Good morning folks, Artificial Lure here bringing you your May 4th, 2025 fishing report for Salt Lake City and the surrounding valleys.

We’ve got a classic early May morning on hand. The weather today is holding steady in the mid-50s at sunrise, climbing to the low 70s by afternoon, and there’s just a whisper of wind out of the south. Skies are mostly clear, so expect to soak up plenty of sunshine. Sunrise hit at 6:21 am and sunset will roll in at 8:27 pm, so there’s ample daylight to get after it.

Tides aren’t a factor in our local freshwater spots, but fish activity is on the rise as water temps warm and the recent rainbows are still lively. The city ponds and community fisheries have been well-stocked over the last month, with Sandy Community Fishery seeing a fresh batch of over 500 rainbow trout stocked mid-April. Most have been in the 9 to 10-inch range, perfect for both family fun and the fry pan. Similar story over at Pole Canyon Park Pond, with almost 500 rainbows put in just a few weeks back. These recent stockings mean bite windows are strong in the early morning and the last two hours before sunset, especially on cooler, bright days like today[1].

For those heading out, the best action has come on classic angler staples: PowerBait in yellow or chartreuse, nightcrawlers under a bobber, and small in-line spinners in silver or rainbow patterns. If you’re a fly angler, try drifting a small beadhead nymph or a black woolly bugger. Fish are cruising near the surface early, dropping a bit deeper as the sun climbs, so adjust your rigs accordingly. For the spin crowd, a 1/16 oz jig with a white or pink soft plastic tail has produced steady catches.

The hot spots for today are the Sandy Community Fishery and Pole Canyon Park Pond for rainbows. Both ponds have been producing limits and are easy-access for folks of all ages. If you want a change of pace, look to the Jordan River for some active carp and the occasional smallmouth, especially now that airgun archery for carp has been approved statewide this year — but check the new 2025 regulations if you’re thinking of trying that method[5].

All in all, fishing is heating up right along with the weather. Get out early for your best shot at a quick limit. Tight lines and see you on the water!

Artificial Lure here with your May 3rd fishing report for Salt Lake City and the surrounding area.

Today’s weather is typical for early May along the Wasatch Front – mild mornings with highs expected in the upper 60s, partly cloudy skies, and a light breeze picking up after lunch. Sunrise hit at 6:21 a.m., with sunset coming at 8:23 p.m. No tidal influence on our freshwater spots, so you can focus on timing your trip with the weather and fish activity cycles.

Recent fish stocking reports for Salt Lake County show a steady planting of rainbow trout in several community fisheries. In the past month, Sandy Community Fishery received multiple batches of rainbows, each averaging about 9.5 inches. These freshly stocked fish are active and make for great catches right now. Anglers at local ponds and reservoirs have reported good numbers of rainbows on stringers, mostly in the 9 to 12-inch range. A few brown trout and cutthroat sightings have also come in from nearby streams, though numbers are lower than the freshly stocked rainbows.

Best baits right now are nightcrawlers, PowerBait in bright colors, and salmon eggs. For lures, small spinners like Panther Martins and Rooster Tails are producing well, and gold or silver spoons are a solid bet for trout. Fly anglers are having success with woolly buggers and beadhead nymphs, especially in early mornings and late evenings.

For hotspots, the Sandy Community Fishery is a sure bet with all those recent rainbows. Another productive option is Pole Canyon Park Pond, which was stocked just a couple weeks ago. Both these spots are accessible and family-friendly. If you’re looking for more of a wild setting, Little Dell Reservoir east of town offers a chance at larger cutthroat and tiger trout, though artificial lures and flies are required there.

Fish activity is best right now in the morning and just before sundown. Watch for surface rises on calm water and adjust your tactics accordingly. Folks putting in the time have been able to catch limits in a couple of hours at the community ponds.

New fishing regulations are in effect for 2025. Be sure you’re up to speed, especially if you’re interested in spearfishing or setline fishing, as some rules have changed statewide. Otherwise, it’s shaping up to be a great spring weekend to wet a line in Salt Lake County.

Tight lines, and see you out on the water.

ANGLER'S REPORT: SALT LAKE CITY WATERS - MAY 2, 2025

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Friday morning fishing update for the Salt Lake area. It's a beautiful spring day in Utah with temperatures expected to hit the mid-70s by afternoon - perfect for getting out on the water!

