Utah Anglers … You Have A Choice!
by Don Allphin
Last Wednesday I traveled to Manti to do some work for a real estate client of mine. Though I had my “emergency” fishing kit in my vehicle, I didn’t have time to stop and cast a lure. What struck me as I drove, however, was the enormity of fishing opportunities that exist almost anywhere you go in this great state of ours.
Turning south on Highway 89 I began noticing a sprinkling of anglers taking advantage of the crystal clear waters of Thistle Creek. One particular pair (a man and a woman) looked as if they were preparing to duck under some willows to find better access to a secret spot. The stream looked inviting and my eyes scoured the river bottoms in search of other anglers enjoying the day.
Once past Birdseye, I decided that only a tiny handful of folks were fishing Thistle Creek, a stream that winds for miles and miles very near the road, and is full of trout generally very eager to take a fly or a lure. I silently wondered if anglers in Utah truly understand what a great thing it is be able to fish on un-pressured waters for the caliber of trout only found in hatcheries in other states.
I write about Utah Lake, Deer Creek, Strawberry, Scofield and Jordanelle on a regular basis. But to think those reservoirs are the sum and total of the fishing available close to home is short-sighted at best. Scores of streams excluding the Provo and Weber Rivers (which like the aforementioned reservoirs are very well known) produce fish in great numbers and provide a treasure chest of fishing opportunities for those who wish to step outside of the box.
One such gem is a section of the Strawberry River that meanders through the Strawberry Valley between Daniel’s Summit and the visitors Center just off of Highway 40. This stream (catch and release only), is full of cutthroat trout, and provides miles of fishing opportunities. It opened for fishing on July 8th this year, and is just one of many streams that beckon Utah anglers to choose to visit them for a day or two each season.
Don’t be afraid to choose a different path this summer. Take several dry flies, a small spinner or two, bug spray, and some hiking boots, and explore the many streams of water that move through our canyons. Some might be small and shallow while others will have large, deep, inviting holes. Be sure to take along a proclamation and be aware that small stream fishing can be addicting.
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