Utah Fishing & Outdoors Report

The weather is so nice, this is a wonderful time to go fishing. Get out and enjoy the season.

Brown trout will be spawning during the next few weeks. They build and guard nests in shallow gravel on our streams. Adult fish and the nests are vulnerable; take care that you don't harm them because they represent the good fishing of the future.

You can still fish for trout in the streams, just don't target fish guarding nests. Fish below the nests and you may catch opportunistic trout waiting for roe to wash down. You can also feel good about fishing the deeper runs. Success is good right now on our trout streams.

Strawberry, Scofield, Fish Lake, Flaming Gorge, Bear Lake and many other waters are all productive. Good fising will continue on these waters until access becomes difficult because of snow and ice.

See DWR's regional fishing reports for details about all of our waters.

DWR Hotspots Report
DWR says these waters offer hot fishing
- Pelican Lake for bluegill and largemouth bass
- Calder Reservoir for rainbows
- Weber River for trout and whitefish
- Lake Powell for bass, stripers, walleye, crappie and catfish

Interesting Posts By Anglers
Electric Lake is good for cutts
Strawberry continues to fish well
Photos of beautiful bass
Scofield yeilds big tiger trout

Deseret Morning News
Scofield Reservoir — Officials aim to make spot popular again
Utah annual deer hunt gets off to slow start
Get started on slopes with Morning News ski, snowboard class
Ray Grass: Carpe carp? Thanks, but I'll stick with bass, trout
Time to report on Utah's fishing conditions
Where have hunters gone — and why?
Outdoor notes
All done: U.S. 189 in Provo Canyon
Environmental seminar is this weekend in Moab
Betatakin and Arizona's Navajo National Monument
If you go to the Navajo National Monument
Fog and snow limit hunting success
Record number of lake trout netted in Yellowstone Lake
Wolf sanctuary loses round in bid to expand

Salt Lake Tribune
Hike of the week: Mount Aire Trail - Mill Creek Canyon
Electroshock survey on the Provo River (with video)
Antelope Island bison roundup in full swing (with video)
Wharton: Good dogs and good memories
Outdoor Notebook: Picture this - your winning photo on a Glen Canyon pass
Where is it?
The Outsider: Scenic calendars, Rowmark Ski Swap
Calls to DWR's hot line produce deer hunt citations
Hook shot
Pony up for this unique headband
Tight lines: While floating downriver, time to reflect on history
Blustery weather mars deer opener (with multimedia)
REI holds adult climbing night
Bird Sighting
Recreation roundup
Mustangs recovering at BLM corrals in Nevada
6,700 endangered woundfin fish released into Virgin River waters

KUTV
Mule Deer Opener

DWR
Pheasant and quail hunts open Nov. 3
Wildlife and watersheds benefit
Making deer/elk seasons the same

Other Reports
Fly fishing author publishes new book - Richard Landerman, Salt Lake City, as reported in Fish & Fly
New Fisheries Coming to Idaho Falls

The general season deer hunt starts Saturday. A cold winter storm is expected so take care if you are heading out. Wear blaze orange if you go fishing in a hunting area.

I explored Bullion Canyon near Marysvale last weekend and had a great time. The aspen trees radiated pure gold and rainbows were biting in the small stream (small but spunky fish). See my photos.

The canyon was one of Utah's more prolific mining areas and did in fact produce a considerable amount of gold. Interesting mining relics can be seen along a self-guided drive. People still pan the small stream and sometimes find flakes. The Paiute ATV Trail System runs through this area and the canyon is a popular access point.

Leaves are pretty much gone at high elevations in northern Utah but are prime along many of our trout streams. Fish in these streams are aggressive and provide great action. Streamers, small nymphs and Rapalas work well. Some of our better fall streams include the Green, Provo, Weber, Ogden, Blacksmith, Strawberry, Currant Creek, Huntington Creek, Diamond Fork and the Price River.

