Let's go Fishing!
Welcome to Backcountry Utah's Fishing Page
www.UtahFishingReport.com
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Walleye Fishing- Rocky Mountain Anglers |
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Building your Backyard Fishing Pond begins with meeting a few regulations if you plan on planting gamefish or anything beyond Koi. Provided are a few useful links to get you started.
Press Release on Pond where fish were siezed
Fish Stocking Rules
The Department of Agriculture has responsibility for administering fee fishing and commerical aqualcuture. These activities are covered under Rule R58-17.
Rule R657-16. Aquaculture and Fish Stocking.
Rule R657-3. Collection, Importation, Transportation, and Possession of Zoological Animals.
PDF Certificate of Registration to have a private fish pond (Requires Adobe Acrobat, which is available for free)
Fish Health (Aquaculture) Certificates of Registration
| Ken's Fish Farm-
Developers of World Record sized Bluegill (Bream), ready to be stocked in your private Pond. They offer many free services to pond owners. They recently developed the Hy Tech Speck, a very fast growing hybrid that can grow 14 inches in their first Year. |
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Silver Cup Fish Feeds
118 W 4800 South
Murray, UT 84107
(801) 262-2991
| Barley Straw Bales for your Pond
Earth Systems Fish & Water Gardens Spring Lake Trout Farm |
Waterfall built by Bratt at Thanksgiving Point |
| Earth Ponds Sourcebook and Earthponds by Countryman Press
Utah Koi |
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POND OWNERS MUST RECEIVE APPROVAL BEFORE STOCKING FISH
written by Pete Cavalli, DWR Southeastern Region Aquatic Biologist
Landowners who want to stock fish in their private ponds are reminded that they must obtain approval from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) before doing so. There are several reasons why this activity is regulated.
First, some fish species can hybridize (interbreed) with other species of fish, which reduces their genetic purity. For example, rainbow trout and nonnative cutthroat trout hybridize freely with native populations of cutthroat trout. Many drainages in Utah contain native cutthroat trout that could be eliminated through hybridization with stocked trout.
| Competition between wild fish and stocked fish is another area of concern. Some species of fish will compete with wild fish for food or habitat, which could lead to the reduction or elimination of wild fish populations. Predation on wild fish by stocked fish also can lead to the decline or demise of wild fish populations.
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The first step is to apply for a Certificate of Registration (COR) from the UDWR. Application forms can be obtained from UDWR offices in Price, Cedar City, Springville, Vernal, Ogden and Salt Lake City, or by calling the UDWR's Wildlife Registration Office at (801) 538-4701. A $25 nonrefundable pond inspection fee, and a $5 nonrefundable handling fee, must accompany the application. Once the application is received, a UDWR biologist will visit the pond to make sure that it's not situated on a naturally flowing stream. The biologist will also check to make sure that permanent screens are installed on the inflows and outflows, to keep fish from moving out of the pond. Screens must be small enough to stop small fish from leaving the pond, but small mesh often becomes plugged with debris. It's the pond owner's responsibility to keep the screens clean, so they may want to ask a UDWR biologist for advice about the best screen designs. |
Processing the application and arranging for a biologist to visit the pond can take several weeks, so pond owners should be aware that approval will not be granted immediately. After the pond has been inspected and approved, a $50 COR fee must be paid before a COR will be issued. Once a pond owner has a COR to stock fish, it's their responsibility to make sure that the pond and the fish to be stocked will meet the requirements set by all other applicable laws (e.g. federal, county and city laws).
Also, it's the pond owner's responsibility to purchase fish from an approved supplier. Pond owners can contact the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food at (801) 538-7046 to obtain a list of approved fish suppliers who sell the species they're interested in
Importation of live fish from other states can be approved but this activity requires authorization from the UDWR Wildlife Registration Office and a permit from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. Commercial ponds (for example, fee fishing ponds and private fish hatcheries) are also regulated by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. The requirements, forms and fees for these types of ponds are different than those for private fish ponds.
Pond owners must renew their COR each year. Renewal is achieved by submitting an Annual Report of Live Fish Acquired, a $20 renewal fee and a $5 nonrefundable handling fee. If the renewal application is not turned in on time, a $10 late fee is assessed. If the renewal application is turned in more than 30 days late, the application is treated as a new application and all of the initial fees apply.
All ponds must be inspected every six years and another $25 pond inspection fee is charged at that time.
