Otter Creek and Panguich reservoirs, Upper and Lower Box Canyon creeks

Otter Creek, Panguich, Upper and Lower Box Canyon creek

Leader is Sean Dillon

We will be fishing Otter Creek reservoir with the option to fish Otter, Upper and Lower Box creeks.  Float tube boat may be helpful but not required.

Otter Creek Reservoir is Utah's premier rainbow trout fishery (DNR website).  It is one of the most productive lakes with stocked rainbow gaining over an inch of growth a month at times. The average rainbow trout harvested measures 16" and weighs two pounds!  The rainbow trout population is typically dominated by two size classes. 1) fish stocked during the previous fall which may measure from 8 to 14 inches.  2) "Older" trout that have been in the reservoir more than a year and may measure from 16 to 20 inches.  There are plenty of fish that surpass 20 inches that are characterized by weight instead of length!

Google Map Link

Target Species: Rainbow with lesser cutthroat and brown trout.  The latter migrate in from connected waterways.  Smallmouth and wipers also present but more typical in the warmer months.

Drive time: 3.2 hrs., 210 miles.

Level of fishing difficulty: Moderate.  Waders very helpful to reach deeper water and high bank areas but not absolutely necessary.  Nine foot and longer 6 wt. rods with floating line are helpful to cut the wind and get the fly out into the water.  Sinking lines can be helpful to get a streamer down in the water column.  Warm gear is essential, as this is elevated terrain and an area where winds are common.

Access: Paved and dirt roads.  Four-wheel drive not required.

Accommodations: Otter Creek State Park has RV hook-up campsites and 2 cabins for rent, 21 camp sites with water/electric hook ups and showers.  The State Park has first come/ first serve this time of year. Otter Creek RV Park and Marina may also be available if open at the date selected for this trip (both located on the south end of the lake).  Fisherman Beach Campground (BLM managed) has tent sites and pit toilets.  Some Airbnb in Antimony – used by members in the past.

Weather:  Park elevation is 6,350'.  Cool to cold with possible strong winds.

Terrain: Normal public access with local boat ramps and moderate to steep banks.  Cell service is not good in the area.  It may be helpful to bring walkie talkies.

Wading difficulty:  Easy to moderate.  Sandy to silty bottom.  There are options to fish from shore.  Float tube boat not required but can be useful.