Site description: Johnson Reservoir has historically had a problem with nongame fish. Suckers, chubs and perch migrate downstream from Fish Lake each spring searching for spawning areas. In 1964, 1979, 1986 and 1992, the reservoir was treated with rotenone to remove problem fish and then stocked with rainbow trout. This would improve fishing, but only would last for two or three years.
The Division began to stock tiger muskie in 2000. These potentially large predators prey on problem nongame fish, and provide fishing opportunities — eliminating the need for repeated rotenone treatments. Tiger muskie are not always easy to culture—since 2000, annual stocking has ranged from 100 fish to over 5,000—and sport fishing for tiger muskie has been slow to develop. 2006 surveys, however, found a good number of tiger muskie up to 36 inches long.
In recent years, angling pressure has increased with fair to good success. The best time to fish is after ice-out and through mid-summer, while water levels remain relatively high. Later in the year, the reservoir becomes muddy and the water levels lower. If you want to catch an exceptionally large fish, Johnson Reservoir is a good place to try.
Tiger muskie fisheries in Utah and across the west took a big hit in 2006 when the virus Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia, which has the ability to decimate fish populations, was discovered in the Midwest. Utah, along with most western states, decided that importing tiger muskie would endanger our coldwater fisheries, so tiger muskie stocking was discontinued after 2005. (Before 2006, Utah bought tiger muskie fry from private growers in Minnesota.)
The Division has made strides developing its own tiger muskie production. Northern pike were collected from Recapture Reservoir and moved to warmwater ponds at the Lee Kay Center, west of Salt Lake City. The true muskellunge – the other fish needed to make tiger muskies – are not found in Utah. The Division investigated many sources to purchase true muskies. Unfortunately, most of the true muskie sources have been exposed to a myriad of pathogens. There are a few possibilities that may still provide true muskies, but it is a matter of waiting for facilities to produce eggs or disinfect. Sterile northern pike are also being investigated as another alternative.
Other waters nearby include Fish Lake, Sevenmile Creek, UM Creek, Mill Meadow Reservoir, Forsyth Reservoir and the Fremont River.
