DWR asking Utah anglers to target three waterbodies, remove specific fish
Mar 7, 2023, 7:30 PM
The Utah Divisioin of Wildlife Resources is asking anglers to help with the removal of specific fish from three waterbodies around the state. One of the waterbodies is Pelican Lake where the DWR is offering rewards for the catch of tagged carp. Photo credit: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is urging anglers to consider three waterbodies in their next fishing trip. And to remove specific fish from those waterbodies.
This request is made in an effort to help other fish species and collect data from tagged fish.
According to a news release from the DWR, fishery managers use data to set stocking rates and fishing regulations. Often times, this data comes through fish that have been tagged. As such, fishermen are asked to contact the DWR when they catch a tagged fish. So, the information can be collected.
The three waterbodies
Utah Lake – Northern pike
The DWR first discovered Northern pike in Utah Lake in 2011. Northern pike are considered to be predatory and can reproduce quickly. As such, DWR biologists are concerned about the effect the fish will have only species found in Utah Lake.
DWR biologists are particularly concerned about June suckers, which is a threatened fish only found in Utah Lake.
If you catch a tagged pike at Utah Lake, the DWR asks that you do the following:
- Call the DWR at 801-960-5220.
- Report the date and exact location where you caught the fish.
- Report the tag number.
- Release the fish unharmed.
Flaming Gorge – Small lake trout
The DWR and the Wyoming Game and Fish are asking anglers to keep any lake trout 25 inches or smaller. This will help to improve the health of the fishery, according to a DWR news release.
The daily limit on lake trout is 12, with only one exceeding 28 inches in both Utah and Wyoming.
Pelican Lake – Carp
The DWR has been working hard to make Pelican Lake a bluegill and bass fishery. The lake has always had carp in it, according to the news release. However, a rapid increase in adult carp made it so predators in the lake could no longer keep up.
As another way to help with the removal of carp from the lake, the DWR has began offering rewards to anglers who turn in carp with reward tags.
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