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This is for all you Utah Lake fishermen: UTbass mentioned on another thread that he catches fish through out the winter in a particular spot that doesn't freeze. My question is are fish active in the inlets around the lake through the winter? Some of my favorite spring fishing is targeting whities and walleye in the UL inlets (after they legally open of course) with various jigs and spinners. Are they present in the moving water during the really cold months or do they stay out in the main lake? Will they move to hit a retrieved lure? Any info is much appreciated.
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[cool][#0000ff]Utah Lake is a 12 month fishery, for all species...even catfish. Yes, even some pretty good sized channel cats have been taken through the ice. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]White bass are the most active throughout the year. You can catch them on all kinds of jigs and spinners whenever the water is open, even just before iceup and just after iceout. And, if you can find them you can usually catch them fairly easily through the ice too.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Walleye can also be taken throughout the year, both in open water and from beneath the ice cap. They move a lot slower in the winter though and a vertical presentation works better for lures. Many walleye fans fish them with bait during cold months, either near the bottom below a bobber, or floating above the bottom with a corky rig. They do not move far or fast to munch lures until prespawn, sometime around February. And, even then you need to keep it low and slow.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are quite a few warm springs coming into Utah Lake. Most notably around Saratoga, near the mouth of the Jordan River, and also at Lincoln Beach. Depending on the temperature and the amount of flow (which varies) those springs not only keep the ice from forming, but also warm the temperature of the surrounding area a few degrees above that of the rest of the lake. Even a couple of degrees is enough to draw whites, walleyes, largemouths, crappies, bluegills and cats to their vacinity.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]And, yes, you can sometimes find fish up in the tributaries before the spawning closures. There are often both white bass and a few walleyes in the deeper holes in the lower Provo as early as February. Again, you have to fish small jigs or bait slowly and near the bottom. Once you find some holding in a hole, you can drop something like a small white marabou jig (tipped with "sweetener") and jig it slowly just off the bottom. The bite will be more like a tentative bluegill, but if you are tuned to finesse fishing, you can harvest a few.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Don't look for any of Utah Lake's predators to get lure-happy until about late March or early April. Once the water gets above Walleye spawning temps (mid 40's) you can have much better action on spinners and jigs for whites, walleyes and even largies, as they move inshore for afternoon warming and getting ready for their different spawning periods.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]By mid May, you should be able to find good lure action all around the lake. In June, the white bass are either just finished spawning or still spawning, depending on water temps and flow. The walleye are in an actively feeding post spawn period and anybody who can't catch walleyes in June...almost anywhere in Utah they are found...should probably stick with trout and powerbait.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Catfish and a few walleyes and white bass are the main attractions during the heat of the summer. Night fishing is often more comfortable and more productive. However, you trade the boat traffic during the day for the bug traffic after dark.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]September sees cooling waters and increased feeding activity for all species. Both whites and walleyes are active for the next couple of months, and lures work great. There are also some decent catches of largemouth and crappies made in the fall. Cats start slowing down once the water temps drop below 55 - 60, but can still be taken by soaking a bait clear into late October.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]That's the calendar I have always gone by. I am sure others have their own pet places and months to fish.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You asked a lot of questions...good questions. There are some basic answers, but learning all of the little tricks and techniques (and honey holes) can take a long time. I have been fishing Utah Lake since the 1960's and I am still learning. Heck, with fluctuating water conditions and changing fish populations it is almost a new lake every year anyway. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]But, the good news is that if you learn the basics you can usually figure out a pattern on most trips. That doesn't mean you will score heavily on every trip. I sure don't. Anybody who claims to catch a lot of fish on every trip to any lake will lie about other things too. But, since they are fishermen, we have to allow them a bit of slack.[/#0000ff]
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[cool][#0000ff]Glad to help where I can. I am PMing you a couple of the things I have put together during the last year...one on Utah Lake cats and the other on Utah Lake walleyes. Hope you will get some useful stuff out of it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I am sure we will be having a few gatherings upon the waters again this year. Lots of fun and a good way to exchange info and meet new BFT members. Also a good way to catch some fish and feed some skeeters.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Good to have you aboard.[/#0000ff]
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]) but I usually head up in elevation as the summer progresses and the bite slows down. I used to fish at night for kitties but the guy that owns LBH started gating it at night and I don't like to leave sight of my truck in that area at night (lots of junkies cruising around that road). I miss the night fishing, so I'm gonna be on the lookout for new spots that I can park and fish this summer. Once again TD, thank you for the response[laugh] Looking forward to getting out on one of your flotillas next summer![cool]