04-12-2011, 11:10 AM
PRICE, UT-Scofield Reservoir is on the verge of losing its ice cap. As of April 3rd, there was three feet of open water that ringed the shoreline. Another patch of open water was observed on the south end. If temperatures continue to climb, the ice could be off before mid-April.
Tyson of Orem with his rainbow trout.
Photo by Randall Stilson
One of Utah's best fishing waters, Scofield Reservoir is less than an hour's drive from Spanish Fork or Price. The easiest way to reach the reservoir is to travel on US Highway 6 out of Spanish Fork or Price. Turn west at the Scofield junction near Colton. From there, travel about 10 miles on State Route 96 to the reservoir.
Fishing at Scofield is usually best just after ice-off. That's when hungry trout, trapped under an ice sheet all winter long, finally gain access to the water's surface and food. A fishes' winter metabolism surges in the spring, stimulating a feeding frenzy of sorts. Because insects aren't active until later in the spring, trout are more easily enticed by offerings from anglers, such as nightcrawlers, salmon eggs and other commercial baits.
From late April until June, the water temperature near the bank remains comfortable enough for trout to school close to shore. It's a great time for shoreline anglers to compete successfully with anglers who fish from a boat, float tube or pontoon boat. In early spring, trout can be caught easily on just about any kind of tackle. A "Barbie" rod and reel with a worm on a hook is as sophisticated as an angler needs to get!
Traditional baits for rainbow trout are nightcrawlers, PowerBait on cheese hooks, and salmon eggs. Besides the rainbow trout, the reservoir is also home to tiger trout and cutthroat trout. These are more predatory and often look for something more than cheese bait or worms.
Spinners and lures will often stimulate a predatory response. Some of the best hardware for Scofield Reservoir include the Jake's Spin-A-Lure, Kastmaster, Mepps, Roostertail and Panther Martin. A minnow or trout-imitating Rapala in sizes 5 or 7 is a good choice for both cutthroat and tiger trout. The best artificial fly pattern for Scofield at this time of year is a brown or green sparkle leech in sizes 6 to 10.
Two excellent natural baits for spring fishermen are Utah chubs and redside shiners. Both are found in abundance at Scofield and can be caught in a minnow trap and then put on a hook. Remember that only dead minnows may be used. Another trout-getting spring bait is a sac of trout eggs. Eggs can be harvested from a female trout and bundled together inside a nylon mesh bag about the size of a marble. Hidden inside the sac is a hook. Remember that any trout, from which eggs are taken, must be counted as part of your limit. It is illegal to "squeeze" a fish for eggs, and then release her. The trout will die.
As a general rule, you'll find more success if you fish during the early morning or late evening hours. Trout suffer from a midday slump. When the sun is high, the trout rest. Like many wild animals, trout feed most actively at dawn and dusk.
New regulations took effect in 2009 and have continued ever since. The limit is 4 trout in the aggregate, no more than 2 may be cutthroat or tiger trout under 15 inches, and no more than 1 may be a cutthroat or tiger trout over 22 inches. All cutthroat and tiger trout from 15 to 22 inches must be immediately released. Rainbow trout of any size may be harvested. Trout may not be filleted and the heads or tails may not be removed in the field or in transit. The tributaries flowing into Scofield Reservoir are closed until the second Saturday in July to protect spawning cutthroat trout.
When was the last time you took your family on a fishing trip? For most of us, it's been too long. A family trip to Scofield Reservoir is a great way to strengthen family ties and ease tension. We live in a hustle and bustle society. Often times we get so busy that we put off having fun. There are so many obligations that seem to take a higher priority. But time slips away. Kids grow up and leave home. Give your kids some of childhood's sweetest memories. Take them fishing. And remember, spring fishing at Scofield is great!
Tyson of Orem with his rainbow trout.
Photo by Randall Stilson
One of Utah's best fishing waters, Scofield Reservoir is less than an hour's drive from Spanish Fork or Price. The easiest way to reach the reservoir is to travel on US Highway 6 out of Spanish Fork or Price. Turn west at the Scofield junction near Colton. From there, travel about 10 miles on State Route 96 to the reservoir.
Fishing at Scofield is usually best just after ice-off. That's when hungry trout, trapped under an ice sheet all winter long, finally gain access to the water's surface and food. A fishes' winter metabolism surges in the spring, stimulating a feeding frenzy of sorts. Because insects aren't active until later in the spring, trout are more easily enticed by offerings from anglers, such as nightcrawlers, salmon eggs and other commercial baits.
From late April until June, the water temperature near the bank remains comfortable enough for trout to school close to shore. It's a great time for shoreline anglers to compete successfully with anglers who fish from a boat, float tube or pontoon boat. In early spring, trout can be caught easily on just about any kind of tackle. A "Barbie" rod and reel with a worm on a hook is as sophisticated as an angler needs to get!
Traditional baits for rainbow trout are nightcrawlers, PowerBait on cheese hooks, and salmon eggs. Besides the rainbow trout, the reservoir is also home to tiger trout and cutthroat trout. These are more predatory and often look for something more than cheese bait or worms.
Spinners and lures will often stimulate a predatory response. Some of the best hardware for Scofield Reservoir include the Jake's Spin-A-Lure, Kastmaster, Mepps, Roostertail and Panther Martin. A minnow or trout-imitating Rapala in sizes 5 or 7 is a good choice for both cutthroat and tiger trout. The best artificial fly pattern for Scofield at this time of year is a brown or green sparkle leech in sizes 6 to 10.
Two excellent natural baits for spring fishermen are Utah chubs and redside shiners. Both are found in abundance at Scofield and can be caught in a minnow trap and then put on a hook. Remember that only dead minnows may be used. Another trout-getting spring bait is a sac of trout eggs. Eggs can be harvested from a female trout and bundled together inside a nylon mesh bag about the size of a marble. Hidden inside the sac is a hook. Remember that any trout, from which eggs are taken, must be counted as part of your limit. It is illegal to "squeeze" a fish for eggs, and then release her. The trout will die.
As a general rule, you'll find more success if you fish during the early morning or late evening hours. Trout suffer from a midday slump. When the sun is high, the trout rest. Like many wild animals, trout feed most actively at dawn and dusk.
New regulations took effect in 2009 and have continued ever since. The limit is 4 trout in the aggregate, no more than 2 may be cutthroat or tiger trout under 15 inches, and no more than 1 may be a cutthroat or tiger trout over 22 inches. All cutthroat and tiger trout from 15 to 22 inches must be immediately released. Rainbow trout of any size may be harvested. Trout may not be filleted and the heads or tails may not be removed in the field or in transit. The tributaries flowing into Scofield Reservoir are closed until the second Saturday in July to protect spawning cutthroat trout.
When was the last time you took your family on a fishing trip? For most of us, it's been too long. A family trip to Scofield Reservoir is a great way to strengthen family ties and ease tension. We live in a hustle and bustle society. Often times we get so busy that we put off having fun. There are so many obligations that seem to take a higher priority. But time slips away. Kids grow up and leave home. Give your kids some of childhood's sweetest memories. Take them fishing. And remember, spring fishing at Scofield is great!