By Author John Olsen
Bass has become a big part of Northern Utah and Idaho fishing in the last ten years. When I was a kid, trout was the preferred fish to target for most fishermen, but as more and more dams and rivers get taken over by smallmouth and largemouth.
I've enjoyed fly fishing since I was a kid, but at that time, trout was the fly fisherman's query, but if you're only fly fishing trout, you're missing out on an enjoyable challenge.
In northern Utah, there are many dams and rivers where bass can be found and where fly fishing is a blast. Hyrum in summer can be fun fly fishing. You want to target structures in shallow areas where bass sit and wait to ambush their prey. Find weed beds and hard structures when attacking from a boat on Hyrum. The east end in summer holds some
excellent largemouth. The north end between the docks and swimming area can be great for boats and those on foot. In calm, clear water on warm summer mornings, you can't go wrong with a frog popper fly, or other small popper flies can work as well. Larger streamers will work as well. The colors can vary, but on bright days go with more brilliant colors like white, pink, or brighter blues. On dark, overcast days, your darker greens and darker blues will work. If you are looking for a real challenge a Mouse Pattern is the way to go.
These tactics work well on Newton, Cutler, Mantue, Willard Bay, and other bodies of water holding bass both in Utah and Southern Idaho.
Southern Idaho holds many small dams full of bass. Oneida reservoir and the Oneida narrows, for example, contain a lot of smallmouth bass. You can throw a small popper for an extra challenge to attract bigger bass. For smallmouth on the Reservoir, I have found great success throwing a white leach pattern or, on overcast days, a green or brown leach pattern.
The Oneida Narrows can be tricky. The water levels can fluctuate all day, and if you're not paying attention, you can get swept away. It's often choked with weeds, so be prepared to clean your fly carefully. On the river, a bright Woolybugger is excellent for the small mouth, and you can also try bright color leaches. On the river, the crazier the color, the better for the smallmouth. Later in summer, a large Hopper pattern will work great for the smallmouth.
Another fish you can target on these and many others in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho is Bluegill and some perch. The perch will need a sinking line and a small leech pattern. Also, you can throw a mealworm pattern or grub pattern. Green or brown colors work well.
For Bluegill, you want a small misquote or ant pattern, or any of your small may fly patterns with big white wings will get you the action you're looking for with Bluegill.
The river can be fly-fished from shore, and the dams can be fly-fished from a boat, shore, float tube, or kayak.
Make sure to check on regulations for all bodies of water for seasons and limits.
My favorite Cajun bass/bluegill/perch recipe
Ingredients:
¼ Cup Buffalo Wild Wings medium sauce (hot if you want)
1 Cup Buttermilk
Up To a Dozen Fillets
10 oz. Cajun Fish Fry Seasoning Mix
Peanut Oil
Salt
Combine Buffalo sauce and Buttermilk; place fillets in a bowl with mixture, then place in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but more time is better if you can leave overnight.
Heat oil to 375 in a pan, coat fillets with Cajun seasoning, and fry in oil until golden brown.
Place fillets on the paper town to soak up extra oil. Salt lightly and serve with Fries!
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