Sunrise was at 6:22 AM with sunset coming at 8:23 PM, giving us plenty of daylight hours to cast those lines. Water temperatures are steadily climbing into the mid-50s in most local waters, which has really activated the fish.

The Sandy Community Fishery has been absolutely on fire lately! The DWR stocked it heavily throughout March and April, with the latest addition being some trophy rainbows on April 16th - including some 17-inchers that'll put up a serious fight. Those bigger fish are still in there, folks! Several anglers reported success with small Mepps spinners in gold and silver, while others are doing well with PowerBait in chartreuse or rainbow colors.

Over at Fairmont Park, they've stocked plenty of rainbows running about 9-10 inches. These smaller fish are perfect for beginners or if you've got the kids along. Try some small Panther Martin spinners or worms under a bobber.

For those willing to venture a bit further out, Salt Creek Reservoir in Juab County received a nice stocking of nearly 500 rainbows in mid-April, averaging almost 12 inches. That's worth the drive!

The ice is completely gone at Bear Lake, and water temps are slowly climbing above the mid-30s. The cutthroat and lake trout are becoming more active as the water warms. If you're heading up that way, try trolling with pop gear and a worm.

For you spearfishing enthusiasts, good news! The new 2025 regulations now allow 24-hour spearfishing with artificial lights when targeting Utah chub. Also, remember that setline regulations have changed - you're down to 8 hooks per line now instead of 15.

Hot spots for this weekend: I'd hit Sandy Community Fishery early in the morning with some PowerBait or small spinners, then maybe head over to Rockport Reservoir where they just installed the courtesy docks at both the main and PWC ramps last month. The smallmouth bass should be moving into the shallows as they prepare to spawn.

Water levels across the region are looking good for May - Bear Lake is at 90% capacity, and most reservoirs are in good shape after our decent snowpack.

That's the word from the water today, folks. This is Artificial Lure signing off - tight lines and see you on the water!

Good morning anglers this is Artificial Lure bringing you your local Salt Lake City fishing report for April 30 2025

The weather today is starting cool in the lower 40s climbing into the mid 60s by the afternoon with a light breeze and mostly clear skies Its shaping up to be a perfect spring day for casting a line Sunrise was at 623 am and sunset will be at 825 pm giving you a long window to hit the water

There are no tides to worry about in the Salt Lake area but if youre hitting any of the reservoirs or community ponds water levels are stable and clarity is good after a couple dry days Water temps are on the rise hitting the mid 50s which means fish activity is picking up

The local fisheries have been well stocked this spring Recent DWR reports show Sandy Community Fishery and other Salt Lake community ponds were stocked with rainbow trout throughout March and April with several loads of fish including a batch of larger rainbows over a pound just two weeks ago If youre after trout you should see some healthy catches with plenty of action especially in the mornings and late afternoons when the bite is hottest[1]

Trout have been hitting well on small spinners like Panther Martins and Rooster Tails as well as PowerBait rainbow garlic and classic nightcrawlers For fly anglers try drifting a woolly bugger or a small beadhead nymph under an indicator The fish have been aggressive right after sunrise and again as the sun drops in the evening

For those looking to branch out a bit warmwater species like bass and crappie are starting to get more active in the shallows of places like Jordanelle and Utah Lake White bass are moving up too and some nice fish have been caught on small white jigs and curly tail grubs especially in the upper reaches of the rivers feeding into Utah Lake[5]

If youre looking for hot spots stick to Sandy Community Fishery for consistent rainbow trout action right now It was stocked with over two thousand rainbows in the past month and fishing pressure is moderate so theres plenty to go around Midvale City Park Pond and Willow Pond are also good bets with frequent stocking making for steady fishing[1]

To sum it up trout action is great right now especially in the community fisheries with bass and panfish starting to turn on in the bigger lakes Spinners spoons PowerBait and nightcrawlers are your best bets today For a quieter experience try the local ponds around sunrise or just before sunset

Tight lines and dont forget to snap some photos of your catch Artificial Lure signing off

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure coming to you with your Monday, April 21st, 2025 fishing report for Salt Lake City, Utah and the surrounding waters.

