Otter Creek, Panguich, Upper and Lower Box Canyon creek
Co-leaders are Sean Dillon and Brian Mensinger
This is a blue ribbon Rainbow trout fishery about 2.5-3 hours from Salt Lake, City with other fishing options nearby (Fish Lake, Sevier River, Antimony Creek, Upper and Lower Box Creek Reservoirs).
This is very rural and there is no cell phone coverage anywhere along UT-22. We believe the best way to manage a club trip would be for everyone to meet each morning at 8am at the Otter Creek Marine and RV Café where they have cell service and Wifi – from there we can communicate our plans for the day and determine if we will meet for drinks and food each evening.
Otter Creek Reservoir is Utah's premier rainbow trout fishery (DNR website). It is one of the most productive lakes with stocked rainbow gaining over an inch of growth a month at times. The average rainbow trout harvested measures 16" and weighs two pounds! The rainbow trout population is typically dominated by two size classes. 1) fish stocked during the previous fall which may measure from 8 to 14 inches. 2) "Older" trout that have been in the reservoir more than a year and may measure from 16 to 20 inches. There are plenty of fish that surpass 20 inches that are characterized by weight instead of length!
Google Map Link
Target Species: Rainbow trout. Other possible catches – Wiper, Smallmouth (both unlikely this time of year) and brown trout near the inlets. Tiger trout and cuttbows are more recent additions – I’ve never caught either at this lake, but they are in there
Drive time: 3.2 hrs., 210 miles.
Level of fishing difficulty: Moderate. Waders very helpful to reach deeper water and high bank areas but not absolutely necessary. Nine foot and longer 6 wt. rods with floating line are helpful to cut the wind and get the fly out into the water. Sinking lines can be helpful to get a streamer down in the water column. Warm gear is essential, as this is elevated terrain and an area where winds are common.
Access: Paved and dirt roads. Four-wheel drive not required.
Accommodations:
Camping options available at Otter Creek State Park, or Otter Creek Marina and RV. Other options with less amenities are available in and around Koosharem UT.
https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/otter-creek/
https://www.ottercreekutah.com/
Brian and I have located a 5 bedroom house for rent nearby about 10 miles from the Otter Creek Lake that has several queen beds and bed rooms, and a full/twin bunk – restrooms, and a kitchen and Wifi. About $800 for 3 nights (Thurs/Fri/Sat). I am willing to secure a reservation for this facility if we have a min of 5 people total to split the cost (Brian and I included in that number – so 3 more people and we would need payment in advance).
Weather: Park elevation is 6,350'. Cool to cold with possible strong winds.
Terrain: Normal public access with local boat ramps and moderate to steep banks. Cell service is not good in the area. It may be helpful to bring walkie talkies.
Wading difficulty: Easy to moderate. Sandy to silty bottom. There are options to fish from shore. Float tube boat not required but can be useful.
