White Bass are Red Hot! by S.Clegg

For those without access to a boat, the fishing can still be great.  My trip on the LOWER PROVO today turned up dozens of the slimy little beauties.  I recommend heading west on Provo center street all the way to the Utah Lake State Park.  Just before you would enter the gate, hang to the right and follow the road back northeast.  There are 3 or 4 parking areas from there until you hit housing developments.  The spot seen in the photo has been providing the most action for me.

Walk through the gate here and start casting.  From here down as far as you go, there are schools of white bass grouping up in pockets of calm water.  No need to cast until you spot fish.  If they aren’t biting, usually they have been harassed, so just skip that spot and move downstream.  They will take a variety of jigs and spinners.  Those that worked best for me are the old Blue Fox spinner size 1 silver, and a watermelon or grey jig with an orange or yellow head.  If you cast ten times and don’t have a hit, you are likely in the wrong spot. 

Often, these windows of such fast action don’t last long, so if you have time, you will want to get there as soon as you can.  There was very little pressure considering the quality of fishing, but that may not last either.  I started fishing about 5:30 and in 2 hours had caught over 40 fish conservatively.  Most are 7-9 inches but pack a great fight and make a great meal as well.   

There isn’t a limit, but keep only what you will eat.  Each fish produces probably just 2-3 ounces of meat.  Filet them down either side of the spine from the top of the fish rather than directly down the side like you would a trout.  The majority of the meat is located on the “shoulders” of the fish.  If after both sides are filleted, you should be able to see through the fish if you are doing it right.

The water flow changes every day, so you will need to look for pools of slow moving clear water near the mainstream rapids.  There are several other inlet options to Utah Lake that have offered similar results, but most yield congestion or require a boat.  This is a great option, is kid friendly, and offers benches, jogging trails, and lots of access to the river without getting your feet wet.  All you need is some 6 Lb test line, some 3 inch jigs, and a couple spinners and don’t forget the stringer if you enjoy bass.