Utah Fishing Report
Gunlock Reservoir Sponsored by
| Date | 07-Mar-24 | |
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: GUNLOCK RESERVOIR: Fishing forecast (March through May): Consult the Utah State Parks website for boat ramp hours and conditions. Spring provides some of the most exciting fishing of the year for largemouth bass at the Washington County reservoirs, though fishing is not always consistent. Spring is a time of change for warmwater fish, and they are highly affected by daily weather patterns. Your best guide for spring fishing conditions is the weather forecast. Fishing is often best after multiple days of calm, warm weather. Fish will be fairly inactive for a few days after a storm or cold front. During the early spring, look for bass to begin moving into shallow water during the afternoon on warm, calm days. This activity continues as the water warms into the upper 50s. Once the water reaches 60 degrees, the bass get even more active and start thinking about spawning. Male bass will start to build nests in the shallows (3-10 feet) and will often attack anything that gets too close to the nest. At this time, large females are often found a little deeper (15-25 feet), waiting for males to chase them over to a nest. After spawning, the females go back out to the deeper water while the males guard the nests. While catching fish during the spawn does not necessarily hurt spawning overall, it is best to release the fish close to where it was caught so that it is less likely to abandon the nest. Bluegill and black crappie will also be getting more active during the spring and will spawn a little later than the bass do. Because it is a little higher in elevation, spring fishing at Gunlock Reservoir tends to lag a couple weeks or more behind the other reservoirs. Reported by: Utah D.W.R |
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| About: - Gunlock Reservoir - Contains largemouth bass, crappie and catfish. Elevation is 3,600 feet. Located northwest of St. George, 16 miles off Highway 56. Follow Santa Clara River north from Shivwits. Primitive campgrounds, boat ramp. Contains lots of crayfish and some big bass. | ||
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Gunlock Reservoir named Utah's newest Blue Ribbon Fishery Salt Lake City Blue Ribbon Fishery: It's a term some Utahns may not be familiar with, but one that every angler should pay close attention to, given that these waterbodies offer some of the best fishing experiences Utah has to offer. The Blue Ribbon Fisheries program was created in 2001 by then-Gov. Mike Leavitt, and was formally established in 2005 through an executive order by then-Gov. Jon Huntsman. "The program was created because Utah's leaders recognized that fishing is one of the state's most popular recreational activities," Randy Oplinger, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources sportfish coordinator, said. "There was a need to improve fisheries in Utah and to recognize the best angling opportunities in the state. This program helps fulfill both of those needs." Gunlock Reservoir was selected as the newest Blue Ribbon Fishery during the council's meeting on Thursday, Nov. 21, making it the 39th waterbody in Utah to currently hold this elite status. The reservoir had previously been named to the prestigious list, but was removed after undergoing a rotenone treatment to remove illegally introduced smallmouth bass. "These waters are among the best fishing spots in Utah and have been proven to provide not only great fishing, but also ideal habitat for the fish, economic benefits to the local communities, and an overall high-quality experience in the outdoors," Oplinger said. "They offer high fishing success rates and usually have great amenities like boat ramps and fishing piers." |
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