Fishing report: Anglers are moving to the mountains for summer fishing

Temperatures are getting hot, so the big move for fishermen is to the mountains ... campgrounds, lakes, streams, hiking and biking trails. And, of course, fishing.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to fishing at this time of the year. Being warmer, it takes more effort to catch fish. On the other hand, there are more fish (this is the peak of the planting season) and conditions are more pleasant. Utah will plant more than a million pounds of fish this year.

At this time of the year, fly fishermen start throwing dry flies for rivers and streams. During the day, fish will be holding in the deeper pools and holes.

For lakes, timing is everything for summertime success.

With warmer water temperatures, fish move into the shallows mornings and evenings, the back into deeper waters in the afternoons. Best fishing, then, is mornings and evenings when the fish are feeding and within casting range.

Those trolling on lakes will need to go deep. Shore fishermen should look for spots were the shoreline drops away in order to reach cooler water levels.

Lakes at the higher elevations are open. Those most accessible will be getting fish on a regular basis.

Following is the latest report from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources:

EAST CANYON: Trout fishing has slowed down, but fishing is still very good for smallmouth bass on the east side of the reservoir using tube jigs.

MANTUA: Fishing was good with the best success in the evening. Anglers are catching bass, bluegill, perch and trout. Look for good fishing at Mantua reservoir for the rest of the summer and into the fall. Try tube jigs, Rapalas and buzzbaits for bass. For bluegill and perch use a worm and bobber. Trout have been taking PowerBait

PINEVIEW: Fishing continues to be hot for bass, muskies and panfish, although many perch caught are reported to be on the small side.

ROCKPORT: The inlet is still producing good fishing for anglers using PowerBait and worms. The dam is a good place to catch smallmouth bass using tube jigs.

STRAWBERRY: Anglers report fair to good fishing success from shoreline, tubes and boats by using various techniques and baits. Best fishing is in the early morning.

FLAMING GORGE: Fishing has been good for small lake trout on most areas of the reservoir. Fish are in traditional areas on underwater humps and points. Trolling in 60 feet of water over the old river channel has been working well. Use downriggers to troll spoons and minnow plugs a few feet off the bottom. Good colors for spoons and plugs include chartreuse, orange and white. Kokanee fishing has picked up. Fish at depths from 40 to 50 feet using downriggers or lead core line. Use traditional kokanee gear like needlefish, Wedding Rings, Triple Teasers or any other small lure with erratic action. Rainbow fishing continues to be good to excellent on most of the reservoir. If fishing from a boat try trolling spoons or Rapalas with downriggers or try long lining with at least 100 feet of line behind boat. Most colors of spoons and minnow lures will work but go with lures in the 1- to 2-inch size. For burbot, try fishing with jigs late in the afternoon, early morning or at night on points coming into reservoir. These fish move deep, so adjust your location accordingly. Smallmouth fishing has improved but has yet to peak. Bass are moving to beds and should start spawning soon.

MOON LAKE: Reports of fair to good fishing for several species. The lake contains a variety of trout and kokanee.

PELICAN LAKE: Good fishing for bass and bluegills. Some fish still in the reeds while others are beginning to move to deeper waters.

RED FLEET: Good fishing for rainbows with an occasional brown trout. Bass and bluegill fishing has also warmed up with spawners moving into the shallows.

STARVATION: Fair to excellent fishing for yellow perch, walleye and bass. Perch schooling in the submerged vegetation in the backs of the bays.