Fall lake trout fishing is peaking right now at Flaming Gorge and Bear Lake. There's still time to get in on the action if you get there quickly.

Strawberry remains hot, with fish hitting most jigs or lures all around the reservoir. Scofield, Jordanelle and many other waters are also very good.

At Lake Powell, smallmouth fishing is great but striped bass action is spotty. If you boat to the top of the lake near the inflows you can still find boiling stripers. See the report by Wayne Gustaveson for details.

See DWR's regional fishing reports for details about other waters.

DWR Hotspots Report
DWR says these waters offer hot fishing
- Pelican Lake for bluegill and largemouth bass
- Calder Reservoir for rainbows
- Weber River for trout and whitefish
- Lower Bowns Reservoir for rainbows
- Sand Hollow Reservoir for bass and bluegill
- Lake Powell for bass, stripers, walleye, crappie and catfish

Interesting posts by anglers
Strawberry - jigs are still working well
Strawberry - how to fish jigs
Flaming Gorge and Bear Lake are good for lake trout
Flaming Gorge good but crowded
Bear Lake - right now is prime for lake trout
Blacksmith Fork good using lures
Releasing fish that have swallowed a baited hook - interesting discussion
Thinking about ice fishing - tips on safety

New Articles
KUTV
2007 Rifle Deer Hunt Preview
Heroes Get The Hunt Of A Lifetime
Golfing... With A High-Powered Rifle?
State Parks: East Canyon
Field Guide: Desert Tortoise
Outdoor Tip: What To Use On The Lake

DWR
Fall colors at Brough Reservoir
Apply for a 2008 Sportsman permit
Cougar permits available soon
Public notice: Wildlife Species of Concern designations
2007 Moab Bighorn Sheep Festival

Deseret News
Utah's playground — Powder stars in Warren Miller ski movie
Skiers return to Utah 'Playground' for film
The Warren Miller ski movie tradition
Expect wet, muddy conditions as deer hunt opens
Fat Flake Festival Nov. 3
Cycling notes: Utah athletes dominate the 24 Hours of Moab endurance race
Arches, Zion parks given $1 million for transportation
Outdoor notes
Lake Havasu to post amoeba-warning signs
Copter takes hikers to safety in Escalante
Tourism office is offering scenic calendar of Utah
Yellowstone bison numbers rebound from 2005-2006 slaughter
Deputies find missing hikers from Michigan
Kaysville camper killed by lightning

Salt Lake Tribune
Hike of the week: Ogden Canyon Overlook Trail - Weber County
Bake your own healthy granola
Art on display at state park museum
Hook shot
Where is it?
'Playground' - Affirms Utah's iconic role in the realm of winter sports
Questions and answers with Julian Carr
Outdoor Notebook: Volunteers needed for Adopt-a-Crag; birding events, etc.
Weather permitting, deer hunters have plenty of campground options
Outdoors bookshelf
Bird Sighting
Wharton: Impact of ATVs brings hunting to crossroads
Recreation roundup
The Outsider: Bison roundup; lake fundraiser
Utah's Dino Destinations

Daily Herald
Fishing in a landfill

Regional
A salmon run for the ages
Agritourism Might Be Growing, But is it Sustainable?
Idaho Originals: Sterile Fish
Environmental Groups Don't Want Gray Wolves Killed
Hunters kill four grizzlies
Chronic wasting found in mule deer east of Sheridan
Bird hunter attacked by grizzly
Elk, deer numbers strong
Big cat hunt to be allowed near Missoula

The newspapers are all carrying articles about the hunting seasons, which are expected to be good this year. But fishermen are also finding big game - this is the best time of year to go after trophy fish. Flaming Gorge lake trout are congregating near spawning areas. That makes them easier to find but the big ones are still hard to catch. The next couple weeks will bring your best chance.

