Fishing Forum

I fished Newton several weeks ago and noticed gill nets set by the DWR. I inquired as to the results of their netting and here was the reply.

Nate,
We set nets this spring in Newton to evaluate the condition of the
fishery following the severe draw-down and subsequent fish-kill last
year. We wanted to see if there were any living fish left in the
reservoir. Normally, we sample Newton with gill-nets and trap nets in
the fall to follow fish abundance and size trends.

Our four gill nets (two floating and two sinking) and two trap nets did
not catch any tiger muskie, bass, or channel catfish. However, we
caught around 150 small (4-6") black crappie, a dozen or so
similar-sized yellow perch, and a couple bluegill.

Further fisheries management activities at Newton Reservoir are
dependent upon the water level next year. Considering the current water
level, we anticipate that fish habitat conditions at Newton will get as
bad, or worse than last year. For now, you may find a few decent
crappie in Newton among the abundant smaller fish. Let me know if you
have any further questions or interested in volunteering.

Take care,
Gordon Edwards Jr.

Aquatic Biologist II
Northern Regional Office
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
515 East 5300 South
Ogden, UT 84405
Office: (801) 476-2773
Cell: (801) 725-4122
Fax: (801) 479-4010
[url "mailto:gordonedwards@utah.gov"][#0000ff]gordonedwards@utah.gov[/#0000ff][/url]


Not exactly the greatest news but better than some may have suspected. Thought you might like to know.
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Thanks for the posting on Newton Res. I knew it was bleak. The report I have about water levels at Newton said it is about 25% full. So it looks pretty bad for Newton right now.
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That's funny because the Fishing and Hunting news has a feature article saying there are still Muskie left and they average 40".

Mabye they know something the DWR doesn't?

FM
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Thanks for the update Fishnate, I would think that a few of those tigers could have avoided the nets, so maybe there are a few left. Has the water come up any since you posted the last picture? WH2
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I believe my last photo showed the water about 6-7 feet below the ramp but now its only about 1 ft below and there's a good flow comming in and nothing going out . Newton water users will probably start pumping shortly unless we get another good rain storm in a week.
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