UT Lake still producing (fun pics)

Utah Fishing Reports & Discussion Utah Fishing General
1

One could argue that I’m just a creature of habit ‘cuz I haven’t made a report of anywhere but Utah Lake since ice out – it’s not for lack of trying! I haven’t caught a musky at Pineview, the boat broke down while unloading at Willard on a day so windy that even the water skiers had to take shelter in the marina, and Bear Lake… gads… I took some coordinates to look for while pulling my boys around on a tube during the day only to have my fishing time taken up in the evening by sentiment such as “Please God… if I could just make it back to the marina safe and sound and without my boat ending up on the bottom with these 4’ swells…" Literally, the waves were so big that boys were body surfing when I got back to the beach. :astonished:

What can I say, Utah Lake has produced every trip this summer. Mind you, I’ve had to make some modifications as I went along - and hunt for ‘em. I fished UL almost two weeks ago and the conditions have changed since then. (I would have gone sooner, but I have become allergic to the recent high winds. [crazy]) The water was 86 degrees back then, and it was 80 on Friday, also, it sure seemed like the water levels have dropped quite measurably, going from the reeds and my sonar.

I like to fish with two poles to find fish, and that earlier trip I had a hard time getting that second pole in the water, trying to do so lost me fish cuz I lost track of my bobber being drug under and not getting to it in time. (Note to self: this is really stupid fishing, pay attention to your pole.) Besides, I have yet to catch a fish with bait on the bottom this year. It’s all been under a bobber. The trick, for us, has been when and how to set the hook. Too early and the fish wonders why their dinner was jerked out of their mouth, too late and he’ll thank you for it.

The water was levels of two weeks ago based on the reeds.[inline 1-bubble.jpg]

The water had a lot more algae in it a few weeks ago also. The color reminded me of something the kids drink:
[inline 2-KoolAid.jpg]

Speaking of cooling off, my son took advantage of a break in the action to go get a stray bobber that broke off. :sunglasses:

[inline 3-cooloff.jpg]

Funny story, when a line broke at the TOP of the bobber yesterday (after pulling it out of the weeds from trying to toss it too close to them), a fish took the bait under it and drug the bobber away! [sly] So, I here’s a question for the gallery, pretty please. I’m using the plain ole red and white bobbers, and if I do have a break off – the weakness is at the bobber. (I put on new Excalibur Silver thread line this Spring BTW.) Ideas?

(Note to self: if the fishing is hot, don’t leave one cat in the net suspended between your legs UNTIL you break off its sharp barbs.) And while I realize that every image I post might be suspect, [:p] there is no photoshop involved on this one…[pirate]
[inline 4-blood.jpg]

With respect to the dedicated cat chasers that are MUCH better than I, I thought this was a nice fish that was sure fun to bring in. :sunglasses: And, notice how much lower the water is by looking at the reeds.

[inline 5-goodun.jpg]

Yesterday we even caught a few white bass, though none had much size. While my sensitivities are loathe to post a photo such as this, (lest anyone think I have a big ego, or give me criticism that my family is depleting the fish population) – it’s worth posting a good pic showing that it doesn’t take an expert to do well. And the family had some good eats compared to last year and getting skunked so often.[angelic]
[inline 6-load.jpg]

This made me wonder… if catfish were like, say… deer. How would we get them home?? Hmmm….

[inline 8-catcar.jpg]
Now, to those that might ask me if THIS image is real, I have a suggestion: by pouring a complete circle of salt around yourself and your computer you can ensure that no harm befalls you and your pets. If harm, in fact unintentional harm occurs, please add some nutmeg and egg whites and place it in a warm oven for 40 minutes. Whisk briefly and let it stand for 2 hours before icing. Then, call your internet provider and ask them to cancel. The internet might not be a safe place for you to gather information.

And finally:
[inline 7-nuts.jpg]
(Note to self: peanuts and chocolate chips are great treat for ICE fishing. Choose another on summer fishing days that exceed 90 degrees.)

Cheers everyone. :sunglasses:

2

Hey Roger,

Awesom post…couldn’t get the pics to load in the post for me tho. We maed it out as well, see post. I would love to see the pics if i can get em to work.

See you around,

Shawn M

3

I had to edit the post, hopefully they’ll work this time.

4

Thats what I expect from you!!! Thanks for the laughs!!! Those are awesome…keep em coming!!!

Shawn M

5

lol is all i can say great post.

6

:sunglasses:Nice work. Great report and pics…as usual.

“So, I here’s a question for the gallery, pretty please. I’m using the plain ole red and white bobbers, and if I do have a break off – the weakness is at the bobber. (I put on new Excalibur Silver thread line this Spring BTW.) Ideas?”

Most serious cat chasers who fish bobber rigs eventually evolve away from the old red and white bobbers. They are simple, inexpensive and easy to attach. And, they work. But, there is no denying that they take a toll on the line…especially when you are catching lots of feisty kitties and fighting snags.

