10-09-2007, 05:07 PM
[size 1]Warning: Whirling Disease was found in the Northeastern Region on both the north and south slope of the Uinta Mountains. It is believed anglers are now the main source of movement of the parasite that causes Whirling Disease. To avoid spreading the disease, do not move fish or fish parts from one water to another. Clean the fish well away from the water and dispose of the unwanted parts in the garbage. If that's not possible then bury it in a deep hole or burn it completely. One infected fish carcass can contain over a million spores. Also, make sure to clean, dry and sterilize waders, live wells and other fishing gear before venturing to another water or above a diversion (such as a small dam) which are being built to stop the movement of infected fish.
BIG SAND WASH RESERVOIR: Anglers report good fishing for rainbow trout. Most angling is being done by boat because the west side access was eliminated by the reconstruction of the dam. A new access site is being negotiated. Try fishing top water flies and lures when it is cool or use either a bubble or floating baits to clear the submerged vegetation and boulders. Catchable-sized fish and fingerlings have been stocked to provide immediate and long-term fisheries.
BULLOCK / COTTONWOOD RESERVOIRS: Cottonwood was drained to work on outlet. A few reports are of fair fishing for bass and rainbows and a few tiger musky being taken. Remember tiger musky have a size limit, all fish under 40 inches must be released immediately. Use of heavy tackle and a steel leader to protect your line is advised for those fishing for tiger musky. Small boats can be launched from undeveloped sites near the dams when the water level is high but with the present levels it's questionable. Reservoirs are located approximately five miles north of the town of Gusher.
BROUGH RESERVOIR: Reports are of good fishing for a mix of large browns and rainbows, especially during the coolest hours. Most anglers fish from the bank as there is no boat ramp or even a good place to launch due to the mud. The reservoir is managed under trophy catch and release regulations-please read proclamation. Note: use of heavier tackle to bring the fish in quickly and keeping the fish completely underwater when handling greatly increases odds of survival, especially important in hot temperatures. To get to Brough, take State Route 88 south from US Route 40 (Ouray Road). Turn west at the second dirt road past the high power lines. Follow this road approximately two miles staying to the left at each main fork. Road can be quite rutted.
BROWNIE / SHEEP CREEK / SPIRIT LAKE: Most reports are of good fishing for brook and rainbow trout with a few cutthroat also being taken. Note: bears have been reported passing through this area so be aware and keep a clean camp. Warning: whirling disease was found in this area. Please do not clean fish or dump fish parts taken from one lake or stream to another. Also make sure to clean, dry and sterilize waders, live wells and other fishing gear before venturing to another water, as this will also move whirling disease.
CALDER / CROUSE RESERVOIRS: Most reports are of good fishing, especially during the cooler hours. Some larger fish have been taken from both reservoirs. The new "trophy " regulation (flies and lures only, no baits) for Calder began January 1, 2007. Please read the proclamation for details on the new regulations.
CURRANT CREEK RESERVOIR: We've been receiving reports of fair to good fishing from anglers. Cooler weather has brought the fish back up towards the surface. Roads are open and in good condition.
EAST PARK / OAKS PARK: Reports of fair to good fishing on both lakes. Oaks Park has more water than usual due to work on its pipeline, while East Park is quite low; below the boat ramp. Anglers are also reporting good fishing on the streams in the area. Note: the entire Red Cloud Loop road system is open, it was partially closed earlier this summer due to fires in surrounding areas.
FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR: Current surface water temperatures are 62 to 66 degrees. Fishing has improved over the last couple weeks.
Lake Trout Fishing: Good fishing for small lake trout on most areas of the reservoir. Fish are in traditional areas on underwater humps and points. Fishing for smaller lake trout from Big Bend south in 70 to 100 feet was fair to good. The canyon from Jarvies to Red Canyon was producing limits of smaller fish. Use downriggers to troll spoons and minnow plugs within 10 to 20 feet of the bottom or look for suspended fish 70 to 90 feet. Good colors for spoons and plugs include chartreuse, orange and white. If fish are concentrated try jigging. Good jig colors are white, brown and chartreuse.
