Fishing holes

Strawberry Reservoir has turned on, as expected, and should remain very good through the fall. It usually gets better as the weather gets colder. The fish aren't fussy--all kinds of lures and baits are working from shore and boat. A rainbow weighing about 20 pounds was caught recently on the Soldier Creek side by a guy fishing a Lil' Jakes lure.

Incidentally, Strawberry Bay Marina and associated properties are up for sale on e-Bay, in the commercial property section. They are asking $5 million, but will consider offers.

Mantua Reservoir offers good fall largemouth bass fishing. It is also pretty good for rainbows, bluegill, and yellow perch. The perch are a problem. They were apparently introduced illegally by "sportsmen."

"The illegal stocking of yellow perch has changed our management direction at the reservoir," said Tom Pettengill, sport fisheries coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. "The perch population is booming and we need to change the regulations to allow anglers to take many more perch." Beginning in 2005, bait fishing will be allowed at the reservoir, the limit on yellow perch will be raised to 50 fish, and anglers will be allowed to keep trout that have had adipose fins clipped off.

High Uinta and Boulder Mountain lakes are fishing well, and there is still time for a trip into the high country. Many of the high lakes contain brook trout, which are aggressive and relatively easy to catch. Brookies put on spawning colors in the fall -- they are very beautiful fish. Be wary of storms, which can dump heavy snow in the high mountains this time of year.

We've also heard good reports about fishing at Jordanelle (both trout and smallmouth), Currant Creek Reservoir, the lakes in the Uintas and on Boulder Mountain, Fish Lake, Lake Powell, Green River, Provo River and Weber River. Fishing will improve on most waters as the weather cools.

Check the DWR's Web site for a comprehensive weekly fishing report: www.wildlife.utah.gov/fishing/weeklyreports.html

Buffalo Roundup

The annual buffalo roundup on Antelope Island will begin October 27 and activities will continue into November. Horsemen will ride the range to access conditions. Buffalo will be herded into corrals where they will be given health evaluations and needed immunizations or treatments.

There is limited opportunity for public participation in some roundup activities. People who don't want to actually participate can observe the animals from a distance. Call 801-773-2941 for more information.