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+--- Thread: Bear River(Cutler)Depth? (/showthread.php?tid=811999)
Bear River(Cutler)Depth? - raghorn4 - 04-11-2013
What is the average depth of the bear(Cutler) between the bridge by Newton & the dam? Horsepower is 35 or less and wakeless south of the bridge, right?
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Re: [raghorn4] Bear River(Cutler)Depth? - CoyoteSpinner - 04-11-2013
easy answer is "it varies".
If I read you right - sounds like you're referring to the Cache Junction bridge at the northern end of Cutler. From there to the dam - you'll probably find around 8ft depth in the middle of the channel.
It does get shallower in various places, but once you get up to the steeper canyon walls it gets deeper and deeper as you get up toward the dam itself. Don't recall exactly, but I think it's on order of 30 ft depth, though there's an orange barrier that keeps you away from the dam itself.
folks do take ski boats up there. Bit too narrow to pass at wakeless speed, but they don't care about that...
Be warned though - there are various hazards, old pylons, submerged rocks. Just adds to the adventure.
Don't think there's a HP limit at that end.
I believe it's everything south of the wooden trestle bridge by the Benson launch that has the speed/power limit. So pretty much from Benson to the Valley View and anything south of Valley View, what they call the Maze (for good reason!). There's some Pacificorp signs near the sportsman's access points that covers the A-B-C zones.
Maybe I'll try to snap a photo of the sign and post it.
Now at the Benson launch there is no speed limit, or proximity laws in place whatsoever. Or if you ever find yourself out there with a crew of jet-skies, it'll seem to be that way!
You got me googling, so I just answered a question that's been on the brain - 1927 is when they built the dam.
[url "http://www.bridgerlandaudubon.org/wetlandsmaze/history.html"]Cutler History[/url]
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Re: [CoyoteSpinner] Bear River(Cutler)Depth? - raghorn4 - 04-12-2013
Thanks. I was up there last week fishing with my family north of benson church. No luck, had a good time though.
My son caught a couch HA-HA, thought he had a giant cat!
So the "Maze" has the HP/Wakeless restrictions. Benson Marina or the RR bridge South to roughly Mendon Rd (600 South)
Is the HP 25 or less?
[crazy]Why have a HP restriction if its wakeless speed. That seems dumb.
I have a 35hp MM. I should be good anywhere north of benson or down river to the dam area right?
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Re: [raghorn4] Bear River(Cutler)Depth? - SkunkedAgain - 04-12-2013
I'd confirm Yotes info and yes you should be fine north of Benson motor wise.. However, there are some tricky channels and shallow areas between Benson and Cache Jnct so if you try to take that trip be ware of shallow areas... From Cache J down has shallow areas as well, but there are deep areas if you get in the correct area... It is a fun area, not the highest numbers fish wise, but fun to try and some good cats and eyes show up once in a while... Yote and I have been discussing a flotilla down Cutler Canyon in a couple weeks... Keep your eyes open for a post announcing it. Last years trip was a lot of fun meeting fellow BFT'ers and seeing some new areas that are a little off the popular track... Catch ya later J
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Re: [SkunkedAgain] Bear River(Cutler)Depth? - raghorn4 - 04-12-2013
That sounds fun[cool] Always better to go with someone else who knows the water and a couple of boats.
I think if something happened down there and you were alone they wouldnt find you till you got "pooped" out the dam[
] HA-HA.Duck hunted the "Maze" with a friends brothers boat. Launched in the dark/fog, came back in the dark. Never knew were I was[:/]. But the hunting was good.[cool]
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Re: [raghorn4] Bear River(Cutler)Depth? - SkunkedAgain - 04-12-2013
Yup it's a long ways into these spots if ya have to walk out it could be a challenge, but its doable just not fun. But it's also nice to get away from the power squadron. I haven't heard back from Yote, but I was thinking early Mayish. Later J
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Re: [raghorn4] Bear River(Cutler)Depth? - CoyoteSpinner - 04-12-2013
You are right about that. Nice to work the buddy system if you're getting deep into the nooks and crannies. GPS is pretty handy in the Maze too.
