Jordan River Help---Report

[catfish77]

Has anyone had any luck for cats on the Jordan. What are they hitting and what are some good areas of the river to try? I haven't fished it for years, but would like to find some spots closer to the home. Thx J


Continuing my saga on the Jordan, me and a friend did a little searching from 5400 s to 4500 s. The flow seemed kinda fast and flat in the easy access spots. Looks like I may have to hike the Parkway to find a good bend or hole. Saving that idea for another day, I headed out to the old bridge on the skirts of Lehi. The mudders gobbled up plenty of worms and minnows. I'm so perplexed that I've never been able to pull a nice Channel from this area. You would think with almost the babies...mama cat would have to be in there too. The only place I've been able to catch decent channels in many years fishing this river is right next to the pump house. Suggestions..help please lol!!
[signature]

[Stickleback]

Yes there are cats in the JR. There are lots of places to access along the trails that would be good. Here is my story.

It was on the JR that I learned what big catfish really was about 4 years ago. I worked at nights and so on my days off at night I would find a quiet spot set up a chair and catch fish after fish on a small hook and night crawler. I would do this 2 or 3 nights a week catching fish every few minutes. Mostly mudders a few white bass, carp, and a couple of small walleye.

Then one day I caught a 27 inch cat. I was instantly addicted. when I cleaned it for dinner I found 2 large chicken wing bones (Hooter's I am guessing) and a small fish about 2 to three inches long in it system. I started fishing with carp meat and a much larger hook. I was no longer interested in the multiple bites that would cause the pole to dance around. I was waiting for the hit that would bend the pole down until the drag enganged. I rarely had a night I didn't get something over 20 inches. I kept a few but most went back in. The carp meat is great because it stays on the hook until you cut it off, and you don't have to rebait every few minutes with the smaller fish gnawing on the meat.

I have learned a lot since then and FYI it doesn't have to be at night. Any time you can fish is the best time to fish. Good luck to you.
[signature]

[catfish77]

That's a great story! I definitely agree you have to switch up to larger baits at times. I will say this though...I just moved from ogden back to slc and fished the bear river quite often. Some of my biggest cats from there were on good old night crawlers. I used to go down by the pumphouse when I was younger, but are there any spots in the valley or further south that hold cats? Id like to try today. Thanks again and pm if necessary.
[signature]

[utahpunk]

I have had some luck fishing for channels in the area south of 4800 South. There has been a lot of work and construction on the west side of the river, but there are plenty of good spots between 5400 and 4800 (Germania Park) that should still hold a few decent sized cats.
[signature]

[Blackellunge]

[left]we nail some cats by my office in S. Jordan ( just south of 106) but maybe catch one for every 10 carp, and haven't really seen anything too big either. caught some white bass and a few largemouth last year as well. Night crawlers are pretty much all we use.
[/left]
[signature]

[ratnest]

I work in the area mentioned, and I did a quick recon on the JR in that area, and it seemed really shallow and quick moving. are they some deeper holes you are getting to, and is the access fairly easy, just of the trail I would imagine.
[signature]

[Blackellunge]

the couple spots we fish require you to go through some pretty high weeds to reach - if you look on Google maps, you will see a feeder stream that connects to the river. some deeper water in that area and a bit north of it as well. my office is right by the river - shoot me a PM if you want to meet up one day and i can show you a few spots.
[signature]