Catching White Bass at Utah Lake – In Depth Guide


Picture of Utah Lake

Utah Lake is one of the best and few places in Utah where you can catch white bass. They are a fun fish to catch for all anglers and are perfect for kids and beginners. They can also make some great tacos and can be used as great beat for other fish. But many anglers that are new to the area or that are just starting out, are not sure where to go and how to catch them. This article will tell you everything you need to know about catching white bass at Utah Lake.

White bass at Utah Lake

White bass were first introduced in 1967 and is one of the most common fish in Utah Lake. An averaged size white bass at Utah Lake is around 10-11 inches and the average weight is a little less than half a pound. Most white bass that are caught are often 2-4 years old. These fish can be found at high density here, which can contribute to a stunted population at times.

When do white bass spawn at Utah Lake?

White bass start actively spawning in the month of May or when the water temperature reaches 62 degrees. During the spawn white bass become aggressive feeders, presenting favorable fishing opportunities for all anglers.

Is there a white bass limit at Utah Lake?

There is no limit for the amount of white bass you can keep at Utah Lake. You can keep as many as you would like or can eat. Anglers often use white bass as bait for other species. But remember to only keep what will use.

When is the best time to go white bass fishing at Utah Lake?

White bass can be caught year-round at Utah Lake, but you will have more success some months than others. The best time to target white bass is April through June, with May being your best month. Ice fishing anglers also have a lot of success white bass fishing under the ice in January and February

When are white bass most active at Utah Lake?

You will find that white bass will be most active in the early mornings and at dusk, but these fish can be caught all day with a little persistence and patience. The key is to keep mixing things up and trying new areas until you can locate some fish. One you catch one they are always other fish around to be caught.

What are the best white bass fishing baits and lures?

White bass are known for being a fairly easy fish to catch and this is especially true at Utah Lake. My favorite way to catch these fish is with a small curly tailed jig but there are many ways anglers have success catching these fish. Here is a list of the most popular and effective lures and baits for catching white bass at Utah Lake:

Curly tailed jigs

  • Jig Size: 1/16-1/8 ounce seems to works best
  • Plastic Trailers: 1.5 to 3inch. White bass aren’t very big so it’s important to have a small bait profile.
  • Colors: White, chartreuse, black, silver and pink

Technique: Mix up the speed of your retrieval by adding hops and jerks.

Tip: Try adding a small amount of bait to your jig hook. Red worms, wax worms and white bass meat are all great choices.

Inline spinners

  • Spinner Size: 1/16 to 1/14 ounce
  • Best Colors: White, chartreuse, gold, black, silver, yellow and rainbow.
  • Best Brands: Mepps, Rooster Tail, Blue fox, Panther Martin.

Technique: Vary your retrieval speed and mix it up by adding hops and jerks.

Small crankbaits and spoons

  • Spoon and Crankbait Size: 1/16 to 1/14 ounce or 2-4 inches long
  • Best Colors: Gold, silver, rainbow, perch, white and chartreuse.
  • Best Brands: Rapala, Jakes minnow, Acme, Blue Fox.

Technique: Vary your retrieval speed and mix it up by adding hops and jerks.

Tubes and marabou jigs

  • Jig Size: 1/16-1/8 ounce seems to works best
  • Plastic Trailers: 1.5 to 3inch. White bass aren’t very big so it’s important to have a small bait profile.
  • Colors: White, chartreuse, black, silver and pink

Technique: Mix up the speed of your retrieval by adding hops and jerks.

Tip: Try adding a small amount of bait to your jig hook. Red worms, wax worms and white bass meat are all great choices.

Flies

Minnow imitating streamers (1-3 inches)

  • Colors: White, chartreuse, black, gray, flies with sparkle and flash are the best
  • Best Flies: Clouser minnow, wooly bugger, sparkle minnow.

Technique: Vary your retrieval speed and mix it up by adding hops and jerks.

Bait

Best Baits: Red worms, night crawlers, wax worms and thin white bass meat.

Common Techniques:  Worm and bobber, tipping your jig with some bait or a light weight jig head with a casting bubble is also effective.

Tip: A worm and a bobber is super effective especially for kids.

Where are the best places to catch white bass at Utah Lake?

Utah Lake provides many great opportunities for anglers targeting white bass from the shoreline as well as in a tube or a boat. Like any fish white bass can be found at different spots depending on the season. Your best bet regardless of the time of year is going to be your river inlets and boat harbors. Here are some of the best fishing spots for white bass at Utah Lake:

Best White Bass Fishing Spots at Utah Lake

  • The Knolls
  • Utah Lake State Park (Provo Harbor)
  • Jordan River Outflow and Pump house
  • Lincoln Beach
  • Benjamin Slough
  • American Fork Boat Harbor
  • American Fork River
  • Lindon Boat Harbor
  • Lincoln Point and L- shaped harbor and springs
  • Saratoga Springs Marina
  • Hobble Creek (On good water years)
  • Jordan River through Utah and Salt Lake County
  • Bird Island
  • Spanish Fork River
  • Battle Creek

White bass activity by season

Understanding the white bass seasonal activity is critical in locating and catching these fish. The following information will help you as you target white bass in the different seasons:

Winter

December to February – White bass will be congregated into groups in the harbors especially around warmer springs. You can have success ice fishing all winter long. White bass can also be found in rivers and springs feeding into the lake. For some more tips about catching white bass in the winter check out this video by Don Allphin

Where to fish: Boat harbors near structure, warms springs and rivers.

Pre-Spawn

March to April – White bass will begin to move to spawning areas such as rocky/sandy shorelines, tributary mouths, and rock lined jetties. They will be more scattered and fishing can be a little slower at times.

Where to fish: Shorelines in the boat harbors and near structure.

Spawn

April to June – White bass fishing really turns on when the water temperatures reaches 62 degrees. This is when the fishing gets red hot and if you are looking in the right place you can find white bass stacked up in the mouths of tributaries, rivers and harbors along rocky jetties.

Where to fish: Inlets such as the Provo River, Battle Creek, Spanish Fork River, American Fork River etc. Lincoln beach and the boat harbors are also productive spots.

Post Spawn

June to December – After the spawn the white bass will start to disperse. This typically starts happening sometime and June. The fishing tends to get a little tougher this time of year but anglers can still have some good success.

This is when your presentation and technique become really important. Since the bass aren’t stacked up as much and will be found in smaller groups, it’s important to always be moving around and trying new spots.

Where to fish: Further upstream in the rivers or in the boat harbors near structure.

Conclusion

Utah Lake offers some excellent white bass fishing opportunities. We hope this information will be helpful to you as you try and target this species at Utah Lake. See you out on the water.

Tight Lines!

Aaron Warner

Aaron Warner is an avid angler with over 15 years of experience. He has participated and won fishing tournaments all over the country and enjoys fishing for bass, trout, walleye and other species.

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