The sun rose today at 6:44 AM and will set around 8:15 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to hit your favorite spots. While we’re landlocked here in Salt Lake, tidal reports aren’t a concern, so just focus on the weather and water conditions today. It’s a cool spring morning, temps starting in the 40s, warming up to a pleasant mid-60s in the afternoon, with a light southwesterly breeze and partly cloudy skies. That should keep the fish active through mid-morning and then again as the sun starts to dip.

Fish activity has been strong in the area ponds and reservoirs, with Rainbow Trout leading the catches. The most commonly caught species lately are Rainbows, but you’ll also find Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, and some Bluegill and Largemouth Bass in the lower elevation ponds. Anglers at Willow Pond and Stonebridge Golf Club Pond have reported steady action on Rainbows this past week, especially using PowerBait in chartreuse or garlic, and with small spinners like the Panther Martin or Rooster Tail in silver and gold. Jordan River has seen some decent Catfish too, mostly on nightcrawlers and chicken liver in the deeper holes[1].

If you’re looking to get out of town, Twin Lakes Reservoir up Big Cottonwood Canyon has been a real treat. Bonneville Cutthroat are biting, especially for those throwing small jigs or casting inline spinners near the inlets. The hike in is beautiful and the fish are healthy, fattened up from a steady supply of baitfish[2].

Some other hot spots include the Provo River, where fly anglers are doing well on midges and small nymphs in the morning, and Willard Bay for Wiper and Walleye if you're after something with more fight[2].

Best baits today across town: PowerBait for stocked trout, nightcrawlers for everything from Bluegill to Catfish, and try a slow-retrieved spinner in the shallows once the sun hits the water. For those going after Bass, soft plastics in a green pumpkin or dark color have picked up a few decent fish at the local ponds.

In summary, Rainbow Trout are biting well all around Salt Lake City, especially at Willow Pond and Stonebridge. For an adventure, Twin Lakes is worth the trip for Cutthroat. Stay mobile, fish the transitions, and you’ll find success. Tight lines out there!

Artificial Lure here with your Salt Lake City fishing report for Sunday, April 20, 2025.

We’ve had classic spring weather rolling through the Wasatch Front, with mild mornings and temps warming up quickly by midday. For today, expect partly cloudy skies, light breezes, and highs in the low 60s. Sunrise hit at 6:44 AM with sunset coming at 8:14 PM. While we don’t have tidal data in this landlocked region, the weather pattern should make for comfortable, productive fishing in the valley and up in the canyons.

The rivers around Salt Lake City, particularly the Middle Provo, are turning on as midges and blue-winged olives are hatching throughout the day. Flows have bumped up on the Middle Provo to around 307 CFS which can throw the fish off a bit at first, but the action usually gets hot again once both the fish and insects adjust. Watch for afternoon olive hatches and go with size 18-20 Comparaduns or No Seeums in grey or olive. Earlier in the day, black and grey zebra midges in size 22-26 or the Mother Shucker pattern are killing it. Nymphing before and after hatches is still highly effective, especially if you use Jeongs patterns in black or brown. On cooler, cloudy days (like today), expect especially strong surface activity in the afternoon. If you’re fishing the seams and riffles, you’re in for a treat as rainbows are starting to show their spawning colors, so watch where you step and avoid disturbing any redds[3][4][5].

For the stillwaters, the Sandy Community Fishery has been stocked consistently in April, with three recent plants of rainbow trout ranging from 9.5 to over 17 inches just within the past two weeks. On April 16, 175 rainbows averaging nearly 16 inches plus a few bruisers over 17 inches were added, making it a great option for those looking for easy bank access and plenty of fish[1][2]. These fresh stockers are eager to bite on PowerBait in chartreuse or rainbow colors, nightcrawlers fished just off the bottom, and small Panther Martin or Rooster Tail spinners. Fly anglers should use small woolly buggers and egg patterns.

Top hotspots today include the Middle Provo River, especially near River Road Bridge, and the Sandy Community Fishery for easy access and action. For families or new anglers, the Sandy Community Fishery is hard to beat. For a more technical challenge, hit the Middle Provo and bring your midge and olive patterns.

