Quail Creek Reservoir Winter Forecast

Quail Creek Reservoir - Hurricane, UT (Washington County)


by Utah Division of Wildlife
11-21-2024
Website

Fishing forecast (December through March): Consult the Utah State Parks website for winter boat ramp hours. Rainbow trout are stocked annually in the fall at Quail Creek Reservoir and provide good to excellent fishing through the winter and spring. Trout are caught from both shore and boat using popular trout techniques. Bait, spinners, flies and trolling all produce fish. Largemouth bass are less active during cold months, but some nice bass can still be caught during the winter. These fish are typically found in deep water (20-40 feet) and generally respond only to slow presentations. Warm, sunny days are best since bass are very sensitive to inclement weather. Bluegill and black crappie are often more active during the winter, so you may find some fair fishing if you can find a school of panfish. Look for bluegill and crappie to be suspended over deeper water, often hanging out near the edge of drop-offs. 

Note: For cold-weather bass fishing, remember that largemouth bass are often found in deep water (20-40 feet) during the winter. Bass brought up from depths over 20 feet often struggle to swim back down because the air bladder overinflates with lessening water pressure at the surface. Some anglers like to "fizz" the fish by inserting a needle in the fish's side and deflating the air bladder. While the fish may swim away, this is highly discouraged because puncturing the air bladder makes it difficult for the fish to regulate its buoyancy until the puncture heals. Also, there is a high chance you may puncture other organs and infections may occur at the wound or internally. A better alternative is to use a descending device or a weighted milk crate tied upside down to a rope to carry the fish back down to the depth where you caught it. 





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Fishing forecast (December through March): Consult the Utah State Parks website for winter boat ramp hours. Winter fishing pressure is light at...... Read More