03-26-2013, 07:46 PM
RE"If we are all for opening up inlets to fishing during the spring walleye spawn when can we expect the 1/2 dozen or so inlets to Utah Lake to open up, or how about the Swan Creek inlet at Bear Lake for the Cutts? But then again I'm just one of the uneducated walleye fisherman. "
I'm going to stay out of the should they-shouldn't they open it debate, but some comments here may be warranted.
1. The DWR has considered opening up UL tribs to fishing during the walleye spawn. They may yet. However, 2 differences exist between the Willard channel and UL tribs. One was already mentioned, the spawning activities in the tribs can be productive, and the fry survive. Second, unlike a relatively small area in question at Willard that can be relatively easily patrolled and the law enforced, UL tribs include miles of river that would be nearly impossible to patrol by CO's. Enforcement would be a mess.
2. As for Swan creek or Strawberry tribs, these spots are active egg collection stations. The eggs collected "feed" fish into the whole state. You cannot say the same about the inlet.
Now, if the DWR starts dabbling in saugeyes as we keep hearing rumors of, then they will need a source for walleye eggs. Maybe the inlet would work well for that and the comparison would be valid. I bet they would even close it for you at that point too.
Carry on.
[signature]
I'm going to stay out of the should they-shouldn't they open it debate, but some comments here may be warranted.
1. The DWR has considered opening up UL tribs to fishing during the walleye spawn. They may yet. However, 2 differences exist between the Willard channel and UL tribs. One was already mentioned, the spawning activities in the tribs can be productive, and the fry survive. Second, unlike a relatively small area in question at Willard that can be relatively easily patrolled and the law enforced, UL tribs include miles of river that would be nearly impossible to patrol by CO's. Enforcement would be a mess.
2. As for Swan creek or Strawberry tribs, these spots are active egg collection stations. The eggs collected "feed" fish into the whole state. You cannot say the same about the inlet.
Now, if the DWR starts dabbling in saugeyes as we keep hearing rumors of, then they will need a source for walleye eggs. Maybe the inlet would work well for that and the comparison would be valid. I bet they would even close it for you at that point too.
Carry on.
[signature]