To wrap up, fishing right now around Salt Lake City is excellent with steady stockings and strong river activity thanks to spring insect hatches. Whether you like tossing hardware, soaking bait, or matching the hatch with flies, you’ll find success this weekend. Tight lines from Artificial Lure, and remember to tread carefully to protect spawning trout.

Artificial Lure here with your Salt Lake City area fishing report for today, April 19, 2025.

Let’s start with the weather. It’s a crisp spring morning with temperatures kicking off in the 40s, expected to climb towards the low 60s by midday. Skies look mostly clear with light winds, making it a comfortable day for casting. Sunrise was at 6:47 AM and sunset will be around 8:08 PM, so you have plenty of daylight to get after it. Since there are no tidal waters in the Salt Lake Valley proper, you don’t need to worry about tides impacting your bite.

Water around local ponds and rivers is a bit chilly but warming, which has fish active, especially during the warmer hours of late morning and early afternoon. The past week saw good reports from several urban ponds and mountain reservoirs. Anglers on the Jordan River have landed steady numbers of carp and some nice catfish. At Willow Pond and Stonebridge Golf Club Pond, folks have pulled in rainbow trout and some bluegill, with kids having success on powerbait and nightcrawlers.

If you want to cast farther afield, Twin Lakes Reservoir up in the Cottonwood Canyons remains a solid choice. It’s stocked with healthy Bonneville cutthroat trout and some rainbow trout, and the fish are hungry with the recent warming trend. Most were caught on small spinners, Panther Martin or Rooster Tails in gold or silver, as well as traditional worms and salmon eggs beneath a bobber. The action picks up just after the sun hits the water and again as evening settles in.

In terms of bait, trout are hitting well on powerbait, worms, and salmon eggs. Artificial lures like small spinners and spoons are working great, especially in clear water. For bass and panfish, try small jigs or curly-tail grubs. Carp in the rivers are best targeted with dough balls or corn.

Hot spots to try today include Willow Pond in Murray, which has plenty of bank access and is fishing well for trout, and the Jordan River near 9000 South, especially for those looking to hook into catfish or carp. For a classic Utah mountain experience, head up to Twin Lakes Reservoir for stunning views and a shot at cutthroat trout.

That’s the scoop for today. Good luck, tight lines, and enjoy this perfect spring weather on the water.

Good morning, anglers! Here's your April 14, 2025, Salt Lake City-area fishing report.

The sunrise today is at 6:50 AM, and sunset will be at 8:01 PM, offering ample time to hit the waters. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to mid-60s, and partly cloudy skies—excellent conditions for fishing. Tidal changes aren’t a factor for inland fishing here, so focus on reservoir levels and river flows.

Fish activity is solid, especially with trout spawning behavior in full swing. The Provo River remains a hotspot, with the Middle Provo experiencing flows around 307 CFS, which has stabilized fish movements after a recent bump. Both the Middle and Lower Provo are seeing midge and Blue Winged Olive (BWO) hatches. Use midge nymphs (#18-#26) and BWO emergers (#18-#22) for success. Swinging soft hackles in slower waters has also proven effective.

For stillwaters, Jordanelle and Deer Creek reservoirs are wide open and offer excellent opportunities for rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. Streamers, balanced leeches, and chironomids are working well. Sugarhouse Park Pond and Sandy Community Fishery in Salt Lake County continue to produce good catches of stocked rainbow trout, with worms, dough baits, and spinners being reliable choices.

Recent stocking reports show rainbow trout added to several local waters, including Kidney Pond (149 fish) and Sandy Community Fishery (500 fish), both in late March. These locations are great for beginners and families.

Key lures for Utah fishing include white curly-tail grubs with jig heads, gold-and-black Panther Martin spinners, and silver Blue Fox spinners. Nightcrawlers and PowerBait remain top bait choices, particularly for rainbow trout. When targeting reservoirs with deeper waters, try Kastmaster spoons in silver or gold.

Highlighted hotspots:
1. **Middle Provo River**: High fish density with trout responding to midges and BWOs. Fish near deeper pools and structure.
2. **Sugarhouse Park Pond**: Convenient and family-friendly, stocked with rainbows. Ideal for shore fishing with bait or spinners.
3. **Jordanelle Reservoir**: A favorite for trout and kokanee. Boat and shoreline fishing are productive now.

With these tips, you're all set for a successful day on the water. Tight lines!

