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Biologists cite booming Willard Bay fishery, debate stocking strategy and regulation options
Summary
State fisheries biologists reported a surge in Willard Bay catches this year and detailed data showing fast growth but short lifespans in stocked walleye; they proposed alternating stocking strategies and more monitoring rather than immediate slot limits, citing high angler pressure and rapid growth that make conventional size protections less effective.
Taylor, the Provo‑region fisheries biologist, told the Blue Ribbon Fisheries Advisory Council that "Willard was a phenomenal fishery this year," citing years of monitoring and a string of management changes that have reshaped the reservoir's predator‑prey dynamics.
Biologists said the 2014 walleye stocking program and subsequent increases in wiper stocking have produced higher catch rates and faster growth for top predators, but also shorter lifespans. Taylor summarized long‑term year‑class indices showing frequent weak natural recruitment and concluded the fishery currently depends on…
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