Try tipping jigs with a small chunk of sucker meat if you can see them on your graph but can't get them to bite with a plain jig. If you are seeing fish near structure in 100 plus feet, these will probably be lake trout. Use no stretch line to feel strikes and set the hook better. Unlike their larger relatives, the smaller lake trout are excellent table fair with orange flesh and taste as good or better than a rainbow when cooked up on the grill. There's an overabundance of lake trout under 28 inches in the Gorge so do your part to help the fishery and keep a limit of eight fish. Reports of fair fishing for larger lake trout. For larger lake trout try trolling plugs on downriggers, steel or lead core in Jarvies, Sheep Creek, Linwood, Stateline, Antelope flat, Anvil Draw. Also jigging with 3- to 10-inch jigs can work well. Big lake trout eat big food so lures and jigs can be big also. Remember, only one fish over 28 inches can be kept.
Kokanee Fishing: All kokanee caught from Sept. 10 to Nov. 30 must be immediately released to protect spawning fish. Kokanee can still be caught and released.
Rainbow Fishing: Fair to good fishing for rainbows on most of the reservoir. If fishing from a boat try trolling spoons or rapalas with downriggers or try long lining with at least 100 feet of line behind boat. The majority of fish seem to be in 30 to 50 feet. Most colors of spoons and minnow lures will work but go with lures in the one- to two-inch size. If fishing on bottom, try a worm and marshmallow combo to keep the bait slightly off the bottom. Casting spoons, spinners or smaller crankbaits from shore also works well in early mornings when water temps are cooler. In the Utah portion, Sheep Creek, Jarvies, Linwood Bay, Mustang Ridge and off the dam visitor center are all good locations to catch rainbows from shore. Rainbow fishing will continue to get better as fall progresses and they will become more accessible to shore anglers.
Burbot Fishing: Try fishing with jigs late in the afternoon, early morning or at night on points coming into reservoir. These fish have daily movements from deep to shallower waters, so adjust your location accordingly. Anglers have reported catching burbot in 100 plus feet of water. These fish must be harvested if caught in Utah to help control their population as they were illegally introduced to the upper Green River drainage and could have a major impact on other fish species. They are an excellent eating fish with white, flaky flesh that is similar to a perch. They can be breaded and fried or boiled and dipped in melted butter. Most of these fish are concentrated in the Wyoming portion of the reservoir but are moving into the Antelope Flat/Linwood areas in smaller numbers.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing: Smallmouth fishing is fair to good as fish have moved into shallower waters. Use twist tail grubs on lead head jigs or small plastic worms, sinkos, twitch and crankbaits in about 5 to 30 feet of water off rocky shorelines and points. Crayfish imitation colors will work the best. Drop shot techniques will also work. Top water presentations can work early in the morning and later in the afternoon. Smaller fish are close to shore and can be a good way for kids to catch fish.
GREEN RIVER: (upper) The flows on the river are currently 800 cfs. Due to low inflows into the reservoir in 2007, flows should remain steady at 800 cfs throughout the winter to conserve water. Visit the Bureau of Reclamation Web site for the latest information on flows.
Good fishing on the river. The traffic on the river has dropped and fishing success has increased. Dry flies are still working in numerous patterns and nymphing almost always works. Please remember the slot limit size range has changed from 13 to 20 inches to 15 to 22 inches to make regulations more consistent statewide. Visit www.fishgreenriver.com for the latest fly patterns. Brown Trout will begin to spawn in a few weeks so be aware of spawning redds when wading. Fishing will continue to improve through the fall and use on the river will continue to drop. The upcoming months are some of the best for avoiding crowds and enjoying nice weather.
Spin fishermen should try small rapalas (floating, countdown and husky jerk); small spinners; black, brown or olive marabou jigs; and small jigs. Please check to see that your tube jigs contain no fish-attracting scents, as they are illegal to use in the river.
New Zealand Mudsnail densities have dramatically increased in several localized areas near Little Hole, and have been documented in most areas of the river. Please thoroughly clean mud and vegetation from waders, boats and fishing gear; and if possible, completely dry equipment before leaving the area. A hot water bath (120° F) will kill mudsnails, and spraying equipment with 409 or a similar soap solution before drying will increase effectiveness.
