Photos courtesy of DWR
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources recently stocked new rainbow, tiger and cutthroat trout in Scofield Reservoir. Two new species were also introduced to the lake; tiger muskie and wiper. A total close to 1,000 rainbow trout were planted as well as several thousand tiger muskie, tiger trout and wiper according to the DWR.
The two new species, once foreign to the reservoir were stocked for multiple reasons. One reason for planting the fish was to try to eliminate chub in lake. The chub problem in Scofield is not a new problem. Multiple steps have been taken to decrease the chub population for several years now. Rotenone, a chemical used to kill fish, has been used in the reservoir a number of times to kill chub as well as placing more cutthroat and tiger trout in the lake to help eliminate the number of the unwanted fish. However, the chub returned after the chemical was used while cutthroat and tiger trout are only capable of eating young chub due to adults being too large.
Another reason the two species were planted was to make the reservoir a more enjoyable fishing spot for anglers. A survey was conducted asking anglers what species they would like to pursue at Scofield Reservoir, and if they would support another Rotenone treatment. The survey results showed six different management priorities: re-establish the fishery and make sure the fish in the reservoir can be caught and kept, enhance and maintain the trophy fishing opportunities, enhance the diversity of fish in the reservoir, reduce the chub population, increase the recreational and fishing use and manage the reservoir so that it is compatible with native species.
In Emery County, anglers have the opportunity to catch tiger muskie in Joes Valley Reservoir. The fish have made an impact on the lake in multiple ways. Anglers enjoy taking the time to catch a trophy fish in the reservoir.
The newly stocked fish in Scofield Reservoir will likely reach a catchable size by 2018 or possibly even sooner. DWR will also stock sterile walleye into the reservoir next year.
