Just got me a new boat and I’ve been on the water all my life I just lost my free boat when my dad moved out of state. I was wondering what day would normally have more traffic thinking either mantua or Utah lake. On tomorrow 7-4 or should I wait until the 5th?
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For this weekend and holiday, you’re going to experience the same amount of boat traffic at Utah Lake either day. Early morning fishing will reduce the amount of traffic as the recreational boater won’t be out in force in the early morning.
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I'm probably not the best one to answer this since retired. When I was working I would make the best out of what I could when it came to either vacation time or time off and blend in around the crowds. This particular week there will be a full force no matter where one goes. If ever there is a plague I avoid these type weeks therefore I will be hanging around the house all week getting certain chores done then I will reward myself afterwards. [fishon] As the boat guy suggested early morning would be best.
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Regardless of the water, over the past 20+ years I have found that you have to get on the water early and get off the water early to avoid all the power squadron and the problems associated with them. One problem is that the state parks don't open the gates till 6AM something I have lobbied the division about for the past 20+ years also. So be at the gate of your chosen water at 6AM, and get off by 10:30 or so. Only the most dedicated ski crowd shows up that early and I have found them to be the most courteous of the bunch. They are there to enjoy the slick conditions and will not throw wakes on you purposefully. The stay to the middle of the lake and if they do get to close, will usually move off if you let them know. The rest of the crowd does not get up very early and they start showing up about noon, however, they clog the ramp so you can't get off the water so you are forced to either get off about 10"30 or so or wait till they clear about 1PM. They froth the water till about 4"30 or so, which means you can launch in the early evening around 5-5:30 and fish pretty much without being molested till dark. Have fun with your new rig !! Oh, week days, you pretty much have no problems from Monday to Thursday.
Just a couple comments:
Fridays in the summer time have become the new Saturdays. Lots of crowds.
Sometimes the fishing is actually better in the late afternoon or evening. State law requires wave runners, wake boarders, water skiers, water toys to be off the water at sunset. That doesn't mean the power squadron boats will all leave the water, but they shouldn't be towing anything, or have a need to run fast. Of course there are always the ones that don't know or ignore the law.
Best action to take when there is a power boat being operated unsafe or illegally, get their Bow ID number if possible, a good description of the boat, number of people on it, time and location of unsafe operation. A photo is always VERY helpful, (a good set of binoculars is a valuable addition to the things on your boat) but not always possible.
Turn it in to the DNR officers responsible for that body of water.
And for sure, if a vessel of ANY type is being operated by someone that may be DUI, call it in from the water.
Best of luck with the new boat. Be safe. [fishin]
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That’s all great info thank you
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