GREEN RIVER: (lower) No new reports from anglers. Should be fair to good fishing for catfish, carp and other fish.
MATT WARNER RESERVOIR: Anglers reported good fishing for three age classes of fish. Roads were dry and easily accessible from both Highway 191 and Diamond Mountain Road. Weed/algae problems are beginning to subside as weather cools. Water level is holding up well considering the drought.
MOON LAKE: Reports of fair to good fishing for several species. The lake contains a variety of trout and kokanee. Anglers reporting catching fish from both the shore and boats.
PELICAN LAKE: Anglers are reporting fair to good fishing for bass and bluegill. Cooler weather will create slower fishing as fall progresses.
RED FLEET RESERVOIR: Recent reports indicate good fishing for rainbows with an occasional brown trout. Bass and bluegill fishing was slowing with some good fishing at times. Try fishing the shoreline areas with the most cover such as rocky points or submerged vegetation. The trout are moving back up into the surface waters again during the cooler part of the day and will cruise the shorelines.
STARVATION RESERVOIR: Still getting reports from anglers of fair to good fishing for yellow perch, walleye and bass. Brown and rainbow trout fishing is picking up as the water cools. Bass and walleye will be found near rocky shoreline structures or along the weed beds looking for perch and other prey, especially during the cooler hours.
STEINAKER RESERVOIR: Anglers reported fair to good fishing for rainbows, bass and bluegill. Try to find areas with cover such as rocks and submerged vegetation. During the evening or cooler hours the fish are moving into the shallows. We've been hearing good things from both shore and boat anglers, especially in the cooler hours.
UINTA MOUNTAIN LAKES AND STREAMS: Some fair to excellent fishing on clear-running streams and mid- to high-country lakes. Try brightly colored lures or jigs, trout baits like worms or putty baits or flies by matching the insect hatch. Fishing success on mountain lakes and streams can be spotty so if one hole or lake isn't producing try moving to another. With over 400 managed fisheries on the South Slope alone, it's easy to find a new place to fish. Always go prepared for serious weather, as the Uinta Mountains are well known for frequent unexpected storms and high winds. Note: The Uinta Mountains have a four-trout limit with a bonus of four more brook trout-see proclamation for details. [/size]
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BIG SAND WASH RESERVOIR: Anglers report good fishing for rainbow trout. Most angling is being done by boat because the west side access was eliminated by the reconstruction of the dam. A new access site is being negotiated. Try fishing top water flies and lures when it is cool or use either a bubble or floating baits to clear the submerged vegetation and boulders. Catchable-sized fish and fingerlings have been stocked to provide immediate and long-term fisheries.
BULLOCK / COTTONWOOD RESERVOIRS: Cottonwood was drained to work on outlet. A few reports are of fair fishing for bass and rainbows and a few tiger musky being taken. Remember tiger musky have a size limit, all fish under 40 inches must be released immediately. Use of heavy tackle and a steel leader to protect your line is advised for those fishing for tiger musky. Small boats can be launched from undeveloped sites near the dams when the water level is high but with the present levels it's questionable. Reservoirs are located approximately five miles north of the town of Gusher.
BROUGH RESERVOIR: Reports are of good fishing for a mix of large browns and rainbows, especially during the coolest hours. Most anglers fish from the bank as there is no boat ramp or even a good place to launch due to the mud. The reservoir is managed under trophy catch and release regulations-please read proclamation. Note: use of heavier tackle to bring the fish in quickly and keeping the fish completely underwater when handling greatly increases odds of survival, especially important in hot temperatures. To get to Brough, take State Route 88 south from US Route 40 (Ouray Road). Turn west at the second dirt road past the high power lines. Follow this road approximately two miles staying to the left at each main fork. Road can be quite rutted.