Getting approval to stock fish in a private pond is fairly easy but it can take a significant amount of time. Forms must be filled out, biologists must arrange to view the pond and an approved source of fish must be obtained. Therefore, anyone hoping to stock fish for the summer angling season should submit an application as soon as possible.
| Cold Springs Trout Farm 2284 N Fruitland Dr NORTH OGDEN, UT 84414 - 2924 (801) 782-7282 Spring Lake Trout Farm |
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Fishing Clubs, Organizations and Associations
Trout Unlimited
967 E Murray Holladay Rd Ste 3b
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84117 - 2919
(801) 747-0747
Strawberry Anglers Association
Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation
American Sportfishing Association 
Salt Lake County Fish & Game Assn 801-262-7250 1177 Bullion St Murray UT 84123
| For Sale in Utah from Big Fish Tackle |
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Visit Pure Fishing Products 
Visit Luhr Jensen's Website
Listen to some fishing Tunes
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| In Fisherman Magazine |  |
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Free Fishing Clubs throughout Utah are just around the corner. Check out the following link to learn more about urban fishing in your area. See Community Waters Throughout the State Fishing gear may be checked out like a library book at your nearest Division of Widlife Resources office. Free Fishing Day is just around the Corner. Check out the link for more information. Check back regularly for other events near you! Volunteers Needed to Teach Kids How to Fish
Cushing says communities are starting to offer fishing as a sport in their city recreation departments, and that's the main reason for the clubs' increased success. "For the first time, fishing has found its way into mainstream sports, right along with soccer, baseball and football." Cushing says the popularity of the clubs has led to some challenges. "The number of kids who can participate is tied directly to the number of adults who volunteer to help," he said. "If we don't get enough volunteers, some of the kids who want to participate won't be able to this year."
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LoonBrothers Outrageous Adventures (877) 566-6276 |
Trout Creek Flies Green River Drifters River Excursions at the Homestead Resort Boulder Mountain Flyfishing 435-335-7306 Panguitch Anglers Inn & Flyshop 435-676-8950 Alpine Anglers 888-484-3331 Paiute Trail Resort 800-519-2243 Excursions of Escalante (800)-U-EXPLORE Boulder Mountain Lodge 800-556-3446 Intermountain Guide Service (877) UTAH FUN Red Rock Ranch & Outfitters (800) 745-6393 Doc Warner's Alaska Fishing The Homestead Resort (800) 327-7220 Falcon's Ledge Flyfishing & Wingshooting Retreat (435) 454-3737 Four Seasons Flyfishers of Utah (800) 498-5440 Trout Bum 2 Flyfishing Outfitters (877) 878-2862 Park City Outfitters (866) 649-3337 Rocky Mountain Outfitters (801) 361-6772 Bear River Lodge (Uinta Mtns) 800-559-1121 Provo River Outfitters 888-PRO-UTAH RedElk Outfitters 877-880-3644 Fly Fishing Adventures LLC (801) 599-6787 Jans Mountain Outfitters 800-745-1020 Spinner Fall Flyfishing Guide Service (877) 811-3474 Flying J Outfitters 435-789-2531 Sundance Resort (800) 892-1600 Western Rivers Flyfisher 800-545-4312 |
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Species Specific Information
Tiger Muskie Catch and Release Tips
Tales of the Deep– Catching Lunker Carp
On a remote stream, located somewhere in Utah County, large fish are abundant. Some seasoned anglers have remarked with amazement about the ample numbers of large, stocky fish, found here. Angler pressure is minimal and scenery is spectacular.
One twist to this tale is the major fish species, available here. In these waters, anglers will not catch many hefty browns, nor healthy fat rainbows. In the deep dark pools, it is unlikely you will find catfish and bass. Anglers who attempt to catch these fish are after monster CARP!
Before you turn your noses up, consider the underutilized possibilities awaiting this summer. Some of Utah County's warmer streams and rivers are full of these fighting brutes. Although habitat at some select waters may appear to favor browns, carp thrive in these fast moving rivers. One local angler, remarked, "There are literally thousands of carp in this stream. I have never seen so many fish in one location."
Carp have become one of the most abundant freshwater fish in the United States and are growing rapidly as a popular fighting adversary. Anyone who has hooked into one of these underwater torpedoes, will confirm that they can provide some exciting action. Fishing rods are easily broken during the battle and more than one angler's rod has been taken to the depths below.
Reports indicate that carp abound in all of Utah's warm water lakes, including Utah Lake and the Jordan River, and compete with popular game fish, giving them a bad reputation. Utah's record carp was caught by Couger Elfervig in Lake Powell in 1993, weighing 32 lb 0 oz.
