It's time to get out and catch those fish in the shallows

This is the time of year when temperatures are starting to rise, and with them the chances of hooking a fish.

After a long, cold winter, fish are as anxious as fishermen for the soothing comfort of the sun's rays, albeit through reflections in the water.

It's a recognized fact that some of the hottest fishing occurs right on the tail of "ice off."

As the ice recedes, it exposes the water to the sun. And since these areas are typically in the shallows, they warm faster than deeper water.

As a result, fish tend to move into the shallows and are therefore within range of a good cast from shore, as opposed to later in the summer when they are out in deeper waters.

This, too, is a period of time when the large rainbow and cutthroat are in closer to shore looking for places to spawn.

"As water temperatures start to warm, fish become more and more active and a lot more vulnerable," said Tom Pettengill, sports fisheries coordinator for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

"Shore fishermen have a much better opportunity to catch bigger fish than in late May and into June when the fish pull out into deeper water."

This, too, is a time when the bugs start to move about and fall into the shallows.

Some of the current hot spots, said Pettengill, include Yuba, East Canyon, Scofield and Strawberry.

"They're catching some nice rainbow at Yuba. The reservoir was drained two years ago and the hope is to get the perch and walleye back. In the meantime, we planted rainbow and they've done well. They're pulling 3- and 4-pound rainbow out of the reservoir," said Pettengill. The best fishing has been from boats, but shore fishermen are catching some fish.

A recent gillnet survey showed a large number of the 3- and 4-pound rainbow. Fishing pressure in recent weeks has been light. All perch caught must be released.

East Canyon is an excellent choice for fishermen right after ice-off. Here again, the fish are in close to shore, which makes it an ideal time for shore fishermen.

Some of the best fishing has been with green Power Bait fished off the bottom. Also, trollers are using pop gear, worms and needlefish. Fly fishermen have been doing well with Woolly Buggers in black, brown or olive colors.