BROWNIE / SHEEP CREEK / SPIRIT LAKE: Most reports are of good fishing for brook and rainbow trout with a few cutthroat also being taken. Note: bears have been reported passing through this area so be aware and keep a clean camp. Warning: whirling disease was found in this area. Please do not clean fish or dump fish parts taken from one lake or stream to another. Also make sure to clean, dry and sterilize waders, live wells and other fishing gear before venturing to another water, as this will also move whirling disease.
CALDER / CROUSE RESERVOIRS: Most reports are of good fishing, especially during the cooler hours. Some larger fish have been taken from both reservoirs. The new "trophy " regulation (flies and lures only, no baits) for Calder began January 1, 2007. Please read the proclamation for details on the new regulations.
CURRANT CREEK RESERVOIR: We've been receiving reports of fair to good fishing from anglers. Cooler weather has brought the fish back up towards the surface. Roads are open and in good condition.
EAST PARK / OAKS PARK: Reports of fair to good fishing on both lakes. Oaks Park has more water than usual due to work on its pipeline, while East Park is quite low; below the boat ramp. Anglers are also reporting good fishing on the streams in the area. Note: the entire Red Cloud Loop road system is open, it was partially closed earlier this summer due to fires in surrounding areas.
FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR: Current surface water temperatures are 62 to 66 degrees. Fishing has improved over the last couple weeks.
Lake Trout Fishing: Good fishing for small lake trout on most areas of the reservoir. Fish are in traditional areas on underwater humps and points. Fishing for smaller lake trout from Big Bend south in 70 to 100 feet was fair to good. The canyon from Jarvies to Red Canyon was producing limits of smaller fish. Use downriggers to troll spoons and minnow plugs within 10 to 20 feet of the bottom or look for suspended fish 70 to 90 feet. Good colors for spoons and plugs include chartreuse, orange and white. If fish are concentrated try jigging. Good jig colors are white, brown and chartreuse.
Try tipping jigs with a small chunk of sucker meat if you can see them on your graph but can't get them to bite with a plain jig. If you are seeing fish near structure in 100 plus feet, these will probably be lake trout. Use no stretch line to feel strikes and set the hook better. Unlike their larger relatives, the smaller lake trout are excellent table fair with orange flesh and taste as good or better than a rainbow when cooked up on the grill. There's an overabundance of lake trout under 28 inches in the Gorge so do your part to help the fishery and keep a limit of eight fish. Reports of fair fishing for larger lake trout. For larger lake trout try trolling plugs on downriggers, steel or lead core in Jarvies, Sheep Creek, Linwood, Stateline, Antelope flat, Anvil Draw. Also jigging with 3- to 10-inch jigs can work well. Big lake trout eat big food so lures and jigs can be big also. Remember, only one fish over 28 inches can be kept.
Kokanee Fishing: All kokanee caught from Sept. 10 to Nov. 30 must be immediately released to protect spawning fish. Kokanee can still be caught and released.
Rainbow Fishing: Fair to good fishing for rainbows on most of the reservoir. If fishing from a boat try trolling spoons or rapalas with downriggers or try long lining with at least 100 feet of line behind boat. The majority of fish seem to be in 30 to 50 feet. Most colors of spoons and minnow lures will work but go with lures in the one- to two-inch size. If fishing on bottom, try a worm and marshmallow combo to keep the bait slightly off the bottom. Casting spoons, spinners or smaller crankbaits from shore also works well in early mornings when water temps are cooler. In the Utah portion, Sheep Creek, Jarvies, Linwood Bay, Mustang Ridge and off the dam visitor center are all good locations to catch rainbows from shore. Rainbow fishing will continue to get better as fall progresses and they will become more accessible to shore anglers.
Burbot Fishing: Try fishing with jigs late in the afternoon, early morning or at night on points coming into reservoir. These fish have daily movements from deep to shallower waters, so adjust your location accordingly. Anglers have reported catching burbot in 100 plus feet of water. These fish must be harvested if caught in Utah to help control their population as they were illegally introduced to the upper Green River drainage and could have a major impact on other fish species. They are an excellent eating fish with white, flaky flesh that is similar to a perch. They can be breaded and fried or boiled and dipped in melted butter. Most of these fish are concentrated in the Wyoming portion of the reservoir but are moving into the Antelope Flat/Linwood areas in smaller numbers.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing: Smallmouth fishing is fair to good as fish have moved into shallower waters. Use twist tail grubs on lead head jigs or small plastic worms, sinkos, twitch and crankbaits in about 5 to 30 feet of water off rocky shorelines and points. Crayfish imitation colors will work the best. Drop shot techniques will also work. Top water presentations can work early in the morning and later in the afternoon. Smaller fish are close to shore and can be a good way for kids to catch fish.
