Fishing Long Willow Bottom Reservoir in Garfield County, Utah

• Overview

  Long Willow Bottom Reservoir stands in Garfield County, Utah. The setting is lake country bush on every side. About 3 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. On size it sits at the modest end of our Garfield County list. Supplies mean a trip to Panguitch, 33 miles off. It is 161 miles to Provo, the nearest city. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Long Willow Bottom Reservoir

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Survey and observation records for Garfield County include brown trout, rainbow trout and brook trout. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Anyone new to Long Willow Bottom Reservoir should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 57°F in July and bottoms out near 22°F in January. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near early May. Climate averages put the opening at about early May and the closing near late November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Long Willow Bottom Reservoir runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Should this one be busy, Round Willow Bottom Reservoir is 0.2 miles off. For Long Willow Bottom Reservoir in particular, ask before you travel.