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Fishing the pits
A few are little more than summer mud holes. Others resemble farm ponds. Some swallow 100 or more acres. Many are stunningly deep, clear and, in a few spots, surprisingly cold. Nearly all are fishable. "A couple of the lakes have trout in them," said Rob Rold, assistant fisheries biologist for the Department of Fish and Wildlife's southeastern district. "They're deep enough and cold enough to support them." My fishing partner John Durbin and I weren't looking for trout. And even if we had it would practically have taken downriggers to reach them, and we were armed with a couple of handcrafted bamboo fly rods from Durbin's workshop -- tools not really designed for deep-water probing. If the fish weren't near the top of the water column, they would remain safe from us.
Utah's game fish: Rainbow trout
Coloration can vary. Most mature rainbows, however, have a distinguishable red or pink streak on their side from head to tail. The body is a gray-blue or olive above the lateral line and a silver color below. The body, dorsal fin and tail have black or brown dots. Wild rainbow will often have white-tipped fins.
Characteristics Rainbow trout tend to be shallow to mid-depth "bottom feeders," which makes them easier for shore anglers to catch. They also feed year-round and are a favorite target of ice fishermen. This is probably the most popular fish in the trout family, because it is typically easier to catch, has exceptional strength and is noted for its showy jumping. And, as with all trout, its culinary qualities are excellent. The rainbow, however, does not compete well with other fish, particularly the Utah chub.
Fishery News
ROSSLYNLEE TROUT FISHERY, near Penicuik (01968 679606): Bannockburn Angling Club's 13 anglers took 27 fish with a total weight of 100lb 6oz, giving an average weight per fish of 3lb 11oz. The heaviest bag of the day went to B. Dawson who had four fish for 16lb 13oz including one at 6lb 2oz. Runner up was J. McKee with four for 15lb 15oz with his heaviest at 5lb 2oz. S. Allen had one fish at 5lb 12oz. The water is now cooler and the fish well spread out, now taking dry flies again such as Daddies, CDC's and Hoppers, although Buzzers and lures are also taking a great number of fish. BUTTERSTONE LOCH (01350 724238): Conditions have changed dramatically with water temperatures plummeting from the 20s down to 16oC. Water clarity is nominal at around 1-1.5m depending on the day and the wind conditions stirring up the bottom.
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