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Drove up to Newton today, just to give it a chance. I was not surprised, but I was disappointed to see how low the water is. I don't know if the water users are drawing from it yet, but I can't imagine there is more than a few weeks worth of water in there. Usually it seems the lake is overflowing this time of year.
The spillway is well above the water level. The water level is above the bottom of the boat ramp though. I understand there is a new regulation that disallows boats from traveling above wake speed when the water level drops below a level of 4,761 feet. I am not sure how they quantify that, but I am sure it must be below that level now. There is an orange line painted on the ramp, and that may be the indicator.
As to the fishing, it was great if you don't like touching fish. I only had a few hours to play, so I didn't stay long. Total count for the hour I spent there was zero bites on worm or spinner. I saw no sign of fish in the lake, though there must be some that survived.
Hopefully a couple years of good water might help this lake recover.
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Well there's more water there than when I went last. I remember it was when they were redoing the ramp.
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You're right, it has definitely been lower, but I have only seen it lower in late summer/early fall. Most of the second pic, labeled "west to north" was high and dry last fall, to the point where cars were driving out to the water.
I am glad it has come up, but I can't imagine the fish populations will rebound this year if there is no water left by the end of June. I understand water users have first claim on the reservoir, so does anyone know if there is any minimum pool level limit up there? Can it be pumped/drained dry?
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We were catching small Bass and panfish through the ice this last winter when it was lot water, so I'm sure they are still there. Last fall when it was super low the outflow pipe was out of the water with a small trickle of water flowing to it and my finder on my little boat still showed water around 8 to 10 feet in spots, so I would guess it has a conservation pool. Don't quote me on that though, I don't know if there is another outlet somewhere.
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I am going to try and get out there on Sunday before work. I will let you know how it goes.
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Have heard a few reports of folks catching lots of panfish. When I ask about size, it goes dark...
Spoke with a gent today who said they'd caught like 100 crappie. But doesn't sound like any were bigger than a hand-size.
My suggestion would be harvest like crazy if you do go. As little water as there is, and likely low competition, pressure - sure there's a major struggle for resources.
There was a site that would show a graph of Newton water levels at selected time-frames. Have to see if I can find the URL.
Not sure how they could fill it, my understanding is it depends on snow runoff, not like there's a river or other reservoir that can empty into it.
I've heard some entertaining stories about the history of Newton dam, and the early settlers in the township. Political control battles, polygamist settlers, and water rights. Funny stuff.
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[quote gaardvark]I understand there is a new regulation that disallows boats from traveling above wake speed when the water level drops below a level of 4,761 feet. I am not sure how they quantify that, but I am sure it must be below that level now. There is an orange line painted on the ramp, and that may be the indicator.[/quote][font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]Newton is a BoR project and they have turned recreational control (boating, fishing, etc.) over to Hyrum State Park. If such a restriction exists, the Hyrum State Park Ranger would know about it. Perhaps somebody from Hyrum could stop by the park office and find out about this and post the information here.[/#800000][/font]
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Bob Hicks, from Utah
I'm 83 years young and going as hard as I can for as long as I can.
"Free men do not ask permission to bear arms."
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The regulation is in place, it appears on the sign at the ramp. But it is an informational display about boater safety and required equipment. It is not prominent and of course it is only a suggestion if there is no enforcement.
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