Too many rules hamper fishing fun
By Bob Bahlmann
3-12-08

It’s been a long wet winter, but recent warmer temperatures have given outdoor enthusiasts hope that the end is in sight. Anglers are thinking about putting away the ice fishing gear and getting ready for some real fishing.
According to the 2008 Fishing Guidebook some great fishing opportunities are to be had this year, but anglers will need to watch out for a few snags.
Utah recently became one of 10 states to sign up with the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. The RBFF is a non-profit organization established to increase participation in recreational angling and boating. Fishing license sales have dropped off in recent years, and the DWR is looking for ways to reverse that trend.
As is often the case, the best solution may be the simplest: simplify.
One of the complaints about Utah fishing is that the regulations are too complicated. Many would-be anglers aren’t willing to risk a citation for seemingly obscure regulation variations.
The 2008 guidebook has about 10 pages of general regulations and 17 pages that list waters with special regulations, which appears to show more exceptions to the rules than rules.
About 200 bodies of water have special fishing or boating regulations. These complicated rules are especially daunting to youngsters and occasional anglers. A fishing trip doesn’t seem worth the effort of digging out a guidebook and trying to figure out just what’s permitted where. Remember the old acronym KISS, “keep it simple sweetie.”
On the brighter side, here are some great opportunities this season:
Scofield Reservoir should be an early hotspot this year. Early spring, especially right after ice-off should provide some of the best fishing Scofield has had in years. Tiger trout and rainbows in the 20-inch range should be plentiful.
Otter Creek anglers can expect to find rainbows weighing up to two pounds throughout the year. Bait fishing is good in the spring and fall. Trolling works well in the warmer months when the fish move into deeper water. As a possible bonus, there are no size restrictions on bass at Otter Creek.
Yuba Reservoir is offering some good ice fishing for perch around 12 inches. After ice-off northern pike up to three feet long will be cruising the shallows looking for small perch. Lures that imitate young perch, fished close to shore, could hook you up with one of these toothy fish.
Walleyes in the 16 to 18 inch range are also found in Yuba in good numbers and perch are on the upswing, providing fast action that kids always enjoy.
Smallmouth bass fishermen might consider a trip to the Green River. Apparently these scrappy fighters are moving into the world famous trout waters and threatening the fishery. There is no limit on smallmouth bass in the Green.
Those interested in underwater spearfishing can now take a regular bag limit of fish in waters where spearfishing is permitted.