GREEN RIVER: (upper) The flows on the river are currently 800 cfs. Due to low inflows into the reservoir in 2007, flows should remain steady at 800 cfs throughout the winter to conserve water. Visit the Bureau of Reclamation Web site for the latest information on flows.
Good fishing on the river. The traffic on the river has dropped and fishing success has increased. Dry flies are still working in numerous patterns and nymphing almost always works. Please remember the slot limit size range has changed from 13 to 20 inches to 15 to 22 inches to make regulations more consistent statewide. Visit www.fishgreenriver.com for the latest fly patterns. Brown Trout will begin to spawn in a few weeks so be aware of spawning redds when wading. Fishing will continue to improve through the fall and use on the river will continue to drop. The upcoming months are some of the best for avoiding crowds and enjoying nice weather.
Spin fishermen should try small rapalas (floating, countdown and husky jerk); small spinners; black, brown or olive marabou jigs; and small jigs. Please check to see that your tube jigs contain no fish-attracting scents, as they are illegal to use in the river.
New Zealand Mudsnail densities have dramatically increased in several localized areas near Little Hole, and have been documented in most areas of the river. Please thoroughly clean mud and vegetation from waders, boats and fishing gear; and if possible, completely dry equipment before leaving the area. A hot water bath (120° F) will kill mudsnails, and spraying equipment with 409 or a similar soap solution before drying will increase effectiveness.
GREEN RIVER: (lower) No new reports from anglers. Should be fair to good fishing for catfish, carp and other fish.
MATT WARNER RESERVOIR: Anglers reported good fishing for three age classes of fish. Roads were dry and easily accessible from both Highway 191 and Diamond Mountain Road. Weed/algae problems are beginning to subside as weather cools. Water level is holding up well considering the drought.
MOON LAKE: Reports of fair to good fishing for several species. The lake contains a variety of trout and kokanee. Anglers reporting catching fish from both the shore and boats.
PELICAN LAKE: Anglers are reporting fair to good fishing for bass and bluegill. Cooler weather will create slower fishing as fall progresses.
RED FLEET RESERVOIR: Recent reports indicate good fishing for rainbows with an occasional brown trout. Bass and bluegill fishing was slowing with some good fishing at times. Try fishing the shoreline areas with the most cover such as rocky points or submerged vegetation. The trout are moving back up into the surface waters again during the cooler part of the day and will cruise the shorelines.
STARVATION RESERVOIR: Still getting reports from anglers of fair to good fishing for yellow perch, walleye and bass. Brown and rainbow trout fishing is picking up as the water cools. Bass and walleye will be found near rocky shoreline structures or along the weed beds looking for perch and other prey, especially during the cooler hours.
STEINAKER RESERVOIR: Anglers reported fair to good fishing for rainbows, bass and bluegill. Try to find areas with cover such as rocks and submerged vegetation. During the evening or cooler hours the fish are moving into the shallows. We've been hearing good things from both shore and boat anglers, especially in the cooler hours.
UINTA MOUNTAIN LAKES AND STREAMS: Some fair to excellent fishing on clear-running streams and mid- to high-country lakes. Try brightly colored lures or jigs, trout baits like worms or putty baits or flies by matching the insect hatch. Fishing success on mountain lakes and streams can be spotty so if one hole or lake isn't producing try moving to another. With over 400 managed fisheries on the South Slope alone, it's easy to find a new place to fish. Always go prepared for serious weather, as the Uinta Mountains are well known for frequent unexpected storms and high winds. Note: The Uinta Mountains have a four-trout limit with a bonus of four more brook trout-see proclamation for details. [/size]
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