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Last modified: Monday, March 27, 2006
2006 Panguitch Lake fishery restorationRotenone treatment and subsequent restocking Related DWR news release: Trout limit raised at Panguitch Lake Panguitch Lake is one of southern Utah's premiere vacation destinations. This outstanding fishery, located 18 miles southwest of Panguitch, Utah, is distinguished for its beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife and exceptional fishing.  Fishing boats on Panguitch Lake Visitors to the area can explore the surrounding countryside by hiking or by riding on horseback, mountain bike, or ATV. In addition, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument are all within 75 miles of Panguitch Lake. Services at Panguitch Lake include six lodges, four marinas, a general store, several restaurants and two Forest Service campgrounds. Boat rentals are included at three of the marinas on the lake. Creating a better fishery Highlights include:
In recent years Utah chub populations have threatened the Panguitch Lake Fishery. To restore balance to the fishery and to improve fishing at this important water, the DWR will use rotenone to remove Utah chubs; we will subsequently restock the lake with trout. Rotenone is an organic compound that breaks down into carbon dioxide and water. Proposed treatment concentrations would not pose a risk to irrigated crops, livestock, people, other mammals or birds. It is approved for use as a fish toxicant by the EPA, and has been used widely in the United States since the 1930s. Water used as municipal water supplies have been treated with rotenone in at least seven states, including Utah, with no harmful effects. However, fish killed by rotenone have not been cleared for human consumption, and salvage of treated fish by the public will not be permitted. The DWR will treat Panguitch Lake during the spring of 2006 with the intention of dramatically improving the quality of fishing at Panguitch Lake through subsequent restocking. We will restock the lake as soon as the water is safe for fish (approximately four weeks after treatment). Stocked fish will include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and tiger trout.  Rainbow trout  Bear Lake cutthroat trout We will stock nine- or ten-inch rainbow trout to provide anglers with catchable fish during the 2006 fishing season. In addition, we will stock a number of larger fish to give anglers some trophy-sized catches during the first year. While rainbow trout will continue to provide the bulk of the catch at Panguitch Lake, we will also stock greater numbers of Bear Lake cutthroat. These large predators will not only provide anglers with the opportunity to catch some trophy trout at Panguitch Lake, they will provide some control on Utah chub populations if they return. The DWR has liberalized fishing regulations to allow the harvest of eight trout of any species or size. These regulations will remain in effect until the lake is treated. Following treatment, the regulations will revert to a four-trout limit, of which only one may be a cutthroat trout which must be greater than 22 inches long. These regulations will allow the harvest of rainbow trout while protecting most cutthroats. Fishing at Panguitch Lake Panguitch Lake is a very productive fishery. Three-inch rainbow trout that are stocked in the spring will reach 10 inches by fall and twelve inches by the next spring. Anglers have good success from shore, boat or on the ice. Shore anglers: Shore anglers will find rainbow trout along the north, east and south shores. Favorite spots include the southeast bay, the north shore near the north boat ramp and the southwest shore near the inlet of Blue Springs Creek. Good baits include Powerbait or a worm with a marshmallow. Anglers looking for cutthroat trout should use flies behind a bobber and small lures near the north boat ramp or the southeast shore. Boat anglers: Boat anglers will find rainbow trout in most areas of the lake. Fish with bait at depths of 30 feet or less. Popular areas include the north and east shore. Trolling small lures or pop-gear and a worm at this same depth will also catch fish. Cutthroat trout can be caught in the spring near the inlets in shallow water. These fish will move out into other parts of the lake later in the year, but can generally be caught in the upper layers of the lake. Ice fishing: Ice fishing is generally good from late December until late February. Rainbow trout are generally caught in 20 to 30 feet of water on either Powerbait or small jigs and lures tipped with meal worms. Popular hotspots include the bay near the north boat ramp and just off the southeast shore. Look for cutthroat trout in bays and near inlets. Maps
 For additional information contact the Cedar City office of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources at (435) 865-6100. |
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