12-11-2023, 08:16 PM
Ice conditions: Ice is currently forming at many Utah waterbodies but may not yet have even thickness or safe access for ice fishing. Anglers should use extreme caution and be aware of best practices for ice safety.
Fishing forecast (December through February): The reservoir is typically open water during December. Low water levels usually result in Oasis being the only boat ramp anglers can launch from during the fall and winter. Fishing is generally fair for both shore and boat anglers through December and into January. Ice normally begins forming throughout the reservoir in January, and may have fishable ice (ice that is at least 4 inches thick) in areas the latter half of January. Ice thickness is extremely varied, and ice conditions change quickly at Yuba. Use extreme caution and check with Yuba State Park for current ice conditions. An ice safety guide is available here. As the reservoir begins to fill/recharge late January through February, the reservoir is typically a mixture of ice up lake (Painted Rock area east to the Sevier River inlet), and open water closer to the dam. By March, the majority of the reservoir is open water, and the northern pike are beginning to spawn up lake. (Dec. 4, 2023)
[b][b][b][b]Seasonal forecasts[/b][/b][/b][/b]
[b]American Fork Creek:
[/b]Fishing forecast (December through March): American Fork Creek normally remains fishable from the canyon tollbooth upstream to the Tibble Fork dam spillway. The main road to Tibble Fork Reservoir, as well as the reservoir's parking lot, are normally plowed during the winter. However, snow accumulations in shoulder pull-off areas and non-plowed day-use parking lot areas may require walking some distance to access a desired section of stream. The creek's heavy brush cover, and its tendency to accumulate large drifts and snow banks, can make fishing difficult in areas. Trout fishing should be fair for anglers willing to wade the cold water. We recommend using small nymph fly patterns or worm patterns fished slow and deep using tightline nymphing techniques or a strike indicator. We also recommend using darker/duller-colored flies such as black, tan, brown and dark green. Anglers should expect to catch a mix of trout species: brown trout, rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. (Dec. 4, 2023)
[/b]Fishing forecast (December through March): American Fork Creek normally remains fishable from the canyon tollbooth upstream to the Tibble Fork dam spillway. The main road to Tibble Fork Reservoir, as well as the reservoir's parking lot, are normally plowed during the winter. However, snow accumulations in shoulder pull-off areas and non-plowed day-use parking lot areas may require walking some distance to access a desired section of stream. The creek's heavy brush cover, and its tendency to accumulate large drifts and snow banks, can make fishing difficult in areas. Trout fishing should be fair for anglers willing to wade the cold water. We recommend using small nymph fly patterns or worm patterns fished slow and deep using tightline nymphing techniques or a strike indicator. We also recommend using darker/duller-colored flies such as black, tan, brown and dark green. Anglers should expect to catch a mix of trout species: brown trout, rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Big East Reservoir (Payson Lakes):
Fishing forecast (December through April): The U.S. Forest Service gates are typically closed for the season starting in November, and remain closed through April. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through April): The U.S. Forest Service gates are typically closed for the season starting in November, and remain closed through April. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Box Lake (Payson Lakes):
Fishing forecast (December through April): The U.S. Forest Service gates are typically closed for the season starting in November, and remain closed through April. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through April): The U.S. Forest Service gates are typically closed for the season starting in November, and remain closed through April. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Burraston Ponds:
Fishing forecast (December through February): Burraston Ponds catch rates tend to slow considerably in the winter. The smaller two ponds at the north end of the large main pond will typically partially or fully freeze in December. If it's cold enough, the large main pond will almost completely freeze over. However, ice thickness seldom exceeds 3 inches near the springs, making it extremely unsafe in these areas. An ice safety guide is available here. The DWR stocked 1,500 10-12 inch rainbow trout in November, and we think these trout will continue to provide anglers fair to good fishing this winter. We recommend using glitter garlic-scented trout dough bait fished 2 feet off the bottom. Anglers ice fishing should have success vertically jigging ice fishing flies or jigs tipped with worm off the bottom. Cold water temperatures (below 45 F) slow fish metabolism rates considerably. This means that fish feed infrequently/sporadically and are quite sluggish, making them less likely to move quickly to eat a lure, fly or bait. However, lures and streamers can still be effective. We recommend targeting deeper water and using a slow retrieve. DWR's spring trout stocking efforts typically begin late February to early March. Note: The general waterfowl hunting season for the southern duck zone (which encompasses Burraston Ponds) runs from Oct. 14 through Jan. 27. Waterfowl hunting is allowed at Burraston Ponds, so anglers may encounter hunters or hear shotgun shots around the ponds. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through February): Burraston Ponds catch rates tend to slow considerably in the winter. The smaller two ponds at the north end of the large main pond will typically partially or fully freeze in December. If it's cold enough, the large main pond will almost completely freeze over. However, ice thickness seldom exceeds 3 inches near the springs, making it extremely unsafe in these areas. An ice safety guide is available here. The DWR stocked 1,500 10-12 inch rainbow trout in November, and we think these trout will continue to provide anglers fair to good fishing this winter. We recommend using glitter garlic-scented trout dough bait fished 2 feet off the bottom. Anglers ice fishing should have success vertically jigging ice fishing flies or jigs tipped with worm off the bottom. Cold water temperatures (below 45 F) slow fish metabolism rates considerably. This means that fish feed infrequently/sporadically and are quite sluggish, making them less likely to move quickly to eat a lure, fly or bait. However, lures and streamers can still be effective. We recommend targeting deeper water and using a slow retrieve. DWR's spring trout stocking efforts typically begin late February to early March. Note: The general waterfowl hunting season for the southern duck zone (which encompasses Burraston Ponds) runs from Oct. 14 through Jan. 27. Waterfowl hunting is allowed at Burraston Ponds, so anglers may encounter hunters or hear shotgun shots around the ponds. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Cove Pond:
