Autumn is one of the best times for fishing

File photo of brown trout in Utah, Sept. 8, 2017 | Photo courtesy of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, St. George News

ST. GEORGE  Fall is one of the best seasons for fishing, according to Utah wildlife officials. There are fewer crowds and anglers to deal with and the fish are hungry.

“If you want to enjoy great fishing in less-crowded conditions, fall is the time to do it. Recreational boating and fishing pressure drop off dramatically in the fall,” said Randy Oplinger, sport fisheries coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

Fishing from a float tube is a great way to enjoy solitude and catch fish, location unspecified, June 4, 2015 | Photo courtesy of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, St. George News

During autumn the temperature begins to fall, which can be a bonus in Southern Utah following the usual triple-digit summer. Cooler temperatures also make the fish more active and prone to go after bait, Oplinger said on a list of reasons he gave for fall fishing.

“They’re more active, they’re hungrier and more willing to take your lure or bait,” he said.

Fish will also feed aggressively as they sense the gradual approach of winter when the food supply will be scarce.

Fall is also spawning season for many fish, which also promotes aggressive feeding. These fish include brown trout, brook trout, lake trout and splake.

“Because fish are hungry and active,” Oplinger said, “there’s a good chance your favorite fishing technique will work. Pull a nightcrawler along the bottom of the water you’re fishing, dangle a worm a few feet under a bobber or cast and retrieve a lure or fly, every fishing technique has a great chance of working in the fall.”

The lack of the summer crowds can also lend to a sense of peace and quiet for those who like to embrace solitude during their fishing excursions.

Autumn anglers will also be treated to great scenery, Oplinger said.

Young boy casting his line while fishing, location unspecified, July 4, 2007 | Photo courtesy of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, St. George News

“The blazing oranges, reds and other shades of fall provide a backdrop that makes fishing in the fall both rejuvenating and exhilarating.”

According to TakeMeFishing.org, the best time of day to fish during fall is the afternoon to early-evening.

“Considered one of the best fishing times of the year. Sun is directly overhead for several hours and the water gets more comfortable near the surface. This makes for seasonally good fishing because fish are putting on weight for the winter,” according to the website.

Oplinger said Lake Powell is currently a good spot for striped bass and walleye fishing. However, a boat is required to fish the lake effectively.

Fishing conditions for Lake Powell are currently rated as “good,” according to the Utah DWR, which supplies a general, overall report of fishing conditions across the state that can be found here.

For those who’d like to pass on a visit to Lake Powell or an area reservoir and stay closer to home, they can visit one of the DWR’s many community fisheries instead.

The locations of these community fishing ponds can be found here.

Fishing in Utah requires a fishing license and can be bought on the Utah DWR website.

Children under 12 do not require a fishing license.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @MoriKessler

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2018, all rights reserved.

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