Blue Ribbon Council discusses potential no wake zones at Jordanelle Reservoir

The Blue Ribbon Council Meeting held on June 18, 2025, by the Utah Department of Natural Resources focused on various topics related to fishing and recreational activities at Jordanelle Reservoir. The meeting began with discussions on the current fishing conditions and opportunities available at the reservoir, particularly in the Ross Creek area. Attendees highlighted the successful electrofishing surveys that revealed a significant population of rainbow trout and tiger musky, encouraging anglers to take advantage of the fishing season.

The council noted that the main boat ramp at the Halestone area is heavily utilized, often reaching full capacity by mid-morning on weekends. This has led to discussions about the need for additional access points and the potential for establishing more no wake zones to enhance the fishing experience and reduce conflicts between motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Bill Popp, a council member, raised concerns about the impact of wakeboard boats on fishing activities and suggested that a no wake zone could be beneficial in the Rock Creek area, similar to the existing zone at Rock Cliff.

The conversation shifted towards the process of implementing additional no wake zones. It was noted that discussions with state parks have been limited due to management turnover, but the council expressed a commitment to pursue this objective. Members agreed on the importance of collaborating with state parks and gathering data on recreational usage to support their case for establishing no wake zones.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for further discussions and planning to improve the fishing environment at Jordanelle Reservoir. The council aims to engage with state parks and gather community support to advocate for changes that would benefit both anglers and other recreational users. The next steps include organizing meetings with relevant stakeholders and developing talking points to present to state parks.