Fishing forecast (December through February): Cove Pond fish catch rates tend to remain fair for rainbow trout during the winter. The pond typically starts to see thin ice formation toward the later part of December and into early January. If it's cold enough, the pond may freeze over completely. Remember: Ice fishing is not permitted at The Cove per Herriman City ordinance. In most years, the pond will have a couple of pockets of water that do not freeze, allowing anglers to fish during the winter. However, the ice edges of these open pockets can make landing fish challenging. The DWR stocked 10-18 inch rainbow trout in late September, and we think these trout will continue to provide anglers fair fishing this winter. We recommend using glitter trout dough bait or nightcrawler fished 3 feet below a bobber. Small jigs tipped with nightcrawler are also an effective winter bait for bluegill. We recommend fishing these small jigs 4 feet below a slip bobber rig when targeting bluegill. Largemouth bass are typically difficult to catch during the winter. Cold water temperatures (below 45 F) slow fish metabolism rates and lower energy levels considerably. This means that fish feed infrequently/sporadically and are sluggish, making them less likely to move quickly to eat a lure, fly or bait. However, lures (such as small marabou jigs) and streamers (such as size #12 bead-head woolly buggers) can still be effective. We recommend targeting areas of the pond with deeper water using a slow retrieve. The DWR's spring trout stocking efforts typically begin late March to early April. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through February): Cove Pond fish catch rates tend to remain fair for rainbow trout during the winter. The pond typically starts to see thin ice formation toward the later part of December and into early January. If it's cold enough, the pond may freeze over completely. Remember: Ice fishing is not permitted at The Cove per Herriman City ordinance. In most years, the pond will have a couple of pockets of water that do not freeze, allowing anglers to fish during the winter. However, the ice edges of these open pockets can make landing fish challenging. The DWR stocked 10-18 inch rainbow trout in late September, and we think these trout will continue to provide anglers fair fishing this winter. We recommend using glitter trout dough bait or nightcrawler fished 3 feet below a bobber. Small jigs tipped with nightcrawler are also an effective winter bait for bluegill. We recommend fishing these small jigs 4 feet below a slip bobber rig when targeting bluegill. Largemouth bass are typically difficult to catch during the winter. Cold water temperatures (below 45 F) slow fish metabolism rates and lower energy levels considerably. This means that fish feed infrequently/sporadically and are sluggish, making them less likely to move quickly to eat a lure, fly or bait. However, lures (such as small marabou jigs) and streamers (such as size #12 bead-head woolly buggers) can still be effective. We recommend targeting areas of the pond with deeper water using a slow retrieve. The DWR's spring trout stocking efforts typically begin late March to early April. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Danny R. Crump Fishing Pond (Riverton City Pond):
Fishing forecast (December through April): The Danny R. Crump Fishing Pond is closed Oct. 1 through April 30 per Riverton City ordinance. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through April): The Danny R. Crump Fishing Pond is closed Oct. 1 through April 30 per Riverton City ordinance. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Deer Creek Reservoir (Blue Ribbon):
Fishing forecast (December through February): Deer Creek Reservoir typically has open water through December and January, and the wedge ramps are left in place for boat anglers. Boat and float tube anglers typically see good rainbow trout catch rates trolling squid rigs, white tube jigs and balanced leech fly patterns. We recommend anglers trolling for trout target in the 10-20 feet water column in December, and the 15-30 feet water column in January. Shore anglers tend to see fair to good rainbow trout catch rates in December, and fair catch rates in January. We recommend using garlic- or corn-scented trout dough bait fished 3 feet behind a with a casting bubble. DWR's fall stocking efforts of catchable-sized rainbow trout in October and November should provide anglers fair to good trout fishing this winter. Thin ice starts to develop during the first half of January near the dam, in the Wallsburg arm, along the shore in Rainbow Bay and The Island, and in the North Charleston portion of the reservoir. Deer Creek can freeze/cap completely during the later part of January. However, the reservoir doesn't typically remain fully capped/frozen for very long. By early February, it's fairly common to have a mixture of ice and open water, with some fishable ice (ice that is at least 4 inches thick) from the Island day-use area north toward the Provo River. Ice conditions deteriorate quickly in late February. An ice safety guide is available here. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are challenging to catch in winter. Walleye and yellow perch can be caught through the ice. We recommend fishing using tungsten ice jigs tipped with nightcrawler fished off the bottom and targeting deep water (45-55 feet). (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through February): Deer Creek Reservoir typically has open water through December and January, and the wedge ramps are left in place for boat anglers. Boat and float tube anglers typically see good rainbow trout catch rates trolling squid rigs, white tube jigs and balanced leech fly patterns. We recommend anglers trolling for trout target in the 10-20 feet water column in December, and the 15-30 feet water column in January. Shore anglers tend to see fair to good rainbow trout catch rates in December, and fair catch rates in January. We recommend using garlic- or corn-scented trout dough bait fished 3 feet behind a with a casting bubble. DWR's fall stocking efforts of catchable-sized rainbow trout in October and November should provide anglers fair to good trout fishing this winter. Thin ice starts to develop during the first half of January near the dam, in the Wallsburg arm, along the shore in Rainbow Bay and The Island, and in the North Charleston portion of the reservoir. Deer Creek can freeze/cap completely during the later part of January. However, the reservoir doesn't typically remain fully capped/frozen for very long. By early February, it's fairly common to have a mixture of ice and open water, with some fishable ice (ice that is at least 4 inches thick) from the Island day-use area north toward the Provo River. Ice conditions deteriorate quickly in late February. An ice safety guide is available here. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are challenging to catch in winter. Walleye and yellow perch can be caught through the ice. We recommend fishing using tungsten ice jigs tipped with nightcrawler fished off the bottom and targeting deep water (45-55 feet). (Dec. 4, 2023)
Diamond Fork River:
Fishing forecast (December through February): The U.S. Forest Service typically closes the upper winter gate in November. Anglers are still able to fish the upper reach, near Fifth Water, but you will need to walk in on the road roughly 2 miles from the winter gate parking lot. Diamond Fork Road, as well as the main day use parking areas, are typically plowed/maintained during the winter. However, snow accumulations in shoulder pull-off areas and non-plowed day-use parking lot areas may require walking some distance to access a desired section of the river. Ice typically starts to accumulate on river features (such as logjams, woody debris piles, rock structures, etc.) in early December. Subfreezing winter temperatures and snow accumulation can make angler access to the river, as well as wading-walking in the river, challenging and precarious in areas. We advise anglers to use caution and be prepared for winter conditions. Euro-tight line nymphing or indicator nymphing tends to be one of the more effective and productive winter fly-fishing techniques. We recommend using small (size #18-#20) bead head nymph patterns fished in pockets of slow deep water, as well as fishing midday when temperatures are warmer and the fish are a bit more active. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through February): The U.S. Forest Service typically closes the upper winter gate in November. Anglers are still able to fish the upper reach, near Fifth Water, but you will need to walk in on the road roughly 2 miles from the winter gate parking lot. Diamond Fork Road, as well as the main day use parking areas, are typically plowed/maintained during the winter. However, snow accumulations in shoulder pull-off areas and non-plowed day-use parking lot areas may require walking some distance to access a desired section of the river. Ice typically starts to accumulate on river features (such as logjams, woody debris piles, rock structures, etc.) in early December. Subfreezing winter temperatures and snow accumulation can make angler access to the river, as well as wading-walking in the river, challenging and precarious in areas. We advise anglers to use caution and be prepared for winter conditions. Euro-tight line nymphing or indicator nymphing tends to be one of the more effective and productive winter fly-fishing techniques. We recommend using small (size #18-#20) bead head nymph patterns fished in pockets of slow deep water, as well as fishing midday when temperatures are warmer and the fish are a bit more active. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Grandpa's Pond (Sandy Community Fishery):
Fishing forecast (December through February): Grandpa's Pond fish catch rates tend to remain fair for rainbow trout during the winter. The pond typically starts to see thin ice formation mid-December, into early January. If it's cold enough, the pond may freeze over completely. However, in most years, the north portion of the pond does not freeze, allowing anglers to fish a portion of the pond during the winter. However, high concentrations of waterfowl can make fishing the open water challenging. An ice safety guide is available here. The DWR stocked 10-12 inch rainbow trout in September and October, and we think these trout will continue to provide anglers fair fishing this winter. We recommend using glitter trout dough bait or nightcrawler fished 3 feet below a bobber. Small jigs tipped with nightcrawler are also an effective winter bait for bluegill. We recommend fishing small jigs 4 feet below a slip bobber rig when targeting bluegill. Cold water temperatures (below 45 F) slow fish metabolism rates and lower energy levels considerably. This means that fish feed infrequently/sporadically and are sluggish making them less likely to move quickly to eat a lure, fly or bait. However, lures (such as small marabou jigs) and streamers (such as size #12 bead-head woolly buggers) can still be effective. We recommend targeting areas of the pond with deeper water using a slow retrieve. The DWR's spring trout stocking efforts typically recommence late March to early April. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through February): Grandpa's Pond fish catch rates tend to remain fair for rainbow trout during the winter. The pond typically starts to see thin ice formation mid-December, into early January. If it's cold enough, the pond may freeze over completely. However, in most years, the north portion of the pond does not freeze, allowing anglers to fish a portion of the pond during the winter. However, high concentrations of waterfowl can make fishing the open water challenging. An ice safety guide is available here. The DWR stocked 10-12 inch rainbow trout in September and October, and we think these trout will continue to provide anglers fair fishing this winter. We recommend using glitter trout dough bait or nightcrawler fished 3 feet below a bobber. Small jigs tipped with nightcrawler are also an effective winter bait for bluegill. We recommend fishing small jigs 4 feet below a slip bobber rig when targeting bluegill. Cold water temperatures (below 45 F) slow fish metabolism rates and lower energy levels considerably. This means that fish feed infrequently/sporadically and are sluggish making them less likely to move quickly to eat a lure, fly or bait. However, lures (such as small marabou jigs) and streamers (such as size #12 bead-head woolly buggers) can still be effective. We recommend targeting areas of the pond with deeper water using a slow retrieve. The DWR's spring trout stocking efforts typically recommence late March to early April. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Highland Glen Park Pond:
Fishing forecast (December through February): Highland Glen Park Pond catch rates tend to slow until the south portion of the pond freezes and anglers are then able to fish from the ice. The pond typically freezes early-to-mid December. The pond, however, rarely freezes completely and there's typically open water at the north inlet. We advise anglers to use extreme caution. An ice safety guide is available here. The road and parking lot areas are normally plowed/maintained by Highland City throughout the winter months for pond and trail access. DWR fall trout stocking efforts ended in November, so we anticipate fair fishing for rainbow trout and brook trout this winter. The pond has a good bluegill and green sunfish population, which we think will continue to provide anglers fair fishing through the ice this winter. We recommend using ice flies and small ice fishing jigs tipped with nightcrawler fished deeper, targeting the inner weed line areas. Largemouth bass, wiper and channel catfish are typically difficult to catch through the ice. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through February): Highland Glen Park Pond catch rates tend to slow until the south portion of the pond freezes and anglers are then able to fish from the ice. The pond typically freezes early-to-mid December. The pond, however, rarely freezes completely and there's typically open water at the north inlet. We advise anglers to use extreme caution. An ice safety guide is available here. The road and parking lot areas are normally plowed/maintained by Highland City throughout the winter months for pond and trail access. DWR fall trout stocking efforts ended in November, so we anticipate fair fishing for rainbow trout and brook trout this winter. The pond has a good bluegill and green sunfish population, which we think will continue to provide anglers fair fishing through the ice this winter. We recommend using ice flies and small ice fishing jigs tipped with nightcrawler fished deeper, targeting the inner weed line areas. Largemouth bass, wiper and channel catfish are typically difficult to catch through the ice. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Jordanelle Reservoir (Blue Ribbon):
