Utah Fishing Reports

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Now's the time to book adventures. Below are my recommendations. (I know these guys and recommend their services and facilities.)
- Bear Lake Area Snowmobiling
- Bear Lake Area Horseback Riding
- Bear Lake Area Family Reunions
- Private Fly Fishing
- Wingshooting

I Fished The Grand Canyon
I hiked down a slot canyon and fished the big river near the top of the Grand Canyon. I had hoped to find large rainbows but only caught smaller fish. Still, it was a blast. I'll try it again sometime soon, as I continue to explore that area. The photo above shows one of our fish. Here are others.

We also explored the Toroweap area in the Grand Canyon backcountry. I wrote this blog about the trip, but haven't had time to post my photos.

In addition, we hiked to a fun little arch in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, near St George. Photos.

Spring Fishing
- Willard Bay and Utah Lake will thaw during late February or early March. Walleye fishing usually picks up in mid-March.
- Green River, Provo River and other trout streams start to become productive during late March and April.
- Lake Powell smallmouth bass fishing becomes hot in April. Some of the best bass fishing of the year takes place in late April. Striped bass fishing also becomes good in April.
- Trout fishing is often very good as ice comes off in the spring. That starts in April at mid-elevation waters like Deer Creek and Rockport.

Events

St. George Winter Bird Festival
Jan 28-31. The 7th annual St. George Winter Bird Festival will be held at the Tonaquint Nature Center and Park. Presentations, Kid's Workshops, Field Trips, Photo Contest, Exhibits, Sales, and Live Birds! There will be additional evening programs at the BLM, Dixie State College and an evening banquet/keynote speaker at Best Western Abbey Inn. The festival is designed for beginning and experienced birders. 1-435-673-0996
More info: www.redcliffsaudubon.org or www.sgcity.org/birdfestival

Utah Bald Eagle Day
Activities will be Feb 6 and Feb 13. See birds in the wild. Details.

- Dave

Bear Lake had developed some ice, but it's pretty much gone now. The Cisco Beach area has open water. Cisco are starting to spawn - the action there should be hot this weekend. Join the Cisco Disco activities. More info.

Cutthroat and lake trout fishing is usually good at Bear Lake as the cisco spawn. The predators fish come in to gorge on roe from the spawning fish.

Ice fishing continues to be very good on a few of our reservoirs, but it has slowed in many areas. Our recommendations:

Best Reservoirs for Ice Fishing
- Deer Creek for trout and perch
- Strawberry for rainbows and cutthroat
- Flaming Gorge for trout and burbot (upper section has ice)
- Pelican Lake for bluegill & other species
- Red Fleet Reservoir for trout and bluegill
- Steinaker for trout and bluegill
- Hyrum Reservoir for trout
- Rockport Reservoir for trout
- Pineview for small perch
- Scofield for small trout
- Fish Lake for trout, perch
- Mill Meadow for perch
- Navajo Lake for splake