Late summer and fall fishing is some of the best fishing of the entire year. Aquatic biologist Justin Hart said fall is a great time to go out and hit the reservoirs, lakes and streams in the area. The water temperature begins to cool down and the fish become more active and easier to catch. During the summer months and hotter water temperatures the fish will descend to the deeper water where it is cooler and they are harder to catch. During the summer months because the fish aren’t as active they don’t eat as much. Fishing during the spring is often difficult too, due to high water and cloudy water conditions. This fall may be the best in quite some times, because water levels are still elevated more than previous years.
During the fall their appetites pick-up again and anglers have an easier time connecting with the fish. Popular fish baits include power baits, lures, worms and insects including the grasshopper which has a lot of success this time of year as bait. Jake’s spin-a-lure is also popular.
One project the Division of Wildlife Resources has been working on is signing land owners up to allow fishing access on their property. Some land in lower Straight Canyon may be opening soon for fisherman access.
Local waters including Pete’s Hole are stocked every three weeks with catchable rainbows. Tiger trout each summer are stocked one time. The tiger trout are stocked when they are smaller because they generally grow really fast. It is cheaper to stock smaller fish, then they don’t have to be fed for prolonged times at the fish hatchery. Sterile fish typically grow faster.
Hart said the DWR is looking ahead to the treating of Ferron Reservoir with rotenone. The reservoir is being lowered so the treatment will be more effective. The current fish limit at Ferron Reservoir is 16 fish. The treatment will take place on Sept. 22. This treatment will kill the fish in the reservoir so they can be replaced with the native Colorado cutthroat next spring. Some tiger trout may also go back into the reservoir. A triploid rainbow may also be released into the reservoir. This fish is a sterile rainbow. The rotenone released into the water will be in powder form. The tributaries will be treated with liquid rotenone. The chemical breaks down rapidly. It is hoped the restocking can take place by next July 4. The treatment is being planned to get rid of the non-native species in Ferron Reservoir. A fish barrier will be placed somewhere between Ferron Reservoir and Millsite Reservoir so the non-native species will not come out of Millsite and travel to Ferron Reservoir.
Hart reported that more tiger muskie have been planted in Joe’s Valley Reservoir. This is the third year in a row that tigers have been released in the lake. This year 1,200 fingerlings were released.
On this day at Pete’s Hole, Landen Springer and Kailey Springer fished. They were on vacation in the area and bow hunting with their family. DWR personnel Justin Hart and Brent Stettler tried out the fishing as well. Hart fished from shore and also brought out his float tube. Stettler fished from shore with some success.
DWR personnel encourages everyone to get out and enjoy the great fall weather in Emery County and surrounding areas and to try some fall fishing.
Great Fall fishing ahead says DWR
"Landen Springer and Kailey Springer fish at Pete's Hole. "