Fishing forecast (December through February): Jordanelle Reservoir typically has open water through December and January. The Hailstone boat ramp and PWC ramp are typically open for anglers, and a wedge ramp is left in place at the PWC ramp. Boat, float tube and kayak anglers typically see fair trout catch rates (rainbow trout, brown trout, splake and the occasional cutthroat trout) drift trolling panfish/crappie jigs, white or chartreuse tube jigs, marabou jigs, or streamers and using patterns such as a balanced leech, woolly bugger, Mickey Finn or Sparkle Minnow. We recommend anglers trolling for trout target the 15-25 feet water column. Shore anglers tend to see fair to good rainbow trout catch rates in December, and slow to fair catch rates in January. We recommend using garlic- or corn-scented trout dough bait fished 3 feet behind a with a casting bubble. DWR's fall stocking efforts of catchable-sized rainbow trout in October and November should provide anglers fair to good trout fishing this winter. Ice starts to develop during the first half of January near the Rock Cliff arm, and is typically thick enough during the later half of January to fish from (the ice is typically 6-10 inches thick). Hailstone Bay and Ross Creek can freeze/cap completely during the later part of January. However, the PWC and dam portion of the reservoir doesn't typically freeze, or freeze completely. By early February, it's fairly common to have a mixture of ice and open water near the dam, with fishable ice (ice that is at least 4 inches thick) north of Hailstone, and in the Rock Cliff arm. Ice conditions deteriorate quickly in late February. An ice safety guide is available here. Smallmouth bass, wiper and tiger muskie are challenging to catch in winter. Trout, splake and yellow perch can be caught through the ice using ice jigs tipped with nightcrawler, mealworm or waxworm jigged a foot off the bottom. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through February): Jordanelle Reservoir typically has open water through December and January. The Hailstone boat ramp and PWC ramp are typically open for anglers, and a wedge ramp is left in place at the PWC ramp. Boat, float tube and kayak anglers typically see fair trout catch rates (rainbow trout, brown trout, splake and the occasional cutthroat trout) drift trolling panfish/crappie jigs, white or chartreuse tube jigs, marabou jigs, or streamers and using patterns such as a balanced leech, woolly bugger, Mickey Finn or Sparkle Minnow. We recommend anglers trolling for trout target the 15-25 feet water column. Shore anglers tend to see fair to good rainbow trout catch rates in December, and slow to fair catch rates in January. We recommend using garlic- or corn-scented trout dough bait fished 3 feet behind a with a casting bubble. DWR's fall stocking efforts of catchable-sized rainbow trout in October and November should provide anglers fair to good trout fishing this winter. Ice starts to develop during the first half of January near the Rock Cliff arm, and is typically thick enough during the later half of January to fish from (the ice is typically 6-10 inches thick). Hailstone Bay and Ross Creek can freeze/cap completely during the later part of January. However, the PWC and dam portion of the reservoir doesn't typically freeze, or freeze completely. By early February, it's fairly common to have a mixture of ice and open water near the dam, with fishable ice (ice that is at least 4 inches thick) north of Hailstone, and in the Rock Cliff arm. Ice conditions deteriorate quickly in late February. An ice safety guide is available here. Smallmouth bass, wiper and tiger muskie are challenging to catch in winter. Trout, splake and yellow perch can be caught through the ice using ice jigs tipped with nightcrawler, mealworm or waxworm jigged a foot off the bottom. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Manila Creek Pond:
Fishing forecast (December through February): Manila Creek Pond is closed to fishing Dec. 1 through 6 a.m. on the last Saturday of February. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through February): Manila Creek Pond is closed to fishing Dec. 1 through 6 a.m. on the last Saturday of February. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Maple Lake:
Fishing forecast (December through April): The U.S. Forest Service gates are typically closed for the season the first part of November and remain closed through April. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through April): The U.S. Forest Service gates are typically closed for the season the first part of November and remain closed through April. (Dec. 4, 2023)
McClellan Lake (Payson Lakes):
Fishing forecast (December through April): The U.S. Forest Service gates are typically closed for the season the first part of November and remain closed through April. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through April): The U.S. Forest Service gates are typically closed for the season the first part of November and remain closed through April. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Mill Hollow Reservoir:
Fishing forecast (December through April): Mill Hollow Reservoir typically freezes early December and remains frozen through late May. Ice thickness generally reaches 10-14 inches by the end of December, and over 20 inches by the end of January. An ice safety guide is available here. The forest road to Mill Hollow Reservoir is closed during these winter months, meaning it is not plowed/maintained. Depending on the amount of snow received, anglers are typically still able to reach the reservoir via four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles the first half of December. Snowmobiles, snowdogs or snowshoes are normally needed to access the reservoir late December through April. We anticipate anglers will see good fair to good success for rainbow trout, brook trout and tiger trout through the ice this winter. We recommend using ice flies, ice jigs, or vertical jigging spoons tipped with nightcrawler, mealworm or chub meat. Anglers generally do well fishing mornings or evenings. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through April): Mill Hollow Reservoir typically freezes early December and remains frozen through late May. Ice thickness generally reaches 10-14 inches by the end of December, and over 20 inches by the end of January. An ice safety guide is available here. The forest road to Mill Hollow Reservoir is closed during these winter months, meaning it is not plowed/maintained. Depending on the amount of snow received, anglers are typically still able to reach the reservoir via four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles the first half of December. Snowmobiles, snowdogs or snowshoes are normally needed to access the reservoir late December through April. We anticipate anglers will see good fair to good success for rainbow trout, brook trout and tiger trout through the ice this winter. We recommend using ice flies, ice jigs, or vertical jigging spoons tipped with nightcrawler, mealworm or chub meat. Anglers generally do well fishing mornings or evenings. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Salem Pond:
Fishing forecast (December through February): Salem Pond fish catch rates tend to remain fair during the winter. The pond typically starts to see thin ice formation around the edges toward the latter part of December, into early January. The pond rarely freezes over completely. In most years, the pond has areas of water that do not freeze, allowing anglers to fish during the winter. However, the ice edges of these open pockets can make landing fish challenging. An ice safety guide is available here. Salem City also installs holiday lights in the pond, which can make angling challenging in areas. The DWR stocked 5,100 rainbow trout in November, and we think these trout will continue to provide anglers fair fishing this winter. We recommend using glitter trout dough bait or nightcrawler fished 3 feet below a bobber or 2 feet behind a casting bubble. Small jigs tipped with nightcrawler are also an effective winter bait for bluegill. We recommend fishing these small jigs 4 feet below a slip bobber rig when targeting bluegill. Largemouth bass and channel catfish are typically difficult to catch during the winter. Cold water temperatures (below 45 F) slow fish metabolism rates and lower energy levels considerably. This means that fish feed infrequently/sporadically and are sluggish making them less likely to move quickly to eat a lure, fly or bait. However, lures (such as small marabou jigs) and streamers (such as size #12 bead-head woolly buggers) can still be effective. We recommend targeting areas of the pond with deeper water using a slow retrieve. The DWR's spring trout stocking efforts typically recommence late March to early April. