: (November 24) Anglers report fair to good fishing for rainbow and brown trout, yellow perch and a few walleye. Check out the rocky points, inlets and shallow bays. Try fishing parallel and close to the shoreline. Big fish often cruise the shore looking for minnows and terrestrial insects washed in by the waves.

STEINAKER RESERVOIR: (November 24) Anglers report good fishing for rainbows and slow fishing for bass and bluegill. The recent cold weather has ended the bass and bluegill fishing. Rainbows will likely provide a few more weeks of good fishing before the reservoir ices over. You'll do equally well fishing with baits and lures from the shoreline or from a boat.

[Fishing Report]

ABAJO MOUNTAINS: (November 18) Conservation Officer Dennis Shumway reported good fishing for trout with worms or PowerBait. Shumway suspects good fishing for bass at Recapture Reservoir.

ACADEMY MILL RESERVOIR: (November 25) The reservoir has iced-over but there are no reports on conditions. Access will be very difficult.

BENCHES POND: (November 25) The reservoir has iced-over but there are no reports on conditions.

BLUE LAKE: (November 25) The reservoir has iced-over but there are no reports on conditions. Access will be very difficult.

BOULGER RESERVOIR: (November 25) Ice anglers have fished this water, but there are no recent fishing reports.

CLEVELAND RESERVOIR: (November 25) Ice-over is imminent.

DUCK FORK RESERVOIR: (November 25) The reservoir has iced-over but there are no reports on conditions. Access will be very difficult.

ELECTRIC LAKE: (November 25) This water is open. There haven't been any recent fishing reports. Expect slow fishing.

FAIRVIEW LAKES: (November 25) The reservoir has iced-over. There haven't been any recent fishing reports. Expect slow fishing.

FERRON RESERVOIR: (November 25) The reservoir has been treated to remove all fish and will not be restocked until June.

GIGLIOTTI POND: (November 25) This community fishery freezes and thaws on a regular basis. Expect slow fishing.

GOOSEBERRY RESERVOIR: (November 25) The reservoir has iced-over, but access may be difficult. Expect slow fishing.

GRASSY LAKE: (November 25) The reservoir has iced-over, but access will be difficult.

HUNTINGTON CREEK: (November 18) Fly fisherman Tom Ogden fished the creek on Nov. 9 and caught one 14-inch cutthroat and 15 brown trout, which ranged from 10 to 12 inches. He used floating line with a size 12 bead head Montana with split shot 12 inches above the fly. The banks are beginning to freeze.

HUNTINGTON NORTH RESERVOIR: (November 10) Anglers who trolled with Rapalas reported catching rainbow trout up to 16 inches long.

HUNTINGTON RESERVOIR: (November 25) The reservoir should freeze at any time.

JOES VALLEY RESERVOIR: (November 25) This reservoir has been temporarily closed during the splake spawning period. It will reopen on December 10.

MILLER FLAT RESERVOIR: (November 25) The reservoir has iced-over, but access may be difficult. Expect slow fishing.

PETES HOLE: (November 25) The reservoir has iced-over, but access may be difficult. Expect slow fishing.

POTTERS PONDS: (November 25) The reservoir has iced-over, but access may be difficult. Expect slow fishing.

SCOFIELD RESERVOIR: (November 25) The reservoir is open. It usually freezes during early December. Fishing has been very good for bank anglers. Trout are commonly within 10 feet of shore. Conservation Officer Devin Christensen interviewed two anglers who had each caught more than 20 cutthroat trout — mostly 15- to 16-inch fish with one that was 21-inches long — in three hours. The anglers had used chub meat fished under a bobber and two feet of leader. On Nov. 22, Tom Ogden fly fished from a kick boat. Tom caught a number of 13- to 20-inch cutthroats, a few 12- to 15-inch rainbows and one 14-inch tiger trout using #6 bead head soft hackle flies on sinking line.

SOUP BOWL: (November 25) The reservoir has iced-over, but access may be difficult. Expect slow fishing.

WILLOW LAKE: (November 25) The reservoir has iced-over, but access may be difficult. Expect slow fishing.

WRIGLEY SPRINGS RESERVOIR: (November 25) The reservoir has iced-over, but access may be difficult. Expect slow fishing.