Utah Fishing Report 3/10/11

I wanted a walleye, but only caught white bass at Utah Lake. At least I caught fish.

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What's New

Utah Lake Walleye
I fished Utah Lake and failed to catch a walleye. I did catch a white bass, to keep the skunk out of the boat. Others I talked to reported slow fishing for walleye. My schedule

Action should pick up now, as we move toward the middle of the month. Fish will become active during warm spells, and will start congregating near spawning beds.

Early morning and late evening are generally best times to fish for walleye. One guy I talked to had caught 2 walleye really early in the morning. The best action is usually over by the time most of us show up.

Utah Lake can be an exception. Walleye are light sensitive, but Utah Lake is always murky and so light isn't as much of a factor. Cloudy days can also be good.

Fishing Trips
At Utah Lake, almost all boats held only one fisherman. That is strange because it is almost more fun to share the adventure.

I'm now settling into my fish-every-week routine. I go more often than my friends and family, so I sometimes have to scrounge to fish fishing buddies. I try to stay flexible, to take advantage of nice weather and changing conditions, so that makes it difficult to plan trips far in advance. But I will make some firm plans and post them here, in case any of you would like to join me on a trip.

This weekend I'm at Arches National Park, helping with a photo safari.

On March 19, I plan to fly fish at a secret little stream in southern Utah. Right now I have room in the truck so let me know if you want to come.

- Dave

Events
Utah Wildlife Board will discuss deer hunting at its work session on March 16. (See agenda.) No action will be taken at the meeting. The public is invited, but public comments will not be taken. Items the board discusses might be taken to the public for comment and input at upcoming Regional Advisory Council meetings.

International Sportsmen's Expo will be Mar. 17-20, at South Towne Expo Center. It is a good show, worth visiting.

Utah Walleye Fishing Seminar, March 29, in the DWR building, 1594 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City.

Ice-off trout fishing is starting at mid-elevation reservoirs. Otter Creek is now ice-free and success there has been fair to good. We don't have any official report, but assume Piute and Minersville are also ice-free. In northern Utah, ice will soon start pulling back at Deer Creek, Jordanelle and Rockport.

Fishermen anticipate the ice-off period because it often brings good action. Since waters are still cold, trout can range freely. They can often be found along the edge of the ice as it pulls back, and up tight against the bank. Shore fishing is good during this period because the fish are easily accessible. However, shore fishermen sometimes cast right over the fish because they think they need to reach deeper water. The best fishing is usually shallow.

Walleye fishing will become more consistent now. Action will be good during warm spells, and will slow when cold storms move through.

Attend the annual Rocky Mountain Anglers/DWR Utah Walleye Seminar if you want to learn to catch walleye. It will be held on Tuesday, March 29, 2011, in the Department of Natural Resources Building, 1594 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City. Top Utah walleye anglers will give presentations.

Utah DWR has promoted Roger Wilson to fisheries chief, heading the agency's Aquatic Section. He replaces Walt Donaldson, who recently retired. We've worked with Roger for many years and we are excited to see him take this important post. Details.

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