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through February): Salem Pond fish catch rates tend to remain fair during the winter. The pond typically starts to see thin ice formation around the edges toward the latter part of December, into early January. The pond rarely freezes over completely. In most years, the pond has areas of water that do not freeze, allowing anglers to fish during the winter. However, the ice edges of these open pockets can make landing fish challenging. An ice safety guide is available here. Salem City also installs holiday lights in the pond, which can make angling challenging in areas. The DWR stocked 5,100 rainbow trout in November, and we think these trout will continue to provide anglers fair fishing this winter. We recommend using glitter trout dough bait or nightcrawler fished 3 feet below a bobber or 2 feet behind a casting bubble. Small jigs tipped with nightcrawler are also an effective winter bait for bluegill. We recommend fishing these small jigs 4 feet below a slip bobber rig when targeting bluegill. Largemouth bass and channel catfish are typically difficult to catch during the winter. Cold water temperatures (below 45 F) slow fish metabolism rates and lower energy levels considerably. This means that fish feed infrequently/sporadically and are sluggish making them less likely to move quickly to eat a lure, fly or bait. However, lures (such as small marabou jigs) and streamers (such as size #12 bead-head woolly buggers) can still be effective. We recommend targeting areas of the pond with deeper water using a slow retrieve. The DWR's spring trout stocking efforts typically recommence late March to early April. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Spanish Oaks Reservoir:
Fishing forecast (December through February): Spanish Oaks Reservoir is closed Dec. 1 through Feb. 28 per Spanish Fork City ordinance. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through February): Spanish Oaks Reservoir is closed Dec. 1 through Feb. 28 per Spanish Fork City ordinance. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Spring Lake:
Fishing forecast (December through February): Spring Lake fish catch rates tend to remain fair for trout during the winter. The pond typically starts to see thin ice formation around the edges toward the latter part of December, into early January. The pond rarely freezes over completely. In most years, the pond will have areas of water that do not freeze, allowing anglers to fish during the winter. However, the ice edges of these open pockets can make landing fish challenging. An ice safety guide is available here. The DWR stocked tiger trout in September, and we think these trout will continue to provide anglers fair fishing this winter. We recommend using glitter trout dough bait or nightcrawler fished 3 feet below a bobber or 2 feet behind a casting bubble. Channel catfish and wiper are typically difficult to catch during the winter. Cold water temperatures (below 45 F) slow fish metabolism rates and lower energy levels considerably. This means that fish feed infrequently/sporadically and are sluggish making them less likely to move quickly to eat a lure, fly or bait. However, lures (such as small marabou jigs) and streamers (such as size #12 bead-head woolly buggers) can still be effective. We recommend targeting areas of the pond with deeper water using a slow retrieve. The DWR's spring trout stocking efforts typically recommence late March to early April. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through February): Spring Lake fish catch rates tend to remain fair for trout during the winter. The pond typically starts to see thin ice formation around the edges toward the latter part of December, into early January. The pond rarely freezes over completely. In most years, the pond will have areas of water that do not freeze, allowing anglers to fish during the winter. However, the ice edges of these open pockets can make landing fish challenging. An ice safety guide is available here. The DWR stocked tiger trout in September, and we think these trout will continue to provide anglers fair fishing this winter. We recommend using glitter trout dough bait or nightcrawler fished 3 feet below a bobber or 2 feet behind a casting bubble. Channel catfish and wiper are typically difficult to catch during the winter. Cold water temperatures (below 45 F) slow fish metabolism rates and lower energy levels considerably. This means that fish feed infrequently/sporadically and are sluggish making them less likely to move quickly to eat a lure, fly or bait. However, lures (such as small marabou jigs) and streamers (such as size #12 bead-head woolly buggers) can still be effective. We recommend targeting areas of the pond with deeper water using a slow retrieve. The DWR's spring trout stocking efforts typically recommence late March to early April. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Strawberry Reservoir (Blue Ribbon):
Fishing forecast (December through April): Kokanee salmon: Kokanee fishing opens in December and they can be caught through the ice by those who target them. Ice can be the great equalizer, as kokanee are now available to all anglers, without the need for boats or other expensive gear required during the summer months. Ice fishing for kokanee is typically best over deeper water, and in similar areas to where anglers fish for them in the summer months. Use of fish finders is helpful to locate the depths that the fish are concentrated in. Use a variety of small colorful jigs and lures, often with a flasher above it. A steady jigging action is necessary to entice a strike from kokanee. As with any ice fishing, be willing to move around if you are not being successful. The time of day when anglers find success does seem to matter, but it also changes throughout the season. Plan on spending some time on the ice to be able to successfully find and catch kokanee through the ice. Cutthroat trout: Cutthroat trout fishing typically remains good throughout the winter and can produce some of the highest catch rates of the entire year. Cutthroat are often caught over deeper water at varying depths ranging from 5 feet down to 40 feet. Again, some type of fish finder will help focus your efforts at depths where the fish concentrations are highest. If you do not have a fish finder, a good strategy is to find an area that may have some good structure, like a rocky point. Once you’ve found a good area, find a depth of about 25-40 feet and fish suspended about 1 to 2 feet off the bottom. Use a variety of small jigs or lures (white and green are popular colors) tipped with a little bait (worms, dough baits, minnows, etc.). Try both jigging and letting the lure sit still, to figure out what the fish respond to. The best fishing on a given day can vary by the time of day, but we get varying reports throughout the year. Sometimes early morning and late afternoon are good, and at other times midday seems to be better. The best advice for ice fishing at Strawberry is to get away from the crowds. The further you are able to get away from the heavily fished areas immediately adjacent to the parking lots, the better anglers will typically do. Also, be willing to move if fishing is slow. You do not always have to move far, simply drilling a hole 20 to 30 feet away, or slightly changing your depth, can often produce more fish. Rainbow trout: Rainbows can be caught in many of the same areas as the cutthroat trout, but higher catch rates for them are typically found in shallower water near shore. Try fishing for rainbows in 5-15 feet of water. Typical rainbow trout baits, such as dough baits and worms, work very well. Again, getting away from the crowds, and being willing to move are keys to being successful.
