Looking at taking the boat out for the first time at Utah Lake. really hoping to get on some pan fish for the girlfriend and kids. Im a new boater and never really fished warm water before so some pointers would be great. Im mostly looking to test out the new ride, but need to keep the kids entertained with some blue gills. Hopefully we can find some big enough to fillet!
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Tubedude is your guy for information. I'm on UL 3 times or more a week fishing with disabled individuals and the fishing has been great.
My first bit of advice for a new comer is to get a map. you can find them online or buy one at sportsmen's warehouse in Provo.
Once you have the map you can identify which marina and launch ramp best suits your location to launch. Additionally when anglerts post the locations they are catching fish, your map will point the way.
Wherever you launch from and where ever you choose to try fishing, safety with the kids aboard should be your first concern. Utah Lake is shallow and can be treacherous whenever there is wind.
As far as fishing, others will jump in, but there are not to many places around the several harbors that you can't catch mud cats and channel catfish. Blue gills, white bass and other species are not so predictable. The little mud cats are tasty and fun to catch. A worm on a bobber or a worm on the bottom will generally result in a stringer of fish. Read the proclamation and be safe and you will soon find that Utah Lake is a fun place to fish. Good luck and have fun.
[#0000FF]I am attaching something I put together from the DWR info pages. Gives you directions and GPS numbers for most of the accessible places.
White bass are usually a good bet but have been scarcer this year. Ditto for bluegills and crappies. The water levels have been down so they are not in some of their usual places.
Almost any of the harbors are good spots to try. Use a simple hook and worm...either on a drop shot rig or under a bobber. Fish near the rocks or fast sloping banks. Be prepared for almost any species to take your offerings.
Inside Provo Harbor, Lindon Harbor and American Fork Harbors can all be good. Try fishing around the docks too...using small jigs tipped with worm. That is your best shot at getting crappies as well as bluegills and white bass.
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