Several thousand fish died in the lower Provo River on July 31st, as a result of a combination of factors. Low water flow, warm water temperatures, low dissolved oxygen levels in the water, and possibly other factors were apparently to blame. Dead brown trout, white fish, sculpin and suckers were observed along a two mile stretch of the lower Provo River below 1300 West.
Trout require cold water. As the water warms, the fish become more and more stressed. As the summer progresses, algae flourishes in this nutrient rich water. The algae produces excess amounts of oxygen during daylight hours then uses it up during the night. This combination of warm water, algae and dissolved oxygen fluctuation put the fish in a weakened condition. Any additional stress factors that occur at this point often result in their death.Water and fish samples were collected and an assessment was made of the extent of the kill. Follow-up testing of the amount of oxygen in the river on Monday afternoon revealed well above sufficient dissolved oxygen levels of 11 parts per million. Algae gives off oxygen during the day, but consumes oxygen at night. Consequently, by 5 a.m. Tuesday morning, dissolved oxygen had slipped to 3.4 ppm.
Fish losses were estimated at 1500 brown trout (ranging in
size from a few inches to 20 inches), 500 white fish, and several thousand sculpin. No carp were observed in the 2-mile stretch.
BOARD MEETING - The Utah Wildlife Board met today in a public hearing on in Price to address the issues of cougar and forbearer harvest and management in Utah. Input from the public is requested by the Board prior to adoption of 1994-95 cougar and forbearer rules and proclamations. The Wildlife Board and Board of Big Game Control met jointly at the Geary Theatre to discuss common management concerns and goals.
NEW SPORT FISHING CHIEF - Thomas Pettengill, a 19-year veteran with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, has been named to head the agency's sport fishing program.
Pettengill has extensive in managing Utah's sport fish programs. He was a biologist at Lake Powell, a project leader at Flaming Gorge and the Green River and northern region fisheries manager in Ogden.
While at the Green River, Pettengill was responsible for management changes that lead to the river's designation as a world class trophy trout fishery. He was also responsible for the spectacular return of Willard Bay as a quality fishery.
FLY FISHING CLINIC - The Heber Ranger District and Jan's Mountain Outfitters of Park City will sponsor two fly fishing demonstrations at Strawberry Reservoir. They will be held at the Strawberry Bay Amphitheater on Aug. 12 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 3 at 10 a.m.
Topics for each demonstration will include casting and jigging techniques, fly-tying, selecting the right fly, and effective catch and release techniques. Some equipment is available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own. For additional information, contact the Strawberry Visitor Center, (801)548-2321.
TRAIL GRANTS - Recreational opportunities for Utah residents and visitors to the state continue to increase, thanks to matching state grant programs and federal grant programs administered through the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation.
Fifty nine non-motorized trail projects, requesting $1.8 million in matching monies, were recently reviewed by the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation and Utah Recreational Trails Advisory Council. After receiving recommendations from the division and trails council, the Utah Board of Parks and Recreation has awarded the $550,000 available in state general funds to 18 of the projects.
"We're excited about the overwhelming response for matching fiscal assistance we received this year," said John Knudson, state trails coordinator with the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation. "The number of projects seeking assistance indicates a commitment by agencies to build a much needed infra-structure of non-motorized trails for Utah residents and visitors."
The 18 projects to receive matching assistance are located in nine counties throughout Utah.
If additional funds become available for a nineteenth project located at Arches National Park.
Also, 30 off-highway vehicle (OHV) grant projects, requesting $329,702 in matching monies, were reviewed in 1994 by the Utah OHV Advisory Council. After receiving recommendations from the advisory council and the DPR, the board has awarded the $256,701 available in state funds to 27 of the projects
BIG, BIG PIKE - There was some excitement this past week on the fishing scene. A Colorado angler trolling in the main channel near Hite Marina dredged up a northern pike out of 60 feet of water. The pike 42 inches long, 17 inches around the middle and weighed 20 pounds, 8 ounces. This is the largest northern ever caught in Lake Powell but not as big as the Utah State record, which weighed 22 pounds and was caught in Sevier Bridge reservoir in central Utah.
Fishing has slowed to a stand still. Bass are deep, between 15-30 feet and not very aggressive. Fishermen should try the isolated rock slides in the main channel or the shade pockets and cracks in the steep cliffs. That pattern is often good for a few bass in the heat of summer.
When the bass come up to food they are often chasing shad or sunfish in open water and spend a lot of time suspended at mid-depth where they are hard to locate.