Note: During the winter, the fish can often bite very lightly, so strike indicators and watching your gear closely can help alert you to those light bites. Setting the hook is almost always necessary, as the fish often will not hook themselves. And as with any ice fishing, come prepared for the weather, and use caution when venturing onto the ice, particularly early and late in the ice fishing season. An ice safety guide is available here. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through April): Kokanee salmon: Kokanee fishing opens in December and they can be caught through the ice by those who target them. Ice can be the great equalizer, as kokanee are now available to all anglers, without the need for boats or other expensive gear required during the summer months. Ice fishing for kokanee is typically best over deeper water, and in similar areas to where anglers fish for them in the summer months. Use of fish finders is helpful to locate the depths that the fish are concentrated in. Use a variety of small colorful jigs and lures, often with a flasher above it. A steady jigging action is necessary to entice a strike from kokanee. As with any ice fishing, be willing to move around if you are not being successful. The time of day when anglers find success does seem to matter, but it also changes throughout the season. Plan on spending some time on the ice to be able to successfully find and catch kokanee through the ice. Cutthroat trout: Cutthroat trout fishing typically remains good throughout the winter and can produce some of the highest catch rates of the entire year. Cutthroat are often caught over deeper water at varying depths ranging from 5 feet down to 40 feet. Again, some type of fish finder will help focus your efforts at depths where the fish concentrations are highest. If you do not have a fish finder, a good strategy is to find an area that may have some good structure, like a rocky point. Once you’ve found a good area, find a depth of about 25-40 feet and fish suspended about 1 to 2 feet off the bottom. Use a variety of small jigs or lures (white and green are popular colors) tipped with a little bait (worms, dough baits, minnows, etc.). Try both jigging and letting the lure sit still, to figure out what the fish respond to. The best fishing on a given day can vary by the time of day, but we get varying reports throughout the year. Sometimes early morning and late afternoon are good, and at other times midday seems to be better. The best advice for ice fishing at Strawberry is to get away from the crowds. The further you are able to get away from the heavily fished areas immediately adjacent to the parking lots, the better anglers will typically do. Also, be willing to move if fishing is slow. You do not always have to move far, simply drilling a hole 20 to 30 feet away, or slightly changing your depth, can often produce more fish. Rainbow trout: Rainbows can be caught in many of the same areas as the cutthroat trout, but higher catch rates for them are typically found in shallower water near shore. Try fishing for rainbows in 5-15 feet of water. Typical rainbow trout baits, such as dough baits and worms, work very well. Again, getting away from the crowds, and being willing to move are keys to being successful.
