An Angler's Guide To
Fishing The World's Trophy Hot Spots
Fishing The Yuba Reservoir, Utah
Yuba reservoir, Fayette, Utah, USA
In 1984 Ray Johnson recorded three line class yellow perch records here with fish well over 2 pounds each. In 2002 the walleye and perch fishery crashed and the reservoir is now on the mend.
"In past years, Yuba Reservoir has been known as an outstanding fishery for walleye, perch, and trout. Utah State Parks and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) partnered with local fishing organizations including Rocky Mountain Anglers and the Utah B.A.S.S. Federation to take advantage of the emptied reservoir and improve the fishery. Yuba Reservoir has minimal structure to provide good habitat for young developing fish. Its bottom consists of gravel, sand and clay and is relatively smooth. Arrangements were made with the dam construction contractor to make cuts into the reservoir bottom to allow for changes in its slope. Large boulders were also brought in to provide cover for newly developing perch. There are also plans to place artificial Christmas trees along the shoreline to provide even more fish habitat as the reservoir level rises. The past several years of low water levels is also working in our favor as dense patches of tamarisk are coming up along the reservoir bottom. This natural structure will provide excellent protection for developing fish as the water levels rise.
In the fall of 2003, 60,000 two to three inch and 800 seven to eight inch yellow perch were planted in Yuba Reservoir. The larger perch should spawn this spring. This was in addition to another 60,000 two to three inch and 6,000 nine to ten inch rainbow trout that were planted earlier to keep anglers busy while the perch population rebuilds.
DWR has closed Yuba Reservoir to perch fishing while their population rebuilds. It is critical to re-establish the perch since the walleye rely so heavily on them as a food source. Once this population is established, the walleye should have no trouble coming back. Yuba Reservoir was ranked as one of the top five walleye fisheries in the nation five years ago. "We hope to regain that ranking", says Jeff Rasmussen, park manager at Yuba. " Extract in quotes taken from Utah Bureau of Land Management
LandBigFish.com, Utah Fishing Records
UtahOutdoors.com, Spring Walleye at Willard and Yuba By Tom Pettengill
Fishing Guide Home Page, Utah Fishing Guides