Emergency fishing closure issued for Panguitch Lake
Apr 10, 2024, 10:52 AM | Updated: Apr 11, 2024, 8:31 am
Due to public safety concerns, DWR has put an emergency fishing closure in place for Panguitch Lake.(Courtesy of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)
(Courtesy of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has issued an emergency fishing closure for Panguitch Lake. The closure was issued following the discovery of a crack in the reservoir dam.
The DWR Director J. Shirley was reported to have enacted an emergency fishing closure for Panguitch Lake to the Utah Fishing Guidebook. The emergency fishing closure is effective April 10. The lake will be closed until further notice due to public safety concerns.
“Public safety is a top priority for us, and we want to deter anglers and others from visiting the area at this time,” Shirley said in a press release.
The DWR said in the press release that people can keep up to date on the crack in the dam and what is happening in that area by visiting the Garfield County website. Information will also be posted to the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
Panguitch Lake is a popular fishing area, boasting lots of “rainbow, brook, cutthroat, and brown trout”.
What’s happened
Workers for the company that manages the dam, West Panguitch Irrigation and Reservoir Company, found cracks in the Panguitch Lake dam during an inspection Monday night. The cracks were about 2 to 5 feet from the top. There was no additional worry about for the rest of the day.
While a partial breach is still possible, state officials say a total dam breach “is not likely or anticipated.”
