Category: Locations

Yellowstone National Park in Late Summer

It’s not too late to plan a fishing trip to our nation’s oldest National Park.  Readers have been wanting me to describe the fishing opportunities in Yellowstone after the kids are back in school and tourism in the park settles down a bit from a frenzied summer. First, you must understand that officials in Yellowstone

Better Late Than Never – Discovering Willard Bay

Willard Bay is a 15.5 square mile diked impoundment that most people notice as they travel along I-15 either coming or going from Idaho to maybe Brigham City or Tremonton. It boasts a state park, great marinas, camping facilities, and other amenities, and I have wanted to explore the fishing opportunities there for a very

Springtime Trout on Big Sand Wash

  Crazy things happen on a full moon. This is a story of two such moons that resulted in some incredible fishing for very nice trout.  The first took place a few years ago on Flaming Gorge, and the second happened last Friday on a little-known reservoir northeast of Duchesne. Since I enjoy bass fishing

“Northerns” in the Night

Late Sunday evening, (during the snowstorm) I took a walk on the Provo River Trail (flashlight in hand) to look for fish coming up the river.  It was dark, cold, and a biting wind cut through several layers of clothing.  I enjoy this time of year near the Provo River; the river isn’t too swift,

Target Walleyes – a Great Tasting Treat

A reader asks: “I remember the days on Utah Lake when we could catch walleyes almost every night in the early spring.  We love to eat walleyes but where can I go nowadays to be sure to have a chance at catching some?  And, is it even worth it to try for walleyes?” First, there

It’s “March” at Lake Powell

A mild winter pushed forward conditions at Lake Powell and the fishery skipped February and moved right into March.  This week’s column is dedicated to sharing the discoveries my good friend, Brent Daybell and I made while spending last Friday and Saturday on the water in the north end of the lake. During “normal” winters,

Learning To Take The Bad With The Good

Fishing School The simple truth (regardless of how you mask it) stings from time to time. Even the best plans go terribly wrong and the outcomes are hard to swallow.  One recent ice fishing adventure resulted in disappointment and frustration which directed me towards a second trip which resulted in a different outcome. From time

Deer Creek Pronounced “Mussel Free”

The big fishing news this week is that Deer Creek Reservoir, a popular  fishery and recreational destination located a mere 20 miles up Provo Canyon, has been declared “mussel free” after three long years of stiff regulations, boat inspections, decontaminations, and other inconveniences meant to the spread of quagga and zebra mussels. Mussel History Many

Rekindle Your Love Of Fishing

This Christmas season my heart is full of thanks to all of you who have willingly shared your photos, stories, and experiences; have asked questions, and have willingly and eagerly read this column each week for the past 18 years.  I am deeply moved each time you stop me in the tackle store, at church,

Lake Trout – Too Many Mouths To Feed

For many anglers, lake trout (mackinaw) is a “bucket list” species that can only be caught in their dreams.  Not that they are particularly difficult to catch, but they are not found in all trout waters and so they must be “targeted.”  Since they are not found universally, anglers must learn where they live, how