Note: During the winter, the fish can often bite very lightly, so strike indicators and watching your gear closely can help alert you to those light bites. Setting the hook is almost always necessary, as the fish often will not hook themselves. And as with any ice fishing, come prepared for the weather, and use caution when venturing onto the ice, particularly early and late in the ice fishing season. An ice safety guide is available here. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Sunset Pond:
Fishing forecast (December through February): Sunset Pond rainbow trout catch rates tend to remain fair to good for the first half of December. Fishing slows with ice formation in late December to early January. Ice presence and thickness typically fluctuates during January, rarely freezing long and hard enough to permit ice fishing from anglers out on the ice. Anglers "ice" fish from the angler courtesy dock. An ice safety guide is available here. Most years, a portion of the pond will either remain open water or thaw/become open water by mid-January, allowing anglers to fish open water. The DWR stocked 10-12 inch rainbow trout in early November, and we think these trout will continue to provide anglers fair fishing this winter. We recommend using glitter trout dough bait or nightcrawler fished near the middle of the pond. The pond has a good sunfish population (bluegill, green sunfish and pumpkinseed), which, for patient anglers, should also provide anglers fair fishing. We recommend using very small jigs (such as 1/64-ounce Trout Magnet Jig Heads) tipped with nightcrawler and fished in deep water right off the bottom. Largemouth bass, wiper and channel catfish are typically difficult to catch during the winter. Cold water temperatures (below 45 F) slow fish metabolism rates and lower energy levels considerably. This means that fish feed infrequently/sporadically and are quite sluggish making them less likely to move quickly to eat a lure, fly or bait. However, lures (such as small marabou jigs) and streamers (such as size #12 bead-head woolly buggers) can still be effective. We recommend targeting areas of the pond with deeper water using a slow retrieve. The DWR's spring trout stocking efforts typically recommence late February to early March. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through February): Sunset Pond rainbow trout catch rates tend to remain fair to good for the first half of December. Fishing slows with ice formation in late December to early January. Ice presence and thickness typically fluctuates during January, rarely freezing long and hard enough to permit ice fishing from anglers out on the ice. Anglers "ice" fish from the angler courtesy dock. An ice safety guide is available here. Most years, a portion of the pond will either remain open water or thaw/become open water by mid-January, allowing anglers to fish open water. The DWR stocked 10-12 inch rainbow trout in early November, and we think these trout will continue to provide anglers fair fishing this winter. We recommend using glitter trout dough bait or nightcrawler fished near the middle of the pond. The pond has a good sunfish population (bluegill, green sunfish and pumpkinseed), which, for patient anglers, should also provide anglers fair fishing. We recommend using very small jigs (such as 1/64-ounce Trout Magnet Jig Heads) tipped with nightcrawler and fished in deep water right off the bottom. Largemouth bass, wiper and channel catfish are typically difficult to catch during the winter. Cold water temperatures (below 45 F) slow fish metabolism rates and lower energy levels considerably. This means that fish feed infrequently/sporadically and are quite sluggish making them less likely to move quickly to eat a lure, fly or bait. However, lures (such as small marabou jigs) and streamers (such as size #12 bead-head woolly buggers) can still be effective. We recommend targeting areas of the pond with deeper water using a slow retrieve. The DWR's spring trout stocking efforts typically recommence late February to early March. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Tibble Fork Reservoir:
Fishing forecast (December through March): Tibble Fork Reservoir typically freezes the first part of December. Ice thickness generally reaches 8-10 inches by the end of December, and 16-18 inches by the end of February. Open water or extremely thin/soft ice is normally present at the northwest stream inlet and northeast river inlet. We advise anglers to use extreme caution and avoid these areas. An ice safety guide is available here. The main road to Tibble Fork Reservoir, as well as the reservoir's parking lot, are normally plowed and maintained during the winter. Anglers are able to view real time road conditions via the Alpine Loop (state route 92) and American Fork Canyon Rd (state route144) UDOT Traffic Cameras. Non-angler winter/ice recreation is typically high at Tibble Fork, particularly on the weekends. Even so, we anticipate anglers will see fair to good success for rainbow trout, brown trout and cutthroat trout through the ice this winter. We recommend using ice flies, ice jigs or vertical jigging spoons tipped with nightcrawler or waxworm. Anglers generally do well fishing early mornings or later evenings. Distancing yourself from high use or sledding-hill foot traffic areas and fishing close the bottom where there's less disturbance is also effective. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through March): Tibble Fork Reservoir typically freezes the first part of December. Ice thickness generally reaches 8-10 inches by the end of December, and 16-18 inches by the end of February. Open water or extremely thin/soft ice is normally present at the northwest stream inlet and northeast river inlet. We advise anglers to use extreme caution and avoid these areas. An ice safety guide is available here. The main road to Tibble Fork Reservoir, as well as the reservoir's parking lot, are normally plowed and maintained during the winter. Anglers are able to view real time road conditions via the Alpine Loop (state route 92) and American Fork Canyon Rd (state route144) UDOT Traffic Cameras. Non-angler winter/ice recreation is typically high at Tibble Fork, particularly on the weekends. Even so, we anticipate anglers will see fair to good success for rainbow trout, brown trout and cutthroat trout through the ice this winter. We recommend using ice flies, ice jigs or vertical jigging spoons tipped with nightcrawler or waxworm. Anglers generally do well fishing early mornings or later evenings. Distancing yourself from high use or sledding-hill foot traffic areas and fishing close the bottom where there's less disturbance is also effective. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Utah Lake:
Fishing forecast (December through February): Between the lake itself and its tributaries, anglers have open water fishing opportunities throughout winter. For the lake, ice does begin to form in the marinas/harbors and in Provo Bay/Mud Lake the latter part of December. Fishing the lake's open water is typically slow to fair, but white bass fishing can be good in areas — particularly around the Lincoln Beach warm spring. Most, if not all, the marinas/harbors have fishable ice (ice that is at least 4 inches thick) around the first part of January. The lake can completely freeze over, but ice thickness and ice conditions vary wildly. Cracking/fragmenting and ice movement often results in large ice stacking events along the shorelines, creating large areas of open water. Use extreme caution, particularly if/when fishing outside the marinas/harbors. An ice safety guide is available here. Ice thickness in the marinas/harbors throughout January averages 4-6 inches, and fishing is typically good for white bass, yellow perch, black crappie and bluegill using small jigs (1/16- to 1/32-ounce) tipped with nightcrawler, mealworm or waxworm. Anglers typically fish from the docks in the marinas/harbors because they are a safer angling strategy and the additional structure/cover the docks provide produces good numbers of fish. Late January into February, anglers targeting open water in the tributaries — namely Lower Provo River, Powell Slough, Mill Race and Lower Hobble Creek — can see fair to good fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, white bass and northern pike. We recommend using tube jigs, marabou jigs, finesse baits, natural baits and inline spinners. Reminder: northern pike are invasive to Utah Lake, special fishing regulations are in effect. