Biologists from the Division of Wildlife Resources are busy developing plans to salvage the fish in Steinaker Reservoir before the water is drained for the Bureau of Reclamation’s dam repair project. Regional Sportfish Biologist Natalie Boren explains that the reservoir water will be taken down to around 350 acre feet, which is significantly below dead pool at 3500 acre feet. At that level every fish will die so the DWR is working to move the fish to other fisheries. Currently, they are working on a fish habitat project for Steinaker and as the reservoir is drained, the DWR will be purchasing habitat structures to help bass and bluegill in the long run. The water could be drained for nearly a year, says Boren. The community can help as biologists work to remove fish from Steinaker. First, there is no limit on Steinaker. Second, is a Steinaker Bass Salvage event coming up
on May 5th.
Anglers will catch the bass and the DWR aquatics staff will collect the bass and prepare them for transplant. All anglers must have a valid fishing license to participate and state boating regulations still apply. Anglers are asked to register in advance. Call
435-219-2644
for more information.
