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Division proposes 50 white sturgeon (catch-and-release) trials in two reservoirs to diversify fisheries; monitoring planned
Summary
The division proposed introducing 50 white sturgeon (6–12 in.) to Grantsville and Hobs reservoirs under a catch‑and‑release rule as an experiment to diversify fisheries in small reservoirs. Staff plans monitoring, angler self‑reporting and mitigation to prevent escapement; maturation would take decades and harvest will remain closed while monitored.
The division presented a proposal to introduce 50 white sturgeon (stocked at roughly 6–12 inches) into Grantsville Reservoir (Tooele County) and Hobs Reservoir (Davis County) under a catch‑and‑release regulation to test whether the species can provide additional angling opportunity in small reservoirs.
Craig Walker (online) said the stocking is intended to be experimental and limited: "we're stocking them at 6 to 12 in." The division emphasized steps to mitigate escapement risk, that the species reaches sexual maturity late (on the order of decades) and that the department will keep harvest closed while evaluating survival, growth and ecological interactions. Staff plans to rely on traditional reservoir surveys, possible non‑lethal diet sampling (lavage) and angler self‑reports to collect data on growth and diet. The division also said it is preparing an illegal‑movement response plan and would consider pit tags or other marking if helpful.
Why it matters: the proposal tests a novel approach to sustaining angling opportunities in smaller water bodies that are increasingly affected by low water and warming. The species’ long maturation and potential to affect native or recovery species means the division will monitor carefully and avoid introductions where recovery species are present; staff said the chosen reservoirs were selected to reduce those risks.
What happens next: staff will continue to refine monitoring, signage and public education; the board will consider the regulation and the division will report monitoring results to stakeholders.