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through February): Between the lake itself and its tributaries, anglers have open water fishing opportunities throughout winter. For the lake, ice does begin to form in the marinas/harbors and in Provo Bay/Mud Lake the latter part of December. Fishing the lake's open water is typically slow to fair, but white bass fishing can be good in areas — particularly around the Lincoln Beach warm spring. Most, if not all, the marinas/harbors have fishable ice (ice that is at least 4 inches thick) around the first part of January. The lake can completely freeze over, but ice thickness and ice conditions vary wildly. Cracking/fragmenting and ice movement often results in large ice stacking events along the shorelines, creating large areas of open water. Use extreme caution, particularly if/when fishing outside the marinas/harbors. An ice safety guide is available here. Ice thickness in the marinas/harbors throughout January averages 4-6 inches, and fishing is typically good for white bass, yellow perch, black crappie and bluegill using small jigs (1/16- to 1/32-ounce) tipped with nightcrawler, mealworm or waxworm. Anglers typically fish from the docks in the marinas/harbors because they are a safer angling strategy and the additional structure/cover the docks provide produces good numbers of fish. Late January into February, anglers targeting open water in the tributaries — namely Lower Provo River, Powell Slough, Mill Race and Lower Hobble Creek — can see fair to good fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, white bass and northern pike. We recommend using tube jigs, marabou jigs, finesse baits, natural baits and inline spinners. Reminder: northern pike are invasive to Utah Lake, special fishing regulations are in effect. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Wasatch Mtn State Park Pond:
Fishing forecast (December through February): Wasatch Mtn Pond fish catch rates tend to remain fair for rainbow trout during the winter. The pond typically starts to see thin ice formation toward the latter part of December, into early January. If it's cold enough, the pond may freeze over completely. An ice safety guide is available here. We recommend using glitter trout dough bait or nightcrawler fished below a bobber or behind a casting bubble. Cold water temperatures (below 45 F) slow fish metabolism rates and lower energy levels considerably. This means that fish feed infrequently/sporadically and are sluggish making them less likely to move quickly to eat a lure, fly or bait. However, lures (such as small marabou jigs) and streamers (such as size #12 bead-head woolly buggers) can still be effective. We recommend targeting areas of the pond with deeper water using a slow retrieve. The DWR's spring trout stocking efforts typically recommence late February to early March. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through February): Wasatch Mtn Pond fish catch rates tend to remain fair for rainbow trout during the winter. The pond typically starts to see thin ice formation toward the latter part of December, into early January. If it's cold enough, the pond may freeze over completely. An ice safety guide is available here. We recommend using glitter trout dough bait or nightcrawler fished below a bobber or behind a casting bubble. Cold water temperatures (below 45 F) slow fish metabolism rates and lower energy levels considerably. This means that fish feed infrequently/sporadically and are sluggish making them less likely to move quickly to eat a lure, fly or bait. However, lures (such as small marabou jigs) and streamers (such as size #12 bead-head woolly buggers) can still be effective. We recommend targeting areas of the pond with deeper water using a slow retrieve. The DWR's spring trout stocking efforts typically recommence late February to early March. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Willow Pond:
Fishing forecast (December through February): Willow Pond fish catch rates tend to remain fair for rainbow trout during the winter. The pond typically starts to see thin ice formation toward the latter part of December, into early January. If it's cold enough, the pond may freeze over completely. An ice safety guide is available here. However, in most years, the northeast portion of the pond (near the inlets) does not freeze, allowing anglers to fish those areas during the winter. However, high concentrations of waterfowl can make fishing the open water challenging. The DWR stocked rainbow trout and tiger trout in November, and we think these trout will continue to provide anglers fair to good fishing this winter. We recommend using glitter trout dough bait or nightcrawler fished 3 feet below a bobber. Small jigs tipped with nightcrawler are also an effective winter bait for bluegill. We recommend fishing these small jigs 4 feet below a slip bobber rig when targeting bluegill. Cold water temperatures (below 45 F) slow fish metabolism rates and lower energy levels considerably. This means that fish feed infrequently/sporadically and are sluggish making them less likely to move quickly to eat a lure, fly or bait. However, lures (such as small marabou jigs) and streamers (such as size #12 bead-head woolly buggers) can still be effective. We recommend targeting areas of the pond with deeper water using a slow retrieve. The DWR's spring trout stocking efforts typically recommence late February to early March. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Yuba Reservoir & State Park:Fishing forecast (December through February): Willow Pond fish catch rates tend to remain fair for rainbow trout during the winter. The pond typically starts to see thin ice formation toward the latter part of December, into early January. If it's cold enough, the pond may freeze over completely. An ice safety guide is available here. However, in most years, the northeast portion of the pond (near the inlets) does not freeze, allowing anglers to fish those areas during the winter. However, high concentrations of waterfowl can make fishing the open water challenging. The DWR stocked rainbow trout and tiger trout in November, and we think these trout will continue to provide anglers fair to good fishing this winter. We recommend using glitter trout dough bait or nightcrawler fished 3 feet below a bobber. Small jigs tipped with nightcrawler are also an effective winter bait for bluegill. We recommend fishing these small jigs 4 feet below a slip bobber rig when targeting bluegill. Cold water temperatures (below 45 F) slow fish metabolism rates and lower energy levels considerably. This means that fish feed infrequently/sporadically and are sluggish making them less likely to move quickly to eat a lure, fly or bait. However, lures (such as small marabou jigs) and streamers (such as size #12 bead-head woolly buggers) can still be effective. We recommend targeting areas of the pond with deeper water using a slow retrieve. The DWR's spring trout stocking efforts typically recommence late February to early March. (Dec. 4, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through February): The reservoir is typically open water during December. Low water levels usually result in Oasis being the only boat ramp anglers can launch from during the fall and winter. Fishing is generally fair for both shore and boat anglers through December and into January. Ice normally begins forming throughout the reservoir in January, and may have fishable ice (ice that is at least 4 inches thick) in areas the latter half of January. Ice thickness is extremely varied, and ice conditions change quickly at Yuba. Use extreme caution and check with Yuba State Park for current ice conditions. An ice safety guide is available here. As the reservoir begins to fill/recharge late January through February, the reservoir is typically a mixture of ice up lake (Painted Rock area east to the Sevier River inlet), and open water closer to the dam. By March, the majority of the reservoir is open water, and the northern pike are beginning to spawn up lake. (Dec. 4, 2023)