Willard Bay, a freshwater reservoir in northern Utah, serves as a significant aquatic resource. Created in 1964 by separating it from the Great Salt Lake with an earthen dike, this man-made impoundment provides water for irrigation and offers recreational opportunities. Its bowl-like shape, flat bottom, and surrounding dike create a distinct aquatic environment that supports a thriving fishery. These characteristics make Willard Bay a compelling destination for anglers seeking diverse warm-water species.
Key Fish Species
Willard Bay is home to several fish species that attract anglers. Walleye (Sander vitreus) are a prized catch, identifiable by their olive-green bodies, yellow sides, and prominent dorsal fins. These fish possess exceptional vision in low-light conditions, making early morning, late evening, or nighttime prime fishing periods. While the state record exceeds 15 pounds, walleye commonly caught in Willard Bay typically range from 1 to 3 pounds.
Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) are abundant and known for their aggressive nature and opportunistic feeding habits. Anglers frequently land catfish weighing 8 to 10 pounds, with some reaching 18 pounds. These fish thrive in warmer waters, preferring temperatures between 70-85°F, and may become more active nocturnally during peak summer heat. Channel catfish often spawn in late June through July, utilizing cavities for egg protection.
Wiper, a hybrid cross between White Bass (Morone chrysops) and Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), are a popular sportfish, recognized by their horizontal black stripes on a silvery body. These sterile hybrids are known for their powerful strikes and vigorous fights. While the average wiper caught weighs 2 to 4 pounds, specimens over 12 pounds are not uncommon. As open-water predators, wipers primarily forage on gizzard shad, which were introduced into the reservoir as a prey species.
Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) also inhabit Willard Bay. They remain part of the bay’s diverse ecosystem. Anglers may also encounter smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch.
Prime Fishing Locations
Locating fish in Willard Bay involves targeting specific structures. The North and West dikes are particularly productive for walleye, especially during their spring spawning season when these fish congregate near the rocky edges. These dike areas also provide excellent opportunities for shore anglers.
The inlet channel at the South Marina is another known hotspot, offering consistent activity. For channel catfish, fishing within 20 yards of the shore, particularly near the dikes, is often productive. During the heat of summer, larger catfish may move to deeper areas, especially along the west dike and near the South Marina.
Wipers, as open-water predators, can be found throughout the reservoir, but they frequently concentrate in certain areas. Productive open-water spots include humps near the reservoir outlet and a submerged island located out from the South Marina. Observing “boils” on the surface, where wipers herd and attack schools of baitfish, indicates highly active feeding zones. These frenzies often attract fish-eating birds, providing visual cues for anglers.
Effective Fishing Methods
Catching fish in Willard Bay involves employing various techniques and baits. Trolling is a highly effective method for both wipers and walleye, especially when using lures that imitate shad, their primary forage. Anglers often troll at speeds between 1 to 2 miles per hour for wipers and 1.5 to 2.5 miles per hour for walleye. Employing S-curves or planer boards can help present lures away from the boat’s path, reducing the chance of spooking fish in the shallow reservoir.
Jigging and casting are also productive, particularly for walleye. Jigs weighing 1/8 to 1/2 ounce, in colors such as white, yellow, or shad patterns, are effective when retrieved slowly near the bottom. For wipers, especially during surface feeding “boils,” casting spoons or white Rooster-Tails with an erratic retrieve near the surface can elicit strong strikes.
Bait fishing remains a reliable method, particularly for channel catfish. Cut bait, such as carp meat, shrimp, or stink bait, fished on the bottom with a small bullet weight, is often successful. For walleye, crawler harnesses with nightcrawlers are a popular and effective choice. Seasonal patterns are important; spring and early summer are productive for walleye and wipers, while catfish action peaks through September. Low-light conditions, such as early mornings, late evenings, and nighttime, offer prime opportunities for walleye.