Carp on Fly Tackle
Carp are both bottom and surface feeders, consuming a variety of plant and animal
tissue. Angling methods range from inexpensive dough balls to the fanciest of fly tackle. World renowned fly anglers, seeking the elusive carp, use the same tackle they use for trout. One popular pattern includes the Bristle Leech, which creates a puff of silt when retrieved. Other patterns include those representing scuds, worms, crayfish, nymphs, and fluffy cottonwood seeds. Tom Conner, a fly fishing pro, added the following, "Carp are very sensitive to taste and smell. Before you use a fly for the first time, rub it with mud or algae from the bank or bottom of the river or lake. The mud will come off after the first cast but your fly will have a "natural" taste and smell that will help mask your own odor and keep the fly in the carp's mouth a little longer before it tries to spit it out."
Bait Techniques
For the bait angler, treble hooks, covered in dough bait, are most effective between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.. Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame World Record holder, Damon Holter, shared his secret to catching large carp, " Get your hands on some nylon netting (the kind used to make spawn sacs for salmon and steelhead fishing) and cut it into approx 2" squares. Fill the netting with oatmeal (getting it wet first can make it easier to work with), fold the corners together and tie it off."
He continued, "Fishing it is easy- simply hook the oatmeal so that the hook goes through it and your barb is exposed. Throw it out with an egg sinker and a split shot about a foot or so up the line. Release the bail on your reel so that there is no resistance for the fish. Sit back and watch your line. When it begins to strip from your spool, let the fish take it for a while- ensuring that the carp has enough time to get his lips around the sac. Set the line and enjoy the action!"
Recipes
Once you have several carp to take home, prepare them properly for the best flavor possible. This includes keeping the meat cool, rapidly cleaning the fish to prevent spoilage, removing the skin, and dark spots in the meat. Fish tend to taste less mossy during the early part of summer.
Many recipes call for a carp fillet to be scored. Scoring is a process that weakens the bones of carp so that they are not quite so dangerous. The basic procedure is to make cuts about 2/3 of the way through a carp fillet every inch or so. Then soak this fillet in vinegar overnight. The vinegar will then soften the bones. Other methods to avoid the bones include grinding the meat, as in the following recipe:
Carp Burgers
•4 pounds carp •1/2 teaspoon sage, powdered •1 teaspoon celery salt •1/4 cup onion, minced
•1/4 teaspoon black pepper •1 teaspoon baking soda
Fillet carp, skin and remove rib sections. Mix baking soda with enough water to cover fillets
and soak overnight. Rinse fillets under cold water and dry with paper towels. Run fillets through
meat grinder with fine blade twice. Mix onion, sage, celery salt, pepper and carp well in a large
bowl. Form into patties, roll in dry pancake flour and drop into hot oil. Fry about 2 minutes on
each side until brown, drain on paper towels and serve with horseradish, mustard, or shrimp
cocktail sauce. --Alfred Johnson, Kearney, NE
In Utah, there is no limit to catching carp, but a Utah Fishing License is required. Check the proclamation for more information regarding limits and catching methods. For more information about carp fishing and preparing carp recipes, check out the following website: http://www.carp.net/home2.htm.
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Bear Lake DWR Recording: 435-946-8501
Fish Lake Lodge: 435-638-1000
Otter Creek RV & Marina: 435-624-3292
Panguitch Anglers: 435-676-8950
Strawberry Bay: 435-548-2261
Crappie success at Lake Powell
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Lake Powell |
Fish In Strawberry Reservoir
Prevent the Spread of Mussels in Utah
Health Advisory on Utah Waters
HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF WHIRLING DISEASE
Whirling Disease found in Green River Drainage
One of Utah's most prestigious fishing waters may soon be seeing the effects of whirling disease. The microscopic parasite which causes this fish disease with potentially serious effects, has been found in the Green River drainage in Wyoming, upstream from Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
Currently, no serious impacts to fish populations have been observed in this water, although serious impacts are visible in Montana and other states.
Fisheries Chief, Mike Stone, reported that samples taken from Forty Rod Creek, near the Daniel Hatchery, showed presence of the parasite, as confirmed by two laboratories. Forty Rod Creek is a small drainage flowing into the Green River west of Pinedale. Fish from other nearby waters are currently being tested to determine the extent of this problem in the Green River drainage.
Stone said Wyoming fisheries managers are disturbed about this discovery because it is in a drainage where the parasite has not been found before and it is near a hatchery. Whirling disease has never been found in any Wyoming hatchery.
