- Fishing limits are being increased at seven Utah reservoirs starting July 2.
- Water levels are going down due to drought and draining for construction projects.
- Taking more fish has succeeded in upping the survival rate of the remaining fish in the past.
As drought and plans to drain several Utah reservoirs drive down water levels, state wildlife managers issued an emergency change Thursday to increase the daily fishing limit at seven waterbodies.
“With the drought-related low water levels and construction causing other water level decreases, we want anglers to be able to harvest additional fish at these seven waterbodies, so they can be used and not wasted,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources director Riley Peck said in a news release.
“We hope anglers can prioritize fishing at these waterbodies because increased harvest has proven successful for increasing the survival of the remaining fish in many of these fisheries in the past. In particular, Pineview Reservoir may not be boatable by the end of July, which will make fishing there more difficult. For the greatest success, anglers should plan to target Pineview during the July holiday seasons.”
Of the seven reservoirs, three will be drained for maintenance and construction projects, while four are losing water due to ongoing drought conditions.
Here are the waterbodies affected by the emergency order:
Canyon View Park Pond, Utah County: The pond will be drained this summer in order to deepen and dredge it. As a result, the daily fish limit will be increased to no limit for all species of fish. The change will be in effect from July 2 until Oct. 1.
Minersville Reservoir, Beaver County: Water levels are decreasing due to drought. The daily fish limit will be increased to four trout of any size. The reservoir will also be open to spearfishing for all sportfish. The changes will be in effect from July 2 until Oct. 1. Anglers should note that bait is still not allowed.
Otter Creek Reservoir, Piute County: Due to ongoing drought conditions and anticipated water loss, the daily fish limit will be increased to 16 trout (any species) and six wipers. The reservoir will also be open to spearfishing for all sportfish. The changes will be in effect from July 2 until Oct. 1.
Palisade Reservoir, Sanpete County: The reservoir will be drained this summer for dam and maintenance repair. The daily fish limit will be increased to no limit for all species. The change will be in effect from July 2 to Oct. 1.
Pineview Reservoir, Weber County: Water levels at the reservoir will be drawn down this summer during ongoing construction of a new drinking water pipeline for Ogden City. The daily fishing limit will be increased to a combined total of 12 largemouth bass or smallmouth bass, one tiger muskie over 40 inches and no limit for all other species. The change will be in effect from July 2 to Dec. 31.
Red Creek Reservoir, Duchesne County: The reservoir is now being drained for a dam construction project later this year. The daily fish limits will be increased to eight trout (any species). The reservoir will also be open to spearfishing for all sportfish. The changes will be in effect from July 2 until Dec. 31.
Vernon Reservoir, Tooele County: Due to ongoing drought-related water losses and fire-related impacts to the watershed near the reservoir, the daily fish limit will be increased to eight trout (any species). The reservoir will also be open to spearfishing for all sportfish. The changes will be in effect from July 2 until Oct. 1.
