As the July Fourth weekend approaches, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is gearing up for one of the busiest summer fishing seasons.
Officials are telling anglers that streams and rivers are finally over a big runoff period and most should be in good fishable shape for the holiday.
They are also recommending going into high country where the snow is finally subsiding and mountain lakes will produce some good angling where the weather is cooler.
DWR sport fisheries coordinator Randy Oplinger also said that bluegill fishing is good this time of year, especially at the Mantua, Little Montes and Sand Hollow reservoirs.
To find bluegills in shallow water, Oplinger recommends that anglers look for areas with shallow brush and aquatic vegetation. Once an angler finds a spot such as that, thread a worm on a size 8 or size 10 long shank hook, crimp one or two split shot sinkers about 12 inches above the hook, and then attach a bobber about 12 to 18 inches above the split shot. Cast the worm out, and then watch the bobber closely. If it begins to bob, move sideways or go under the water, set the hook.
Bluegill can also easily be caught using a fly or small jig.
Also worth checking out: high mountain lakes in the Uintas; reservoirs at Currant Creek, East Park, Long Park and Barkers; Electric and Spirit lakes; Duck Creek Pond; and lakes on the Beaver , Monroe and Boulder mountains.
Many will be planted with catchable rainbows. For information on Boulder Mountain fishing, visit www.wildlife.utah.gov/pdf/b-mtn.pdf for a free brochure.
For the latest fishing reports, visit www.wildlife.utah.gov/hotspots.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Brown trout are among the fish you can catch in rivers and streams in Utah.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources The Uinta Mountains are a great place to fish for colorful brook trout.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Bluegill spawn several times during the summer. When they spawn, they come close to shore, providing a great fishing opportunity for anglers of all ages.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Mantua Reservoir is a great place to fish for bluegill.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Colorado River cutthroat trout are among the fish you can catch in the Boulder Mountains.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Brook trout are among the fish you can catch in the Uinta Mountains.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Brook trout are among the fish you can catch in high-elevation lakes in Utah.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Cutthroat trout are among the fish you can catch in high-elevation lakes in Utah.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Hundreds of lakes are waiting for you in Utah's mountains.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Brook trout are among the fish you can catch in high-elevations lakes in Utah.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Fishing at a high-elevation lake is a great way to spend time with your family.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Mantua Reservoir is a great place to fish for bluegill.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Mantua Reservoir is a great place to fish for bluegill.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Mantua Reservoir is a great place to fish for bluegill.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Fishing at a high-elevation lake is a great way to spend time with your kids.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources The Boulder Mountains are a great place to catch colorful brook trout.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources The Boulder Mountains are a great place to take your family fishing.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources The Boulder Mountains are a great place to take your family fishing. Young anglers show the big brook trout they caught.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources The Boulder Mountains are a great place to take your family fishing.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Cutthroat trout are among the fish you can catch in the Uinta Mountains.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources The Uinta Mountains are a beautiful place to fish.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Tiger trout are among the fish you can catch in the Uinta Mountains.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Tiger trout are among the fish you can catch in high-elevation lakes in Utah.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources The DWR has stocked golden trout in several lakes in the Uinta Mountains.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Visiting a mountain lake is a great way to escape the heat and catch fish.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Fishing a high-elevation lake is a great way to spend time together as a family.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources The July 4 weekend is a great time to get out and catch rainbow trout.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Colorado River cutthroat trout are among the fish you can catch at high-elevation lakes.
| Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Streams and rivers provide solitude and great fishing.
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