Fishing Forum

My uncle and I are thinking about hitting up Utah Lake with our bows. Anyone seeing carp in the shallows? Any info is appreciated.
Thanks,
Drew
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[#0000FF]The water temps are still in the low 50s. Once they reach about 60 you will see large "carp clumps" forming during early morning...on calm days. These are carp "dating clubs"...lining up their partners for the upcoming "dance". On days when afternoon water temps rise above 65 you will see carp actually rolling in close to shore...doing the deed. And when even morning water temps are above 65 there will be carp "action" all day long.

Right now it is rare to see anything more than an occasional tail slap or surface splash from carp. But that should change quickly with warming daytime and nighttime temps.

If you have a boat you can soon find surface cruising carp out away from the shore around almost any of the harbors. Some...like Lindon...often have quite a few carp on the surface inside the harbors...where it is likely a few degrees warmer in the mornings than the unprotected main lake. Provo Harbor is also larger and has more carp inside.

Historically, the carp start getting busy by the end of April and May is a prime carp-killing month. But in years when there is a long, cool spring the carp spawn can extend into late June.
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I was pretty sure that we wouldn't see the large floating orgies this early. We were thinking about wading through the weeds looking for singles ready to mingle with an arrow. Thanks for the reply TD.
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the problem with Utah lake is that even when the carp are in shallow, if they aren't on top you'll never see them! It's stupid how many fish I step on in May when I go wading after them, the dang water is about as opaque as a 2x4!

If you've gotta get out, do it! Just don't expect lots of good opportunities for another month
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I was on the west side last night and a bowfisher-woman I met was having no luck at all even finding them. I waded out to get my catfish bait deeper, and saw the bulrushes moving a little just a couple of times in water way too deep to see the fish. The only carp visible were leapers way out in the lake.

Like TD said, though, it is gonna be very warm next few days. Doesn't take long to warm the shallows with good direct sun and warm air temps. So any day now.
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hit mud lake(aka provo bay) in a mud boat. I'm sure you can find a few to stick. My buddy is prepping to do this in the next few weeks.
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BTW, how does one access the Mud Lake area from shore?
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[quote Springbuck]BTW, how does one access the Mud Lake area from shore?[/quote]

[#0000FF]Here ya go.[/#0000FF]
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Do some research on google maps. plenty of access points, we launch the boats at hobble creek. you can also launch at spanish fork river inlet. Not sure about walking in?
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Thanks TD.
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Was Interested in walking in for carp, as some of the bowfishers I have seen must, but to me it looks like a job for the kayak. I remember there being catfish reports earlier there than many places around the lake.

Thanks, Tubedude, I can't afford internet access at home and they took It away from us at work, since too many nurses are addicted to facebook. Google Earth would be much better if they showed "No Trespassing" signs and marked wilderness roads as closed or not. Often can't tell from above, and I hate sitting there a few yards from the water and being shut out.
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[#0000FF]That area is a big shallow bay that was a cornfield during the last big drought. When water levels are up it is a sheltered area that warms more quickly than the main lake and the few extra degrees brings in the fish and gets them "ready to rumble" sooner.

There are numerous spots you can access the shoreline but you have to watch for sticky mud. During high water "Camelot" is a magnet for hordes of anglers too. Hobble Creek was "restructured" a couple of years ago and the flow is different. All for the Junies.

If you go to the end of the road there is a canal that enters the lake after coming under the freeway. Lots of guys launch there in small boats to access the rest of the bay. But you can also walk the shore and watch for fishies in the vegetation. Takes some time to get to know it but it is usually a good place to find more solitude than the harbors.
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Again, thanks. I I.agine it's NOT a high water year, but let's see if how it goes. Still might be alright for carping. Most of my west shore areas are quite shallow and exposed.
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It's early/cold for wade fishing the bank. the fish come to shore as it warms. Try looking at warm springs to find the concentrations of carp right now. There is a bowfishing tourney at Lincoln beach at the end of the month if you are interested.
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