Best known for its state parks, incredible ski-ing, scenic hiking and mountain biking, Utah is quickly becoming known for trophy tiger muskies. There are not many places where you can target muskies at elevations over a mile above sea level!
Utah offers 14 lakes with hybrids, ranging from high alpine lakes surrounded by pine trees and forest, to high desert lakes surrounded by massive cliffs, red rock and scrub oak. Pineview, Joe’s Valley, Newton, Johnson Valley and Cottonwood are a few of our tiger fisheries sustaining catchable numbers of quality fish. Among these lakes are two I will highlight as your best shot for a trophy.
Pineview Reservoir
At 5,000 feet of elevation, this 2,874-acre reservoir in northern Utah is the premier tiger fishery. Hybrids were introduced to Pineview in 1989 to control panfish populations and their popularity among anglers quickly caught on. Over the last 20 years, Pineview has produced more giant tigers than nearly any destination in the country, with many growing to the 50-inch mark and several megas in the 52-inch class.
Not only does Pineview pump out giants, there is opportunity to get into some real numbers due to consistent stocking of 20,000 to 30,000 fingerlings per year thanks to collaboration between Muskies Inc. Chapter 65 and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
Pineview’s hybrids exhibit incredible growth rates. From fingerling to full maturity they often grow to 24 inches in length during their first two years, 30 inches the third year, and add four inches or more every year after that. Fish that grow insanely fast tend to die young, at about 10 to 12 years, and this is the case in Pineview. Currently the average tiger is 37 to 40 inches long with some mid 40s in the mix in addition to the true giants.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
What can Current Do For You?
WATER FLOW IN LAKES IS SUBTLE AND OFTEN OVERLOOKED. BUT MUSKIES USE IT, SO WHY SHOULDN’T YOU?
Mountain State Muskies In Spring
CATCH MUSKIES DURING TIMES WHEN NOTHING IS PREDICTABLE
Winter Presentations For Southern Rivers
Winter has arrived, yet in the South it’s still mild enough to keep fishing with the exception of maybe a week or two of an Arctic front.
Tune Up For The Season Ahead
Have you started making your plans for the upcoming fishing year?
Rob Manthei
Guide Rob Manthei’s love for the Vilas/Oneida County region of northern Wisconsin is deeply rooted. His father and grandfather started taking him there on fishing trips when he was just two years old, and he began guiding full-time at the age of 25.
Find The Right Structure In Deep, Clear Water
With breathtaking scenery, vast amounts of water, and complex and diverse structure, clear water Canadian Shield lakes offer some of the most sought-after musky fishing in the world. A bucket-list destination for the passionate and determined angler, there’s something truly special about being in the sanctuary of the great Canadian Shield lakes.
Multi-Species Or Bay Boat ... You Make The Choice
Is there really such a thing as a perfect musky boat? There are so many variables to choose from in the market today. Do I want a casting or trolling boat? Aluminum or fiberglass? Welded or riveted? Do I want a tiller, side console, dual console, or full windshield?
Region To Region
Region To Region
Genetic Study Yields Answers
STUDY SUGGESTS LEECH STRAIN IS NOT THE ‘SILVER BULLET’ FOR WISCONSIN MUSKY WATERS
Crawling Crankbaits To Catch Cold Water Muskies
Crankbaits catch plenty of muskies during spring, summer and fall, but the key to catching ’skies in the very early cold water season on these lures involves some special tricks.
