Red cliffs?

[Lonnie]

Anyone have any advise on fishing at red cliffs near vernal. We may try a camping trip there in May when my son returns from his mission. We will be without a boat.
Thanks Lonnie
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[cantcatchem]

it has been a while but I think you mean Red Fleet? if so I used to drive to the backside and hike to the dam and did ok. that is if they still let you.
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[fishnate]

What are you hoping to catch? Rainbows, browns, walleye, LM bass, bluegill, any or all of the above? Will you be camping at the State Park or primitive? Do you mind hiking a little bit?
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[Lonnie]

Thanks fishnate
We will be happy fishing for all species' Primitive camping would be great. Is there any to be had around redfleet? Thanks
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[fishnate]

The entire periphery is State Park property (not sure of their camping rules, best to call) but there is also lots of BLM and only a little bit of private land toward the dam which is easy to see. Park website is [url "http://stateparks.utah.gov/park/red-fleet-state-park"]http://stateparks.utah.gov/park/red-fleet-state-park[/url].

If you have access to Googleearth you can see what I'm talking about below.

If you camp in the park you will have easy access to the lake. You can catch rainbows down near the boat ramp or you can take a short hike (about .25 mile) to the south to a nice sized cove (not the dinky one right next to camp) where you can have a decent opportunity to catch all the species. One caveat is the water has been low but is rising so that bay may not be totally full by May but there is still good fishing at the mouth.

If you camp on the northeast side of the lake there is a decent access to a bay, about half way down lake, that requires about a 1/3 mile easy hike to the water. It's a great place for nice rainbows and likely walleye at that time of year.

If you continue down to the dam area there is lots of BLM camping there on the big flats before you reach the dam. There is a gate blocking access to the dam with a BIG "No Trespassing" sign, but I assure you it is permissible to hike the road to the dam (about 1/3 mile). I have asked the authorities and hike it all the time. If you are nervous about it, you can circumvent it by hiking down the gully to the lake. Don't block the gate or you could get into trouble.

All access points I've mentioned should be easy in passenger car.

Rainbow fishing should be fantastic with PB or floating a worm off bottom. Spinners, spoons, jigs, or wooly buggers should be good too. Bluegill are on the small side but are fun fishing small flies or jigs under a bobber near brush. Bass should be good fishing with crankbait, spinnerbait or a variety of plastics. Walleye, you're on your own since I don't have anything definitive here yet, kind of a hit or miss.
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