Saturday, September 20, 2008

Shooting Strawberry In The Rain

strawberry reservoir in the rainWent to Strawberry today to shoot video at scenic points around the reservoir. It was a fun trip and we got some good stuff. We fished for a few minutes but didn't catch anything to brag about. Little fish.

I almost didn't go, fearing the weather would not cooperative. It was windy and rainy at my home in Springville and I figured it would almost certainly be worse there. But the reservoir was gorgeous, with storm clouds blowing across, raindrops falling occasionally, sunlight penetrating clouds, a rainbow, all set against a backdrop of golden aspen and deep, green pines.

I only took a few still photos and I present one of the better images at top right.

I'm making a short video presentation about Strawberry. About all kinds of recreation in the area, not just fishing. Fishing is a big part, of course, but I also need ATV riding, snowmobiling, horseback riding - all the major fun activities you can do in that area.

I still need to get some shots of big fish - that is certainly a very important aspect of Strawberry. I'll probably head up in a few days, if the weather cooperates, and do my best to put people on big fish.

I usually do well at the big reservoir. I know people who do far better, who go up every week and know the reservoir like the back of their hand. I go up 3-4 times a year - there are just too many other great places and so I spread myself too thin to become expert on any one.

Actually, what I need to do is take someone who has zeroed in on big fish, and who looks good in front of the camera. I'm much more comfortable behind the camera, so even if I hook a big one I'll want to let someone else land it for the video.

Do any of you readers want to volunteer to catch a big fish on-camera?

- Dave

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Have Quagga Mussels Invaded Utah?

Water and wildlife managers are concerned because they have found the larval form of what could be zebra or quagga mussels in two reservoirs in NE Utah. The suspect reservoirs are Red Fleet near Vernal and Midview on the Ute Reservation).

Further tests are needed, and the larva may not be either of the invasive mussels.

Below are news reports about the concern.

- Troublesome mussels may have invaded Utah fisheries
- Utah waters may have mussels
- Unwelcome mussels may have entered Utah waters
- Despite prevention effort, invasive mussels may

Biologists have waged an intense battle trying to keep quagga and zebra mussels out of our waters. When they become established they cause all sorts of problems. They out-compete native organisms, sucking up available food sources. They clog pipelines and cause other kinds of damage.

The mussels are established in waters close to Utah and so sportsmen are reminded to take care that they don't transport them here. Boaters need to carefully clean boats and equipment before moving from one water to another.

The DWR has this good information about the problem, and how to help keep the mussels out: Quagga mussel update