There are lots of sliding bobbers on the market that allow you to quickly change depths…with little bobber stoppers you install before sliding on the bobber. You can get them in a wide array of designs and colors. A bit pricier but worth it in terms of lost fish and frustration.

7

Roger, looks like you have the catfish catching pretty well mastered. I don’t think that you ever need to worry about taking home a stringer full of catfish or a boat full of white bass from Utah Lake. As large as that lake is and as plentiful as they are I am confident that Utah Lake is the most under utilized fishery in Utah. I am confident that far more fish die from natural causes in Utah Lake than from anglers. Hope we can get into them tomorrow like you did. If I keep this up I won’t be known as the guy who always fishes Strawberry.

8

**Most serious cat chasers who fish bobber rigs eventually evolve away from the old red and white bobbers. **

It’s definitely time I get more serious and evolve. I look at those other types of bobbers at the store and I need to figure out how to us 'em. And I know they’d be useful in other applications.

Conner got one on the line (he’s really got a knack for knowing where to pitch a bobber) and we could tell it was big. He started to reel in and it darted into the reeds. Smart fish. We lost that tugging match with the line breaking at the bobber. I wanted to tip my hat and as you say “well fought thou worthy adversary,” but my first thought was wishing I had a stick of dynamite to throw at the fish. [:p] [sly] It would have been worth a little extra $ to have brought that one in.

Live and learn. Maybe next time we meet I could do some of the latter and get a lesson on “bobberology.” :slight_smile: Then again, perhaps this is your cue to share some link pointing where you’ve already answered this a million times. [;)]

9

:sunglasses:Slip bobbers are very useful in a lot of different situations. I have not put together any TD epistles on the subject but if you fire up your search engines you should be able to find a lot of info on rigging and using slip bobbers.

**The biggest key to properly rigging a slip bobber…besides having a bobber through which the line slides freely…is having a “bobber stop”. This is some sort of small knot or addition to the line that will prevent the bobber from sliding above the desired depth setting. **

For many years I simply carried a spool of cheap cotton sewing thread and made a few wraps around my line and knotted it on. It would slip easily through the guides and was easily adjustable by sliding it up or down the line to change depths. But it was tight enough to hold when a fish pulled the bobber under.

Nowadays there are several manufacturers that make and sell small plastic goodies that you can slip on the line to accomplish the job. The second part of the rigging is to add a small bead with a hole that barely fits over the line and will be stopped by the bobber stop. The bobber in turn is stopped by the bead between it and the bobber stop device.

Here are pictures of popular sliding bobbers and bobber stops.

[inline “SLIP BOBBERS.jpg”]
[inline “GIZMO BOBBER STOPS.jpg”]
[inline “DOGBONE BOBBER STOP.jpg”]
But, you know, for fishing cats in the reeds you really don’t need a sliding bobber. In fact, I usually use an AjustaBubble. It is like a plastic bubble we use for bubble and fly rigs…but elongated…and with a rubber tube core down the middle. You run your line down through the rubber tube, open one end of the plug to add water if desired (for casting weight) and then twist the rubber tube a few times to hold the line securely. You can easily modifiy the depth settings without pinching or nicking the line. I use the large size in chartreuse color…for best visibility under low light conditions.

[inline “AJUSTA BUBBLE.jpg”]

10

Roger, looks like you have the catfish catching pretty well mastered. I am confident that Utah Lake is the most under utilized fishery in Utah. If I keep this up I won’t be known as the guy who always fishes Strawberry.

Thanks for the encouragement, but if I used the word “master” and my abilities in the same sentence I’d have to wash my mouth out with soap. [sly] But with gratitude in my receiving some good mentorship, and some good trips this summer for experience, I’m starting to feel more confident with these particular conditions. However, when the cats move out of the shallows and into some deeper water, I’ll be “back at the drawing board.”

And I agree, for all the long drives some take to fish on other waters - I’m pretty happy with what I’m finding closer to home. [;)]

And speaking to what we are “known for,” our trip together on the ice at the Berry is still my record, 5 fish there. My goal is one o’ those “20 fish days.” I’ve been there a couple times since then - and so far other people’s skill has been no match for my bad luck there!! :laughing: :laughing: 3 fish on open water is the best I’ve done on open water, and anyone WITH me has never caught more than 5. One fellow has pounded his chest and “guaranteed” he can get me more this Fall. We shall see. :sunglasses:

But til then I’ll be found with my 3 buddies, cats at Utah lake, my boys - and my George Foreman grill. :sunglasses:

11

Thanks Pat! I’m definitely going to give them a try. Cuz THIS “student is ready,” and I’m grateful that teachers appear. :slight_smile:

(BTW: That “bubble and fly rig” is just what I was referring to, for future fishing options. The student isn’t quite ready for that lesson though. [;)])