But given enough time - you can get to recognize each and every weed, reed, log, and jam - and know them by name (ok, so I'm full of it!) But - I have done a lot of pre-trip "scouting from the sky" - Google maps/Earth, Mapquest. Though adding elements like Fog and Dark shed a whole new light on disorientation!
There is something of a trail marked through parts of the maze that can help guide you through the main channel. But no doubt - lots of spots get real shallow, and muddy shallow water doesn't lend well to seeing hazards, or reading bottom features.
Then there's the Wicked Wind of the west (and the east, north and south). Always prefer a wind at my back blowing my HOME to harbor. On the river - I also prefer to run upstream, so if something happens, at least the current will work with me.
I'll be heading out from Benson this afternoon for some Kitty action (ok, Kitty chasing at least). Expect Bamaboy will be out too - though I forgot to grab my flag...
This map (from that same site) includes a few POIs that might be of interest. [inline "Cutler recmap-3.gif"]
Re: [raghorn4] Bear River(Cutler)Depth? - BagABigOne - 04-12-2013
The deepest hole I've marked above the Cache Junction bridge was 34 ft with a lot of 15 to 20 ft deep holes scattered about. It takes a lot of exploring and knowing what to look for. Then there are the acres and acres of 2 ft of water and 4 ft of mud flats. Need the the motor in the shallow drive setting to get through it.
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Re: [CoyoteSpinner] Bear River(Cutler)Depth? - SkunkedAgain - 04-12-2013
What time ya going and from which launch? If I get my taxes done, I might run out... Later J
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Re: [SkunkedAgain] Bear River(Cutler)Depth? - CoyoteSpinner - 04-12-2013
Aiming to be at the Benson launch by 4. From there direction and location become secret! (teehee), but I'll have my phone.
Re: [CoyoteSpinner] Bear River(Cutler)Depth? - SkunkedAgain - 04-12-2013
Tax appointment is at 4:00 I'll give a call when I get back. Later J
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Re: [SkunkedAgain] Bear River(Cutler)Depth? - Capt.Nereus - 04-13-2013
Why don't you just call him,and work out all the little details between the two of you?
Did you get a refund or do you have to pay?
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Re: [Capt.Nereus] Bear River(Cutler)Depth? - SkunkedAgain - 04-13-2013
I did call him, and no refund, I get to pay more. Sorry it bothered you that we cluttered the post. Later J
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Re: [CoyoteSpinner] Bear River(Cutler)Depth? - setthehook - 04-16-2013
dont mean to revive an old post but i was looking at the utah boating laws and restrictions.
R651----205----17. Cutler Reserv 17. Cutler Reserv 17. Cutler Reservoir...
The use of motors whose manufactured listed horsepower is more than 35 horsepower is
prohibited and a vessel may not be operated at a speed greater than wakeless speed at any time
in the area south of the Benson Railroad Bridge. A vessel may not be operated at a speed greater
than wakeless speed from the last Saturday in September through March 31st in the Bear River,
east of the confluence with the reservoir.
So am i understanding that you cannot put any boat with more the 35hp anywhere on cutler res? That would be great in the summer! pretty sure you need a little more then that to get a skier up!
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Re: [setthehook] Bear River(Cutler)Depth? - raghorn4 - 04-16-2013
So this means I can go anywhere on cutler & Bear river at wakeless speed (35hp mudmotor) including the "Maze" area? I can run full speed down river(Lake) from benson RR bridge to the dam all year. But can only run up river at the confluence at wakeless speed from september to the end of march.
Is this the most currant rules (2012) for cutler? or are there more on top of these from PacificCorp.
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Re: [setthehook] Bear River(Cutler)Depth? - SkunkedAgain - 04-17-2013
I hadn't ever seen that river restriction before. That looks like the fall to spring season is wake less speed, but the summer is open for the skiers to do what they want. I have seen signs about the south area speed restrictions, but never on the river before. I don't think they enforce that, it's a really stupid regulation and should be done away with. I think that is part of UP&L dictating stupid policy per their selfish desires. Sad part is when the state goes along with foolishness, makes ya wonder who took who to lunch.
Cutler is one spot where the power squadron typically isn't a problem since there is so much area to spread out they want glass as much as we do as fishermen so unless you're close to the launch you're usually okay. That river restriction will make fall access much slower if we want to fish river holes, I hope they fix that. Later J
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Re: [raghorn4] Bear River(Cutler)Depth? - CoyoteSpinner - 04-17-2013
Far as I know - it's the wooden trestle bridge south - the maze.
