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Central Region update: Provo River, Deer Creek, Strawberry and Utah Lake showing mixed but promising catches
Summary
Division biologists reported recent sampling and angler reports: lower Provo and Jordanelle are fishing well with infrastructure improvements; Deer Creek has produced large walleye; Strawberry reports strong kokanee, rainbow and cutthroat returns; Utah Lake is noted for catfish and carp fishing and will be monitored for advisories.
Central Region staff briefed the Blue Ribbon council on spring and early‑summer fishing and monitoring results for the Provo River, Jordanelle Reservoir, Deer Creek, Strawberry Reservoir and Utah Lake.
Provo River and Jordanelle: Staff reported that the new boat ramp below Deer Creek (put‑in) has been paved and striped and is available to small craft and rafts, though some users noted pylons at the ramp’s face have limited trailer launches. Biologists said take‑out access at several locations remains largely dirt and would require more extensive investment to upgrade; a planned kiosk installation was delayed by construction at the site and the purchase may be re‑proposed in a future fiscal year. Electrofishing and netting results from the past year show stable trout densities in the river despite high flows; volunteers constructed several engineered habitat structures that will be installed in the fall when water levels are more appropriate.
Deer Creek Reservoir: Biologists reported strong walleye catch rates with several large fish taken in gill nets and by anglers, including fish in the 12‑pound range; managers said large walleyes appear to be feeding heavily on stocked rainbow trout. Staff reminded anglers that the fishery is popular in summer; some large walleye are caught incidentally or by spear anglers during open seasons.
Strawberry Reservoir: Regional staff said kokanee, rainbow and cutthroat fishing has been good in spring and early summer and that gill‑net work found juvenile kokanee indicating recruitment in parts of the reservoir. Creel and curtain netting efforts found juvenile kokanee and some good growth in rainbows and cutthroat. Access and road management remain in flux where road and land transfer discussions are underway with federal and county partners.
Utah Lake: Staff said Utah Lake is currently producing very good catfish fishing and active carp and white bass runs in some shallow arms; recent trap‑netting and sample collections are being analyzed for contaminants and the Division will provide any updated consumption advice once results are in. Staff also noted a year‑long creel survey is planned where funding exists and that several partner organizations are preparing a coordinated management plan that will be presented publicly when finalized.
Members were encouraged to participate in spring and fall sampling events and to coordinate with regional staff to observe survey work; staff also requested volunteer help for upcoming trap‑net and electrofishing sampling.
