THE GREAT OUTDOORS — If you own a float tube, pontoon or kayak, now is a great time to get out and enjoy good, springtime fishing action. Whether fishing for trout or tiger muskies, these floatation devices make for a lot of fun on the water when boating is not an option and shore fishing is not your favorite method.

But before you venture out onto the water, be aware that there are restrictions on certain waters for both float tubes and use of any motorized craft. Check the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website for any restrictions, as well as the 2018 Fishing Guidebook.

Good access at most reservoirs/lakes

Whether you want to chase wipers and catfish at Willard Bay, crappies and perch at Pineview or trout at places like Causey, Lost Creek and East Canyon reservoirs, some careful study of the shoreline will give you some insight into good launching areas. You should seek to be within short walking distance to the water so that you can make it to the water with all your gear in one trip, preferably. Be careful of brush or other obstructions that might rip or puncture your float tube or pontoon.

Quiet boat ramps can be a good place to put in, if you don’t have to deal with a lot of boats coming in and out of the water. But generally, an isolated spot is the best bet.

Gear to take on your fishing trip

Quality fins might be the most vital part of your rig. Being able to move about, even against wind and waves, is vital so you aren't blown across the lake with no avenue of return available. Good flippers also allow you to troll your lures if you so desire.

Some anglers like to affix battery trolling motors to their pontoon or kayak for ease of mobility. Again, check local rules where you put in with a trolling motor, as some lakes do not permit motors of any kind on particular lakes.

You also can’t say enough for insulated waders during the cold, spring water conditions. In fact, some reservoirs will likely be most comfortable to fish cold water all summer long with insulation. Of course, if you’re in a kayak, this is not an issue. Most anglers just wear shorts or swim trunks when venturing out.

Tubes often have good storage areas for the most part and allow you to bring along a variety of your favorite lures. If you’re going to cast or troll for trout, for example, a couple of small boxes of Rapalas, spinners and spoons may be all that you’ll need. Crappie or other panfish would suggest small 1/16 ounce or so jig heads with either tubes or curly-tail grubs attached. With a fly rod, carry a variety of colors and patterns to try. Of course, this varies with the angler and their choice of “confidence baits” that they prefer to use.

It's also nice to use of fish finders attached to tubes, pontoons and kayaks. Being able to locate fish at depths known to you will certainly increase your catch rate.

Lure/bait presentations

As mentioned, individual floatation devices allow you to troll your lures if so desired, but many anglers will vertically jig for crappies and other panfish. Again, knowing depths where the fish are congregated will allow you to better keep your offering in the strike zone. Crappies tend to school up in spring especially, and where one is caught, often others are there for the taking. Regardless of how small your jig might be, you may find a tiger muskie hanging around schools of panfish, like at Pineview Reservoir. Hanging onto one of those beasts may get you pulled around a bit in your float tube.

In situations where no fish finder is being used, exploration of different depths will place your lure in a variety of locations, where you can learn on-the-fly where the fish are located. If in deep water for trout, you can always experiment with heavier spoons and spinners, such as Kastmasters and Rooster-Tails. Cast out and allow your lure to sink a good distance, keeping count of how many seconds you allow the lure to sink. Then as you retrieve your lure, you will pull it through multiple depths back to the surface. This can allow you to locate fish without higher technology being utilized.

Bait fishing also can be done at varying depths with the use of water-filled bubbles. PowerBait is often used in this method, along with nightcrawlers and marshmallows. Filling your bubble full of water will allow for a slow sink of your bait. Once the bait crosses through the proper depth where fish are suspended, you are likely to get a strike.

Fishing rocky points and brush lines can help you target the structures where many fish will dwell. Fishing a jig, for example, from shallow water into deeper depths also allows you to experiment and find fish that cling to different structures. Heavy brush can offer good cover for crappies. Rocky edges are good for smallmouth bass, walleyes and wipers, especially in the spring.

Conclusion

Selecting good equipment, finding good access to the water and being prepared with proper lures and even multiple rods can put you onto fish during the spring months of the year. Most anglers have their preferences and tricks of the trade, but if you’ve yet to try a float tube, pontoon or kayak, think about giving one a try. They offer a totally different perspective on fishing success.

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