By
Water Temp: 45-49 F Striped bass are feeding despite the cold
temperatures. The best fishing remains near Trachyte/White Canyon. While there
are many stripers upstream, from Farleys to Hite, the
water temperature is influenced by cold water running in from the
Slow trolling with deep diving crankbaits is a good way to locate schools of
fish. Once over them, a slow moving white jig (¾ ounce Spro bucktail jig) may
be the best presentation. Good trolling lures include the
For casting, the following lures are great: Lucky Craft flat CB deep divers,
Lucky Craft vibrators and bevy shad, Norman Little N suspend+4, white double
willow 3/8 oz Yamamoto spinner bait. Usually shad colors are best with these
baits but if that doesn't work, immediately go to a reaction color like fire
tiger to wake up sleeping fish. If they aren't hungry it is wise to make them
mad.
The next month will be the best time to catch a big female prespawn walleye.
They start to feed on warm afternoons and will take these lures worked
carefully around brush piles and cover. It is good to bump cover occasionally
but not hard enough to hang up. Just let the fish know food is close. Remember
to frequently pause the bait to give slow fish time to
decide to eat.
All canyons that were good last year still hold fish. Halls Creek, Rock Creek,
Warm Creek and Wahweap are still producing stripers and an occasional walleye.
The fish results in most canyons will be worth the cold boat ride. Fish health
is still questionable with 50% of striped bass thin. Number of fish caught is
high for winter fishing.
Fishing at night with anchovy bait from the pleasant comfort of a houseboat is
very effective at Wahweap and Bullfrog marinas.
If your boat has been used in the lower