Today, April 12, 2025, offers exciting opportunities for anglers in the Salt Lake City area. The weather is pleasant with mostly clear skies and temperatures expected to rise to around 63°F with light winds. Sunrise occurred at 6:58 AM, and sunset will be at 8:00 PM, providing plenty of daylight for fishing adventures.

Recent reports highlight excellent fishing conditions on the Middle and Lower Provo Rivers. The Middle Provo River is currently running at 307 CFS. Despite a recent increase in flow, midges and Blue Winged Olive (BWO) mayflies remain active. Dry fly enthusiasts can target trout during the midge hatch around noon or the BWO hatch starting at 1 PM. Effective patterns include zebra midges in black (size #18-22), olive Comparaduns, and No Seeums (size #18-20). For nymphing, try sow bugs, Baetis nymphs, or attractor patterns. The Lower Provo River, flowing at 116 CFS, also offers great action with similar hatches and techniques being successful.

If you prefer stillwater fishing, nearby Sandy Community Fishery and Cove Pond are well-stocked. Recently, Cove Pond in Salt Lake received hundreds of brown and rainbow trout, while Sandy Community Fishery was stocked with over 1,500 rainbow trout in late March. Trout in these waters are actively feeding, and anglers have reported success using PowerBait, nightcrawlers, or spinners like Panther Martins and Kastmasters in silver or gold.

For reservoir fishing, Jordanelle and Deer Creek reservoirs are ice-free and productive. Streamers, balanced leeches, and chironomids are moving fish. On calmer days, try fishing near structures like drop-offs and aquatic vegetation with slow retrieves.

A couple of hot spots to explore today include:
1. **Middle Provo River**: Focus on the stretches below Jordanelle Dam for nymphing in deeper pools and dry fly fishing during active hatches.
2. **Sandy Community Fishery**: Ideal for a family-friendly outing, stocked with abundant rainbow trout.

Recommended baits and lures for the day include:
- Nightcrawlers and PowerBait for stillwaters.
- Zebra midges and small Blue Winged Olive patterns for rivers.
- Curly tail grubs and Kastmaster spoons for versatility across waters.

Take advantage of today’s beautiful weather and the lively trout activity. Always check water flows and ensure careful wading to avoid disturbing spawning areas. Tight lines!

The fishing scene around Salt Lake City today, April 11, 2025, promises a fine day for anglers with clear skies and mild spring temperatures. The weather forecast indicates highs in the mid-60s Fahrenheit, perfect for a day by the water. Sunrise today was at 6:50 AM, and sunset will be at 8:06 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours to cast your line.

Fish activity is expected to be moderate to high in the morning and late afternoon, aligning well with the prime fishing times around dawn and dusk. Local favorites like rainbow trout, brown trout, bass, and catfish have been actively biting in recent days, with reports of good catches at several spots. Anglers have landed some impressive trout in the Provo River and bass at Willard Bay Reservoir.

Some hot spots to consider today include the Middle Provo River and Willard Bay Reservoir. The Provo River offers excellent access and is known for its dense trout population, with up to 3,000 fish per mile in the Middle section. Willard Bay Reservoir, on the other hand, is teeming with walleye, crappie, bluegill, and the crowd favorite, hybrid striped bass (wiper), making it a great destination for family fishing.

In terms of lures and bait, your best bets include spoons like Jake's Spin-A-Lure or Kastmaster for trout, and curly-tailed grubs paired with jig heads for bass and panfish. For a classic approach, try nightcrawlers, which work remarkably well for almost all species in Utah's waters. At Willard Bay, shrimp or chicken breast can be excellent bait for channel catfish.

Closer to Salt Lake City, Big Cottonwood Creek and Sugarhouse Park Pond are also worth a visit. Big Cottonwood Creek offers a quieter experience with trout readily going after dry flies or spinners. Meanwhile, Sugarhouse Park Pond, a popular family spot, has been stocked recently with rainbow trout and catfish.

Be sure to visit Fish Tech Outfitters or Miff's Custom Tackle if you need to restock your supplies—they’re local experts with a great selection of gear tailored to Utah’s fishing conditions.

Wherever you choose to fish today, tight lines and happy angling! Don't forget to enjoy the stunning scenery Utah has to offer.