If you live in the Brigham City—Cache Valley area or are just passing through, drop by Mantau Reservoir to wet your line and do a little fishing. The reservoir is located between Brigham City and Logan just off US 89 on the Sardine Summit side at the top of Box Elder Canyon. Just keep you eyes peeled as you go up the canyon and you can’t miss it.
You’ll find everything from Rainbows to Largemouth bass as well as perch, bluegill, sunfish, Cutthroat trout, catfish and some smallies. Not necessarily my favorite fishing spot in the state a but a good time and the largemouths keep me coming back again and again. Possible to catch some smallies but mostly largemouths in the lake. All around great bass fishery.
You can fish the reservoir from boat or from shore, but to make the most of the experience you really want get out on a boat. The north side of the late is pure trees along the bank from east to west which can make casting from shore a bit challenging—and this is where you’re going to find some of the best bass waters on the lake.
Sometimes the fishing is hot sometimes it’s not so hot, but I’ve caught some real lunkers on the good days. Coming away with a 10 to 20 catch in a day is not uncommon and you’ll likely catch some really fatties that will give any other bass lake a run for the money. Once you get squared away and find a sweet spot you’ll start reeling in some 3 to 5 pounders, but you may need to move around first.
You’ll find bass throughout the lake but my favorite spot is along the northwest end of the lake right up against the bank. Working the bank with a spinnerbait or senko will get the bass biting and you’ll likely hook some trout as well. Mantua has a good population of Rainbow trout along with some Cutthroats.
The following maps shows some of the better fishing spots on Mantua reservoir. Again, the northeast and southeast bays on either side of Little Know in about 15-20 feet of water is where you’re likely to find the most consistent action. Moving in closer to shore you’ll start picking up bluegills and some sunfish.
Most anglers come to Mantua for the bass action, but I’ve come across a few anglers that focus exclusively on panfish. Bluegill, perch and sunfish are prolific and a 1/32 to 1/16 ounce jig tipped with some worm will keep’m biting all day long. The panfish here are pretty decent size compared to what I’ve seen elsewhere. Unverified reports of some crappie in the lake too.
Game fish species in Mantua reservoir include:
Targeting panfish on Mantua is pretty easy. Cast your jig just next to the boat and let it sink. Bounce it along the bottom, or if you’re in the weeds jigging it just off the bottom giving it a little motion should do the trick. If the fish aren’t biting, slow your presentation down just a bit and go with a smaller hook.
Best fishing is between 15 and 20 feet of water for bass and trout. A bit shallower for panfish. If it’s your first time on the reservoir, focus on the northeast side (between the dock and the Knoll) or the bay on the southeast side.
Bluegill and perch fishing is a favorite hardwater fishing activity between mid-December and early February. Bluegill are especially active under the ice. A tungsten jig on a loop knot attached to the tag end of the line to create some rocking action, with a wax worm just up the line about 12 inches, is an ideal presentation. Keep your line light, in the 2-3 lbs range.
The DWR keeps Mantua Reservoir pretty well stocked with Rainbows so if you come with the right setup you can expect to catch some trout as well. Have heard reports of Cutthroats in Mantua but have never seen any myself. Small tube jigs work great for catching bass or trout. Can’t go wrong with some juicy nightcrawlers either.
Mantua is a great fishery for the avid angler and novice alike. A really great place to take the family—especially if you’ve got kids—for a bit of fishing fun.
