Pineview Reservoir is closed to the taking and possession of tiger muskellunge, or tiger muskie, effective immediately.
All tiger muskie caught by fishermen at Pineview must be released immediately.The emergency amendment to the 1996 Utah Fishing Regulations was made Wednesday by Bob Valentine, director of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
The closure is a result of the unavailability of tiger muskie for stocking. To protect the remaining population of muskie in Pineview, it was closed. The closure will remain until the DWR is able to find a sources for muskie for stocking.
Tiger muskie were first introduced into Pineview Reservoir, to help control the growing number of crappie and perch, more than four years ago. Gillnet results over the past two years indicate the tigers are doing their job.
Because they're not competing as much for food, the size of crappie and perch is increasing. But, while the perch and crappie fishery improves, the predator also has become a coveted trophy. Tiger muskie have lured many anglers to test their wits against what is affectionately called a water wolf.
Tiger muskie are a cross between northern pike and muskel unge. Both are fish eaters.
CRAPPIE - Crappie in Willard Bay have been receiving increased attention from Division of Wildlife Resources biologists.
It has not been a fast spring crappie fishing season over the past couple of years, said Jerry Weichman, Division regional fisheries biologist. Gillnetting efforts show that crappie numbers are down and officials don't know why yet. Fishing has been good, but the fish have been smaller.
After reviewing the data, biologists may consider a new limit for crappie at Willard Bay.
BLUEGILL - Lake Powell bluegill fishing is heating up. The smallmouth and largemouth bass will keep anglers busy most of the day, but the bluegill provide a lot of great fishing action, as well.
There are a lot of bluegill in the lake and they are really underutilized, said Wayne Gustaveson, Lake Powell fisheries biologist for the DWR. "You can have a lot of fun with these fish now, and all summer long. While you search the backs of canyons for bass, throw small jigs in the submerged brush. Both bluegill and crappie are waiting for the action. Look for brush along the shoreline, brush that is submerged." These are places you will find both bluegill and crappie. Bluegill action should last all summer.
CROSSBOW - Hunters whose disabilities have left them incapable of hunting deer with traditional archery equipment will have an opportunity to hunt during archery seasons this year.
The rule change made by the Utah Wildlife Board will allow those with physical disabilities to hunt deer in Utah with crossbows during the 1996 archery deer hunts.