This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A report from the UDWR's gill net survey at Otter Creek Reservoir on April 10. The report came from fisheries biologist Michael Hadley. Say hello to big fish. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources conducted a gill net survey at Otter Creek Reservoir on April 10, 2012, in order to monitor the condition of the trout fishery. As always, we found plenty of fat, healthy rainbow trout. The two predominant size groups are 10 to 12 inches and 16 to 18 inches in length. As a bonus, we caught—and were able to release—a 29-inch, 11-pound brown trout. Browns are not very abundant in Otter Creek Reservoir, but they can grow to impressive size when they start feeding on Utah chubs. There is a fair amount of fishing pressure at Otter Creek Reservoir right now because spring is one of the best times of year to fish there. Shore anglers are finding more success than trollers because most of the hungry, active trout are cruising along the shoreline. However, the reservoir is full, so finding a spot to fish from shore can be a little tough with all the flooded brush. A float tube can help you access some of those brushy areas. Look for trolling to get better as the water warms and fish move to deeper water in May. Photos:Division of Wildlife Resources fish biologist Mike Hadley shows off a 29-inch, 11-pound brown trout caught and released during a gill net survey at Otter Creek Reservoir on April 10, 2012.Division of Wildlife Resources fish technician Steven Price (left) and John Spens of Circle Valley Anglers fly shop (right) show off a couple of fat, healthy rainbow trout caught and released during a gill net survey at Otter Creek Reservoir on April 10, 2012.