Solid, but different morning at Utah Lake, 8 27 2022

[Mooseman75]

Jon and I did it again, well almost! Launched from Provo at 6 A.M. and went south. Winds were 5-10 out of the SE for the first few hours. Water started out surprisingly low at 68 degrees and ended up surprisingly high at 78 by about 3 P.M. when we left to get Jon to a Football Game. 

We did get to see Richard and Violet from a distance and even got a call from Richard. We weren't stuck on a sandbar, just stuck on a little group of fish. Thanks for checking though!





In many ways the trip was a lot like last week. The water visibility was near zero and we found fish in small widely scattered groups. They were good quality, averaging 27.5 inches or just over 8 pounds. Jon caught the biggest 2 fish (29.75 and 29.5). For the second trip in a row we averaged at or below 2 cats/hour. History says in these water temps we should be at 4-6 cats/hour.






I many other ways the trip was very different. We fished the very same set-ups as last week and caught zero white bass as opposed to 5 last week. That meant we had no “really fresh” bait, only thawed specimens from previous trips. We had many more tentative inquires. We hooked less than half the fish that hit. Most that didn’t hook up would stop the bait and hold on long enough for the rod to start to load and then just when you would expect them to feel the hook they seemingly just let go. The last big difference was no fish 30 inches or longer.

My best guess on the less aggressive strikes is that they weren’t as turned on by the smell of the bait, no fresh blood. I suspect also that some of the fish that didn’t “stick” were the bigger ones. I think part of the slower overall bite can also be attributed to the dramatically reduced visibility and maybe the lack of submerged structure to hold the groceries and concentrate the fish.

We ended up with 17 cats total and no other types of fish. We saw a lot of carp cruising the surface, but not until after the wind calmed down around 9 or so. We enjoyed a good morning, but we stayed too long hoping to find at least one 30.





I am going to work harder to find some kind of really fresh bait for next time and to quit at 4-6 hours to get less fried brain syndrome!

Nice report Jim...as always you have story teller way that makes it seem like we are with you. I wished I could get out and fry my brain....darn kids lol