Lake trout are also active and catchable at Bear Lake, as are the big cutthroats there. At Strawberry, everyone is catching cutthroats, including some big ones. In terms of number and size of fish, I don't think fishing has ever been better at the 'Berry. Most of our trout waters are good right now.

Lake Powell and Sand Hollow continue to offer very good action for bass; striped bass fishing is still great at Lake Powell.

See DWR's regional fishing reports for info about good fishing all over the state.

DWR Hotspots Report
DWR says these waters offer hot fishing
- Pelican Lake for bluegill and largemouth bass
- Calder Reservoir for rainbows
- Weber River for trout and whitefish
- Lower Bowns Reservoir for rainbows
- Sand Hollow Reservoir for bass and bluegill
- Lake Powell for bass, stripers, walleye, crappie and catfish

Interesting Posts By Anglers
Strawberry, fishing is good all over
Strawberry - misfortune turns into adventure
Strawberry - throw minnow-imitations along shore
Bear Lake is good trolling
Yuba Reservoir Perch
Flaming Gorge is good for lake trout
Lake Powell - hot fishing after dark
Handling fish you intend to release - interesting discussion

New Articles
DWR
Curtain call for warm water fish
Have fun, see wild elk
More young bucks
Rifle buck deer hunting tips
Fishing changes for 2008
Are you an ethical hunter?

Deseret News
Toddler's body found at Lake Powell
Investigations ordered into wilderness therapy camps in Utah and elsewhere
The deer hunt — Lots of bucks in Utah as the season nears
Deer report: Region-by-region
Good old days for deer in Utah were '50s, '60s
Ski, snowboard school starts Nov. 17
Folks 'gear' up for fishing tackle shows
Deer report: Region-by-region
New fishing rules OK'd for '08 season
Outdoor notes
10 years after wildlife refuge law, critics say areas neglected
NOAA endorses plan for fish recovery in Upper Columbia River
3 wilds groups appeal permit for new coal-fired power plant
Bullfrogs are raising red flags in Utah
Efforts scaled back to find body in Powell
Kennecott center earns environmental award
Bryce Canyon reopens the Navajo Loop Trail
Expect more ducks and elk in '07 hunts
Ray Grass: Shrinking number of native fish is bad sign
Outdoor notes
SUWA wins a round in court
Ruling says BLM acted properly in oil, gas exploration
Prescribed burn forces trail closures
Hardware Ranch Elk Festival

Salt Lake Tribune
East Canyon adds four yurts to roster of accommodations
Western Rivers Flyfisher named Retailer of the Year
Bird sighting
Where is it?
Hike of the week: Great Western Trail to Bald Mountain - East Canyon
Recreation roundup
Hook shot
One board to rule them all
Annual Bison Range Ride and Roundup begins Oct. 24
Outdoors Insider: New potties at Fivemile Pass recreation area
It was a cold, wet opening day for hardy duck hunters (with multimedia)
The Outsider: Elk Festival, free tram rides
Outdoor Notebook: National Ability Center's horse show and more
Tight Lines: Too late for perch regulation to make a difference at Yuba
Rain dampens opening day of duck hunting season
New lake may greet farmers and fishers in southern Utah

KUTV
Autumn Angling At Strawberry Reservoir
How Will The Duck Hunting Be?
Duck Hunting... For Youngsters
State Parks: Sand Hollow
What's The Ideal Temperature For Trout Survival?
Utah Field Guide: Elk
Outdoor Tip: Duck Decoys

Regional
Utah rainbows are returning to Laguna Niguel Lake
Hearing finally set on wilderness bill
Grizzly killed near Priest Lake, Idaho
Training more important than gear for novice fly fisherman

New fish advisory: Restrict the amount of catfish and carp eaten from Utah Lake because of PCB pollution. Details.

