Baker Reservoir, UT

This is one of the lowest elevation trout waters in Utah. Attempts to manage this reservoir with warm water species have failed, but fishing for trout remains good. Frequent illegal fish introductions cause some problems. Largemouth bass, black crappie, goldfish, bluegill and green sunfish were all illegally introduced and have not provided quality sport fishing. Despite a recent attempt to remove problem fish with rotenone in 2001, green sunfish and goldfish are again a nuisance and provide little fishing opportunity. The reservoir also was treated with rotenone in 1959 and 1982. Warm water sport fishes likely do not do well because of extreme water fluctuations for irrigation. There is no conservation pool and the reservoir can be nearly drained on low precipitation years. Stocking catchable-size rainbow trout and managing for wild brown trout have proven to be the best options to maximize recreational fishing opportunities. Brown trout enter the reservoir from the upstream Santa Clara River. The reservoir almost always contains some 5- to 8-pound brown trout, even following dry years. Warm days directly following cold spells in February and March can be a good time to catch large brown trout. The reservoir seldom freezes over.Large, streamer style flies and lures such as rapalas are popular choices for brown trout. Rainbow trout are stocked in March or April each spring. Although southern Utah's warm climate invites questions about stocking earlier in the year, it is delayed to avoid predation by cormorants. These spring-migrating birds can decimate an entire year's quota of trout if the birds key in on an easy food source. As a result, the rainbow trout are not stocked until after the majority of these birds have migrated north.Fishing for trout can slow up during the heat of the summer, but good weather during spring, fall, and winter provides for a lot of opportunity. Fishing from the bank with bait or lures is effective. Also, this is an ideal reservoir for a float tube.Other nearby fisheries in Washington County include the Santa Clara River, Enterprise reservoirs, Gunlock Reservoir, Sand Cove reservoirs, Sand Hollow Reservoir, and Quail creek Reservoir.