Utah Tiger Muskie Fishing Tips

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Pineview Reservoir Tiger Muskie

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Triston H reports: In 2013 I caught over 30 tiger muskies in the months of April, May and June and I was 16 years old...I have only used small lures and my biggest catch was 45 inches.

Description
Pineview is a very popular reservoir located in Ogden Valley (northern Utah), about 15 miles east of Ogden City. The communities of Huntsville and Eden are adjacent to the reservoir. Pineview draws fishermen, skiers, boaters, sailors and people interested in others water sports. Fun in the sun in this area is almost as exciting as any Caribbean vacations.

Big tiger muskie are the primary draw for fishermen - Pineview is one of the best tiger muskie waters in the Western US. Fish longer than 36 inches are caught regularly and the record tiger went 49 inches.

Articles & Videos
How to Catch and Release Tiger Muskie - great video by Utah's DWR with tiger muskie fishing tips
Facts About Pineview's Tiger Muskie
How to Catch Tiger Muskie at Pineview
Hunting Pineview's Tiger Muskie
Catch Pineview Tiger Muskie from Shore
Tiger Muskie facts

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Pineview Regulations
Unlawful to use whole fish for bait. Cut baitfish must not be larger than one inch in any dimension and no more than one piece per hook.

Limit 6 bass, only 1 bass may be over 12 inches.

CLOSED to the possession of tiger muskie. All tiger muskies must be immediately released.

Tiger muskie may not be taken by means of underwater spearfishing.

Limit 20 black crappie.

Limit 50 yellow perch.

CLOSED inside buoys by spillway near the dam.

Tiger Muskie have sharp teeth and sharp gill plates. The must be handled carefully to avoid injury to the fish and the fisherman.

Location
Along the Ogden River, at the top of Ogden Canyon, just east of Goden City.

  • Distance from Ogden: 15 miles
  • Distance from Salt Lake: 45 miles

GPS Coordinates: 41.266227°, -111.809251°

Elevation: 4,900 feet

Maximum Depth: 81 feet

Primary Species

  • Tiger Muskie
  • Perch
  • Crappie
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Bullhead Catfish

Seasonal Factors & Techniques
Tiger muskie, crappie and perch are caught year-round at Pineview.

Crappie fishing is best in May when the fish stage in front of shallow, weedy spawning beds. At that time they are easy to catch using small jigs. After spawning the fish spread through the reservoir. They are still relatively east to catch using jigs and small lures, but action is not as fast since they are not as concentrated.

Perch provide fairly consistent action most years, but perhaps the best times to get them are shortly after ice-off in the spring and shortly after ice covers the reservoir in the winter. They are commonly caught using small jigs tipped with bait (including perch meat).

Tiger muskie are ferocious predators and follow the other gamefish. Tiger muskie are often caught off ambush points (brush lines, submerged logs, rocks, anywhere they can hide as they wait to ambush smaller fish). Tigers can be taken using a wide assortment of lures - pretty much anything that resembles a small fish can be effective. Large jointed Rapalas in flashy colors are popular because the attract plenty of attention. There is an ongoing debate about size of lure. Most experienced muskie fishermen prefer larger lures but some swear by smaller offerings.

Perch are relatively easy to catch ice fishing. Occasionally an ice fishermen will be reeling in a perch when, wham, a tiger muskie takes it hook, and all. Other than that, tigers are difficult to catch through the ice.