Hadn't noticed the river restriction, BUT - there's shore on both sides of that river, and by that standard 150 ft from shore is considered "proximity" on any water, so . . . what does that mean. I don't know that my wee tug at 10HP can even "MAKE" a wake. Though Barney would probably ticket me, then cite me for not having insurance.
But - I don't think there's any enforcement. THAT's the problem. Kinda like Porcupine is wakeless. Need to explain that to the ski-boats that insist anyway.
I know Barney has ideas about what is a wake, and pretty much- if your motor makes bubbles or noise - you MUST be going too fast!
I've had run-ins up towards the dam. TOO narrow for ANYONE to pass at full speed. Doesn't stop them. Sorry- if I can cast INTO their boat - they're too close! I've hidden behind the islands to break the wake. Bozos!
Plus taking off from Benson to have a group of kids circling around me on Jetskis - what fun. 'Bout ready to bring the big weighted treble! Must be some of the Newton mentality overflowing...
Glad you got your taxes done J. Wrapped mine up and submitted in time. Maybe I should buy a new boat with the return - THAT would piss off the old lady (again!).
Capt N, yeah - we should probably take it to PMs, but on the other hand - opens up the invite if anyone else wanted to join in. You always have the choice - to click, or not to click... [blush]
Re: [CoyoteSpinner] Bear River(Cutler)Depth? - raghorn4 - 04-17-2013
AAAHHH![crazy]
Sorry a little frustrated with this whole cutler thing. I'am just a duckboat owner & fisherman looking to expand my boating season with my duckboat. I've been a boat owner for 25+ years, from float-tubes to ski-boats. I do know the rules, Just not here.
So who is this Barney guy? and if that just a fictional name for him where do I find "Andy Taylor"? So I can get the real skinny on the rules.
Maybe I will just fish from shore, like always up at cutler.[frown]
If you round a corner this summer and see a white haired man, in his late fortys, shaped like a pear with legs & banktangling, have pity.[
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Re: [raghorn4] Bear River(Cutler)Depth? - watchthis1 - 04-17-2013
If you go to cutler there are great big signs that have all the rules posted With drawings. you will not be frustrated if you go read the signs. There is a sign at Cache junction, Benson and Valley view.
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Re: [raghorn4] Bear River(Cutler)Depth? - CoyoteSpinner - 04-17-2013
sorry, just a rant, not a real reply to you, forgive me.
When your run a flat bottom boat, and get swamped by chuckling idiots at a lake like Newton, you'll understand where I'm coming from. Bamaboy can tell you about having a toddler on board, and about getting sunk. Some folks seem to seriously enjoy that.
A place like Cutler - I enjoy for the the peace, tranquility, bird-sanctuary (and big fat catfish!).
The Maze area, and south of Valley View is really more of a Canoe/Kayaker's dream, and should remain more tranquil (until the wind whips up the whitecaps!).
Barney is a "nickname" for one of the "officers of THE LAW" down at Mantua. They own that town, they own that lake, they own all the nationally famous speed-traps through Sardine canyon. I had a run-in my VERY first out with a new boat last year. Yeah - still a bit bitter. Never mind me.
There's a LOT to explore along the Bear River/Cutler marsh, and on down to the Bird Refuge down towards Corrine. Lots of birders get out there for pellet-flinging adventures, too - during those seasons.
Used to catch NOTHING but mudcats out there, but started to discover the Channels, Bass, Crappie, even tapped into Walleye. There's also a few flavors of trout you might run into. And then there's all the carp.
When you add it up - the Bear River, Logan River, Blacksmith Fork, Spring Creak, Cub River - lots of waters dumping into that same body, then flowing on out through Cutler dam. so yeah- it's a mix up.
There's a number of spots for shore access, but tell ya - to really appreciate the marsh - ya gotta get out and float, get lost and enjoy. Fun to get together with others, enjoyable to get lost in the solitude.
Always welcome to join up for a venture. If it EVER warms up - I hope to drag the boat to work, and duck out for some afternoon/sunset outings as we move into summer. Should be some fun tugs ahead!
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