Utah Fishing Reports

What's New

Grand Gulch Backpack
I'm heading out early Friday, backpacking to Grand Gulch. It is early in the season for that kind of activity, but conditions look good. See my blog for details about my trip. I'll post photos and probably some video next week.

See Me On The Radio
My buddies who do the KSL Outdoors radio show want me to call and report on my trip. The show is on Saturday mornings from 6-8 am. I'll probably be somewhere close to the junction of Grand Gulch and Bullet Canyon at that time. They are sending a satellite phone with me so I can call. If you are crazy enough to be up that early, tune in. It's a fun show.

Bike Bolivia's Road of Death
Some of my in-laws enjoyed a fun adventure mountain bike trip last year, riding down the Road of Death in Bolivia. They recently gave me photos and video from the trip and I've posted in on my site. Looks like a great, moderate adventure, riding down a steep trail and through a waterfall. See the photos and video.

Events
Bass Fishing 101, Feb 28, Cabelas in Lehi, Utah. Cliff Gallagher will discuss Bass Fishing Tactics and species identification at the Aquarium. Hours: 7-8 pm. Free.

Birds of Prey Up Close, March 7, Snow Canyon State Park, Ivins, Utah. Join Wildlife Rehabilitator Justin Neighbor as he discusses birds of prey, conservation, and falconry. Don't miss the chance to see a live hawk! Registration is required. Phone: 435-628-2255. Hours: 10 am.

Salt Lake International Sportsmen's Exposition, Mar 12-15, South Towne Exposition Center. Presented by KUTV2. Displays, seminars and lots of booths full of everything related to the outdoors.

Moab Skinny Tire Festival, March 14-16. The festival's three rides highlight Moab's different road riding opportunities. The first day follows the mighty Colorado River corridor downstream passing by ancient puebloans petroglyphs. The next two days leave the valley and climb the beautiful canyon roads into red rock country to Dead Horse Point State Park and through Arches National Park. This event raises funds for cancer survivorship programs. For more information contact 435-259-2698.

Lake Powell South Shad Rally, May 15-16. Join other Lake Powell enthusiasts rallying to save shad by catching stripers. All are welcome. Fishermen, boaters, those that like to eat fresh fish. There is something for everyone. Contact: Pete Klocki, 928-710-0599. Friday May 15, 8 am-6pm, Saturday May 16, 4-8 pm. Admission: free. Fish fry, potluck dinner, door prizes. Held at Lone Rock Beach, on Lake Powell near Page. Watch wayneswords.com for updates.

See our events calendar

- Good Fishing, Dave Webb

So far, ice still covers most of our fishing waters, but that will change during the next couple weeks. The ice on Willard Bay and Utah Lake could disappear with the next windstorm. When the ice starts to go, it can move very quickly. Wind sometimes pushes it into piles on shorelines. If you are in the vicinity, it can be dangerous when that happens. Use caution when you are out.

People are looking forward to walleye fishing at Willard and Utah Lake. When the ice first comes off, walleye are scattered and hard to find. They can be caught but you have to work to hunt them down. Success usually picks up about mid-March, as they start to congregate out from spawning areas. See our walleye articles for tips and techniques.

Perch, crappie and white bass fishing can be good immediately after ice off. The harbors and other deeper areas may provide some opportunity during the next week.

There are still reports of good ice fishing on some waters. Currant Creek Reservoir offered good action this past week, as did the upper end of Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

Bear Lake's cutthroats are hungry and fishing has been good there, in open water.

Fly fishing in general should get better and better on area streams during the next several weeks. Fish are becoming more active and fishing conditions are improving. Midges are still about the only action on top. Sow bugs and various nymphs are working well on the bottom. Check with the guys in the fly shops for the latest info on productive patterns.

Lake Powell fishing will also start to improve now, but changes will come slowly. Many fish will be caught in March but anglers will have to invest time and effort to make that happen. Action will become pretty good in April, and will be very good by the end of that month.