Stormy, unsettled, cool weather is in the forecast. That makes it hard to fish lakes and reservoirs, but actually bolsters fly fishing success on streams. Steve Schmidt at Western Rivers Flyfisher offers these insights: "Typical of this time of year, the more overcast the skies, generally the better your fishing will be. We prefer a little rain in the forecast for fishing streamers and to encounter peak Blue Wing hatches. Over the next seven days that's exactly what we have in store." Read more.

Between storms, Lake Powell, Strawberry, Scofield, Flaming Gorge and most reservoirs will continue to fish well.

Green River - crowds are down and fishing is good. Steve Schmidt observes: "This past weekend produced good hatches of Midges and Baetis (Blue Wing Olives. With more weather in the forecast, we expect the hatches to continue to produce little traffic and very good fishing. We love this time of year." Read his complete report.

Provo River and other area streams also offer good fishing with improved hatches.

Cottonwood Creek below Joes Valley Reservoir offered fast fishing when I visited the area last weekend. Browns were aggressive and readily hit lures. Read my report and view my photos.

DWR Hotspots Report
DWR says these waters offer hot fishing
- Pelican Lake for bluegill and largemouth bass
- Calder Reservoir for rainbows
- Weber River for trout and whitefish
- Sand Hollow Reservoir for bass and bluegill
- Lake Powell for bass, stripers, walleye, crappie and catfish

See DWR's weekly fishing reports for details about waters throughout the state.

Interesting Posts By Anglers
Strawberry continues to fish well
Strawberry - the big fish are shallow
Strawberry is good trolling lures
Starvation is good for perch and bass
Pelican is very low but good for big largemouth

News Articles
Deseret Morning News
Skull of newly discovered species of dinosaur provides important clues about dinosaurs' evolution
PCB levels in fish net Utah warning
Helicopter crashes into houseboat at Lake Powell, injures one
Appeals court: SUWA can take part in road lawsuit
Bryce Canyon reopens the Navajo Loop Trail
Expect more ducks and elk in '07 hunts
Ray Grass: Shrinking number of native fish is bad sign
Outdoor notes
TV tips help hunter survive in Weber canyon
Woman killed at Powell when slab hits boat
Zion Park offering free firewood
Ruby's dream? Creation of Bryce Canyon City elicits cheers and jeers
Kiva Koffeehouse: Family-run business offers cool retreat in southern Utah

Salt Lake Tribune
S. Utah dinosaur had a duck-billed snout -- and 800 teeth
State issues new fish advisory for Utah Lake
Wharton: If nonhunters want a say, they need to organize
An interview with new executive director of HawkWatch Int.
Hike of the week: Ridge Trail 157 loop - Utah & Wasatch counties
Hook shot
In the name of rivers
Frequently asked questions about river designation
A sample of public comments
Go batty on Oct. 20 at Bear River Bird Refuge
Tight lines: Planting cutthroat in Parleys appeases my fish-eyes curse
The outsider
Hunters reminded to get HIP numbers for new season
Utah's beauty shot by shot
Bird sighting
What's hot in active - really active - wear
Where is it?
Recreation roundup
Cooking classes
After almost 40 years, some Utah waterways may get federal recognition, protection

KUTV
Davis Officials Warn Against Contact With Rabies Infected Bats
Utah Has Some Of Nation's Biggest Elk
Utah Hawk Watch
Hunting... Sporting Clays?
State Parks: Deer Creek
Quiz: How Much Greater Is The Hawk's Eyesight?
Outdoor Tip: Securing Antlers Safely

Regional
Backcountry Areas are Key to Idaho’s World-Class Hunting
Idaho Fish & Game Predicts a Great Deer Season - Pocatello
Biologist gets up-close look at Idaho wolves
Wolf control plan criticized
Wolf kills on the rise as livestock deaths continue
Bear cub wanders into Idaho airport
Know these bear necessities
Bear Encounters at an all Time High in Years
The walleye factory
Catching trout is wild right now
Trout Unlimited To Feature Fishing For Tiger Fish in Africa