The source of infection is not known. Whirling disease is caused by a microscopic parasite which attacks the cartilage in the head and spine of young fish. Fish sometimes display a whirling behavior and develop a black tail. Because the disease affects young fish smaller than four inches in length, anglers normally do not notice any signs of the disease. There is no human health risk.
Stone added that studies, so far, indicate rainbow trout are most susceptible to the disease, but fish testing positive from Forty Rod included rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout.
Anglers can take several steps to help control the spread of whirling disease. Mud should be washed from boats, trailers, waders and float tubes before leaving a river or lake. No water, mud, fish or fish parts should be transported from one river basin to another. Fish heads, skeletons or entrails should not be thrown in any body of water. Fishing equipment can be disinfected at home with a solution of 3/4 cup chlorine bleach per gallon of water.
Tips for Anglers to Prevent Spread of Whirling Disease
Thanks to a number of factors, including preventative efforts by anglers, Myxobolus cerebralis, the parasite that causes whirling disease in salmonids (trout, salmon, whitefish, grayling) is found in relatively few waters in Utah.
Anglers can help contain the disease by following a few simple procedures, outlined in the Division of Wildlife Resources "Whirling Disease and Utah Trout: What Utah Anglers Need To Know" brochure:
If fishing in an area known to be contaminated with whirling disease, clean all equipment of mud (boats, trailers, waders,
boots, float tubes and fins) before leaving. Thoroughly dry equipment in the sun, if possible, before reuse. If you are
traveling directly to other waters, clean your equipment with a strong solution of chlorine bleach or use another set of
equipment.
Don't transport live fish between bodies of water. This practice could spread disease and is strictly illegal.
Don't dispose of fish heads, skeletons or entrails in any body of water. Fish parts should be disposed of in the garbage,
by deep burying or by total burning.
If you observe the symptoms of whirling disease in fish (various deformities of the head, twisted spines, a black tail or
fish swimming in whirling motions), or if you observe illegal fish stocking, contact your local Division conservation officer
or call the Division's poaching hotline at 1-800-662-3337.
Anglers are strongly encouraged to follow these procedures when fishing at the following waters, which staff at the Division's Fisheries Experiment Station report have tested positive for the whirling disease parasite:
Whirling Disease Infection Map of Utah
Fremont River, Spring Creek, Um Creek
Mill Meadow Reservoir
Forsyth Reservoir
Johnson Valley Reservoir
Otter Creek
Otter Creek Reservoir
Minersville Reservoir
Beaver River (tributary to Minersville Res.)
Geyser Creek
Geyser Ditch (Buckeye Creek)
Jordanelle Reservoir
Provo River (areas above Deer Creek Reservoir)
Deer Creek Reservoir
Rockport Reservoir
Porcupine Reservoir
Little Bear River
Hyrum Reservoir
Causey Reservoir
South Fork Ogden River (Causey to Pineview)
Logan River
Blacksmith Fork River (lowest part of river, at mouth of canyon below abandoned dam)
Spring Creek Area (College Ward, Cache County)
Weber River
Lost Creek (tributary to Weber River)
East Canyon Creek (tributary to Weber River)
Beaver Creek (tributary to Weber River, near Kamas)
For a free copy of "Whirling Disease and Utah Trout: What Utah Anglers Need To Know," call the Division's Aquatic Education section at (801) 538-4717 or visit your nearest Division regional office, Division fish hatchery or USDA Forest Service office.
ATTENTION WILLARD BAY WALLEYE ANGLERS
The Division is currently conducting a walleye tagging study at Willard Bay Reservoir. There are about 400 adult walleyes tagged with an individually numbered spaghetti-style tag. The hope is to get enough tag returns to get a good population estimate thereby allowing the Division to make better informed management decisions on this reservoir. It would be greatly appreciated if anglers would provide us with the following
information:
Tag Number
Date caught
Where caught (as close as possible)
Wether the fish was kept or released (with tag intact)
How many other untagged fish were caught that day
Optional items include:
Name, address, phone number (those providing this information will be given a history of the tagged fish)
This information can be sent directly to Kent Sorenson via E-mail (nrdwr.ksorenso@state.ut.us) or to any Division representative in the Northern Region Office. A creel survey is also underway at Willard Bay and we encourage anglers to provide accurate information to our creel clerks throughout the summer.
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Carbon Monoxide Dangers in Ice Tents
Big Catch at Strawberry Reservoir
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Winter Catch from Scofield
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