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DWR presents Utah Lake catfish and white bass data as council considers lake for Blue Ribbon status
Summary
State fisheries staff showed catch and survey data for Utah Lake channel catfish and white bass, described angling methods and seasonal peaks, and noted a fish‑consumption advisory for catfish while suggesting the lake merits consideration as a Blue Ribbon waterbody.
Division of Wildlife Resources staff presented length‑frequency data, catch rates and angler guidance for channel catfish and white bass in Utah Lake as the Great Salt Lake Blue Ribbon Council reviews the lake as a potential Blue Ribbon waterbody.
Why it matters: Blue Ribbon designation can affect outreach, monitoring and volunteer priorities. DWR staff argued Utah Lake supports a large, fishable population of channel catfish and a sizeable white bass fishery; both support high angler activity and stewardship opportunities.
Chris Crockett, regional aquatic manager in the Springville office, led the Utah Lake presentation and described the lake’s catfish population as substantial and broadly distributed. Crockett and other staff showed length‑frequency data from netting that indicated a large proportion of channel catfish between roughly 15 and 24 inches, with many fish in the "quality" to "memorable" size classes. "When we look at our netting, we've got a huge proportion of fish that are 15 to about 24 inches," Crockett said, and DWR staff told the council that many anglers report average catches in the 7–8‑pound range for fish that are commonly encountered.
Staff described seasonal patterns: spring (mid‑April through May) can be a prime period for pre‑spawn and spawning behavior; anglers also target males during spawning in mid‑summer. Crockett recommended mid‑May through June as a strong window for general angling success. For white bass, staff identified Provo River channels, the Delta and inshore structures as productive springtime locations. DWR staff encouraged reviewers and volunteers to consider both species’ seasonal dynamics when judging Utah Lake for Blue Ribbon status.
Techniques and guidance: presenters walked through common rigs and tactics for catfishing (slip‑sinkers/Carolina rigs, Santee Cooper rigs, trolling rigs, heavy leaders and circle hooks), and discussed common baits — chunked white bass and carp, chicken breast, shrimp, nightcrawlers — that staff said consistently produce fish. Crockett and sport fish staff also described a successful trolling approach and emphasized leaders of heavier mono (e.g., 20‑lb leaders) to reduce lost fish due to abrasion on catfish mouths.
Health advisory: DWR staff noted there is a fish‑consumption advisory on Utah Lake catfish that is targeted mainly at pregnant and nursing women; white bass currently carry no consumption advisory. Crockett encouraged anglers to consult the Utah Fish Advisories page for details before eating lake catfish.
Use and outreach: staff said the lake supports both shore and boat angling and can be especially productive for introducing children and new anglers to fishing because of the consistent action. Crockett offered contact information for anglers seeking current, localized advice: he provided a staff contact that was shared during the meeting ((801) 234‑9639).
What was not decided: the council did not take a formal vote on Utah Lake’s Blue Ribbon status during the meeting. Staff requested reviewers include Utah Lake in their assessments and consider volunteer opportunities and outreach if the lake is ranked for further attention.
Next steps: DWR staff offered to provide more targeted data to council members on request and to host outings for reviewers and volunteers to observe catfish and white bass sampling and angling conditions.
