07-13-2016, 07:23 PM
[quote Joe_Dizzy]Thank you PBH, these are two interesting examples, especially Minersville (because of the altitude & latitude).
I guess what I am trying to zero in on are those lakes with a good amount of fertility and chemistry to hold and grow large trout, but remain cold enough throughout Jul/Aug that I can fish successfully with fly gear.
[/quote]
Minersville is managed as a quality trout fishery, with restrictive harvest and tackle regulations (artificial only, restricted harvest). Minersville is a reservoir where rainbow trout actually grow during the winter months. Stocking practices have been adjusted to attempt to deal with cormorant issues, which is the main reason for the restrictive regulations as well. Prior to the regulation and stocking practice changes, Minersville would get "fished out" by both anglers and birds very quickly. Today, Minersville is an outstanding trout fishery, as evidenced by the interest and investment Beaver County has poured into this reservoir with new infrastructure (campground additions, new overnight boat docks, etc.).
Like in any low elevation reservoir in the West, summertime temps are always an issue, and by late summer we will start to see many trout with sores on them. Stress will become a factor. Water levels play a significant role in this issue -- if irrigation users draw the reservoir down to the conservation pool, the trout may struggle worse than if the irrigation draw down is less. When low water and high temps combine, the threat of algae blooms is present -- algae blooms can deplete the water of dissolved oxygen and cause large "summer kill" die offs. Fires have also caused issues at Minersville in the past, washing ash into the water.
Aside from being a great trout fishery, Minersville also is a fantastic smallmouth bass fishery. This is also evidenced by the numerous bass tournaments that frequent this lake all summer long (ugh!).
And, not to be left out, the wipers in Minersville are certainly worthy of mention. A state record wiper is lurking in that lake.
It's a great lake, no matter what time of year you want to fish it. On any given day (with ice free water) you'll find numerous anglers tossing flies to willing trout. Even in the middle of the summer. Those fish, even when stressed due to summertime temperatures, seem to always be willing to take a fly.
This is a destination you should certainly try out. The drive is worth it. (and, the campground has showers!)
Numerous other low elevation lakes and reservoirs in Utah can also produce good trout all summer long. I can't go into detail on the majority of those in the northern half of the state, but many down here in the south can provide great opportunities: Newcastle, Otter Creek, Koosharem, Piute at times...
[signature]
I guess what I am trying to zero in on are those lakes with a good amount of fertility and chemistry to hold and grow large trout, but remain cold enough throughout Jul/Aug that I can fish successfully with fly gear.
[/quote]
Minersville is managed as a quality trout fishery, with restrictive harvest and tackle regulations (artificial only, restricted harvest). Minersville is a reservoir where rainbow trout actually grow during the winter months. Stocking practices have been adjusted to attempt to deal with cormorant issues, which is the main reason for the restrictive regulations as well. Prior to the regulation and stocking practice changes, Minersville would get "fished out" by both anglers and birds very quickly. Today, Minersville is an outstanding trout fishery, as evidenced by the interest and investment Beaver County has poured into this reservoir with new infrastructure (campground additions, new overnight boat docks, etc.).
Like in any low elevation reservoir in the West, summertime temps are always an issue, and by late summer we will start to see many trout with sores on them. Stress will become a factor. Water levels play a significant role in this issue -- if irrigation users draw the reservoir down to the conservation pool, the trout may struggle worse than if the irrigation draw down is less. When low water and high temps combine, the threat of algae blooms is present -- algae blooms can deplete the water of dissolved oxygen and cause large "summer kill" die offs. Fires have also caused issues at Minersville in the past, washing ash into the water.
Aside from being a great trout fishery, Minersville also is a fantastic smallmouth bass fishery. This is also evidenced by the numerous bass tournaments that frequent this lake all summer long (ugh!).
And, not to be left out, the wipers in Minersville are certainly worthy of mention. A state record wiper is lurking in that lake.
It's a great lake, no matter what time of year you want to fish it. On any given day (with ice free water) you'll find numerous anglers tossing flies to willing trout. Even in the middle of the summer. Those fish, even when stressed due to summertime temperatures, seem to always be willing to take a fly.
This is a destination you should certainly try out. The drive is worth it. (and, the campground has showers!)
Numerous other low elevation lakes and reservoirs in Utah can also produce good trout all summer long. I can't go into detail on the majority of those in the northern half of the state, but many down here in the south can provide great opportunities: Newcastle, Otter Creek, Koosharem, Piute at times...
[signature]