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+--- Thread: Boating tips for UL? (/showthread.php?tid=755417)
Boating tips for UL? - jeff788 - 06-22-2012
Now that my daughter's soccer season is over its time for us to get out fishing... looks like were late to the party, but better late than never.
We're planning on going to Utah Lake tomorrow and my dad is bringing his boat. We were going to take the little fishing boat, but he wants to take is big boat: a 26' Bayliner that we normally camp with at Lake Powell. We're experienced boaters, we've just never boated Utah Lake before, so I'm looking for any advice or warnings. We'll probably launch at the state park. I've read warnings about rocks just under the surface near bird island, so we'll probably avoid that area... any other areas to watch out for? How about near the Knolls?
Finally, anybody want to chime in with a recent report? Looks like the cats are doing okay, how about he white bass? Are they still spawning or have they dispersed? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jeff
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Re: [jeff788] Boating tips for UL? - Troll - 06-22-2012
I would hesitate to do UT lake this weekend. Those fires have it pretty smokey out there and you'll probably end up breathing it all day and then washing the boat off of all the ashes all night.
IMHO.
I know it's probably more of a hassel to pull that big of a boat very far, but maybe Yuba or Deer Creek/Jordenelle would be a better choice for this particular weekend.
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Re: [Troll] Boating tips for UL? - fsh4fun05 - 06-22-2012
Plus the wind can be nasty on Utah Lake and it looks like it will be tomorrow. If you do go out be careful.
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Re: [fsh4fun05] Boating tips for UL? - jeff788 - 06-22-2012
Thanks for the heads up. I hadn't looked at the weather for a few days... 22 mph winds... maybe we'll look elsewhere.
I'd still welcome any general boating tips for the lake for next time.
Thanks.
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Re: [jeff788] Boating tips for UL? - Kent - 06-23-2012
Avoiding Bird Island is a wise move if you want to avoid dinging a prop. The Lincoln Beach area also has lots of rocks that one can encounter, especially with a large boat. At the Utah State Park don't go wandering around in the bay that they have created with that second dike (the dike closest to the main lake). If you stick to the north as you head out you will be fine, but if you turn south into that bay you will find lots of shallow water.
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Re: [kentofnsl] Boating tips for UL? - Therapist - 06-23-2012
Bird Island is basically a rectangular shape that is skewed from the north to south, with the long axis west to east. there are arms the extend off each corner of the island, the NW corner is the shortest one and there is a hole about 12 - 15 ft deep off that corner. The SW corner extends about 40- 50 ft. NE is about the same as the SW, but the SE corner is the one that kills you. The SE corner extends out into the lake for almost a quarter mile. It is only 2-3 ft. wide and is usually under water 8-18 inches, so it is a lower unit and prop eater. All of em will take your prop or lower unit, but people not familiar with the island will skirt it to the south and hit that SE arm 200 - 300 yds off the main island. It is also a great fish holding structure !!
Re: [Therapist] Boating tips for UL? - Kent - 06-23-2012
[quote Therapist]
The SE corner extends out into the lake for almost a quarter mile. It is only 2-3 ft. wide and is usually under water 8-18 inches, so it is a lower unit and prop eater. All of em will take your prop or lower unit, but people not familiar with the island will skirt it to the south and hit that SE arm 200 - 300 yds off the main island.
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Yep, I have had the pleasure [:/] of hitting at least two of the arms, and yes I hit the SE arm while I thought I was far enough away from the island that I was in no danger. Fortunately I just experienced minor dings to my prop.
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Re: [kentofnsl] Boating tips for UL? - Therapist - 06-23-2012
I learned the hard way also with my first boat. Was moving at about 50mph, headed to Linclon Beach and thought I would check out the island. Was about 100 yds off it and boom, took about 4 inches off the big motor skeg !! I did a search with my sonar to learn the lay of the land !! Know several others who have done it also. Not a fun experience !!