Conditions last updated: 11/17/2009

Enterprise Reservoir, Upper

Rating: Good

Conditions: Shore anglers are finding good to excellent fishing for rainbows with any technique.

Details

• Location: Washington County, southwest Utah
• Directions: Travel to Enterprise, the head west on SR-219 about 6 miles, then south at the sign
• Type: Fishing
• Size: 390 acres
• Elevation: 5,761 feet
• Hours: No restrictions
• Likely catch: Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass
• Possible catch:
• Regulations: Standard state-wide rules apply, including the four-trout and six-bass limit. See the Fishing Guidebook for more information.
• Site amenities: A Forest Service campground, some primitive camping and a paved boat ramp
• Handicap access:
• Site description: Enterprise Reservoir lies within a pinion and juniper forest. This is a popular spot for Las Vegas-area anglers, particularly early in the year. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources owns a small conservation pool which helps to maintain both trout and smallmouth bass during low water.

  The Division stocks five-inch rainbow trout, which grow fast. 14-inch, 1-pound rainbows are a common catch. Abundant crayfish provide a good source of food for both the smallmouth bass and the larger trout. Smallmouth bass reproduce well and 10- to 12-inch fish are common.

  Any baits fished from shore will work for trout, and so will trolling with spinners or pop gear. The smallmouth will attack any small plastic bait fished near a rocky structure on a 1/16- to 1/18-ounce jig head. The smallbouth will also take spinners and flies fished near a structure. The best trout fishing is in the spring and fall. Bass provide fast action from late May through Labor Day.

  Upper Enterprise Reservoir was drained in fall 2007 in order to repair the dam. Complications with the new structure led to more work in 2008 and kept the reservoir empty. Work on the dam is complete and the reservoir should mostly fill in 2009. The Division is going to stock catchable-sized rainbow trout in spring 2009, and adult smallmouth bass later in the year. Although, it will take a few years for this population to expand and re-establish.

  A fish consumption advisory has been issued for rainbow trout in Upper Enterprise Reservoir due to elevated levels of mercury. For details, visit www.fishadvisories.utah.gov.

Return to the fishing conditions map