Utah Lake: Facts, Fiction, Fun

Making plans for summer time? There are several events happening at Utah Lake this year from spring through fall. In this episode, we share some details on those events PLUS, if you listen until the end, a sneak peek of a possible new event this year!  Links from this Episode: Utah Lake Photo Contest Lindon Marina Bonneville School of Sailing Timpanogos Yacht Club

Clayton Wolf is passionate about Utah Lake, so much so that he spent 12 years trying to buy a lot in Vineyard so he could live with his backyard on the shoreline. In this episode of the Utah Lake Podcast, he shares what living on the Utah lake shoreline is like. Listen in to hear about why he thinks Utah Lake is so great, about how he and friends broke through the ice recently to go wakeboarding and how he helped a buddy propose to his fiancé out on the lake. Links from this Episode Breaking the ice: video of wakeboarding in February

The first ever winter fishing challenge is coming next week at Utah Lake! The Winter Fishfest (Feb 8 – Feb 15) is a virtual fishing challenge; you submit photos of your catch online and get points based on species. In this episode, we cover tips to have fun and stay safe while you participate in the Fishfest. Links from this Episode Winter Fishfest Resources 27 public access points info

Have you seen this amazing photo of ice stacks at Utah Lake? It is one of many such photos. Utah Lake ice stacks are a popular phenomenon in winter. We talk with two local photographers, Wesley Aston and Jared Tamez about the how, when and where of viewing and photographing these amazing ice stacks. Links from this Episode: Wesley Aston Instagram Utah Lake Photo Club Public Access Points Map Jared Tamez Instagram Enormous Ice Stacks at the lake Historic photos of ice at the lake Keep safety in mind while viewing ice stacks

Not many know that you can find bald eagles right here in Utah County! Utah Lake is a great place to start looking for these majestic birds. Scott Root with Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Sterling Moore, a local photographer and Utah Lake enthusiast, talk about viewing bald eagles at Utah Lake; where, when, why and how are all a part of our discussion so listen in to learn all about it! Links from this Episode Ep. 04 - Walkara Way Conservation Project – see our other episodes Utah Lake Public Access Points Sterling Moore Instagram account Utah Lake Photo Club

BREAKING NEWS: The endangered June Sucker has been downlisted to “threatened” status. With us on this episode is Chris Keleher from the Utah Department of Natural Resources, who has worked on these efforts for over 20 years, to share with us what that means. Links from this Episode US Fish & Wildlife Press Release: June Sucker Downlisting Provo River Delta Restoration Project June Sucker Program presentation on future efforts Ep. 34 – Provo River Delta Features Starting to Take Shape Ep. 08 - June Sucker: Making Progress Ep. 07 - Provo River Delta Starts Construction

Sailing is HUGE on Utah Lake, even during the winter. Ice or no ice, these sailors will brave the cold to go sailing at their favorite lake. Special guest Chad Chorniak from Timpanogos Yacht Club tells about the glassy water that happens in fall/winter on the lake, what it’s like to sail in wintertime, and even shares news about a new sailing craft, on skis, that he plans to use this winter on the ice! Links from this Episode Timpanogos Yacht Club Bonneville School of Sailing Video of Glassy Waters at Utah Lake Sailing in the Snow video

Jim Harris enjoys spending his winters recreating on Utah Lake. In this episode, he shares with listeners his three favorite winter activities at Utah Lake: ice skating, cross-country skiing and bike riding across the ice. He’s got safety tips, unique experiences (like the sounds ice makes when you are out in the middle of the lake, SUPER COOL) and how to enjoy your winter down at the lake! Links from this Episode Lake Ice – informational website on lake ice behavior, safety, etc. YouTube video of Jim Harris ice skating in Goshen Bay Utah Lake Ice Piling Up

Pat Scouten, a.k.a. Tube Dude, has fished at Utah Lake for over 60 years. He knows the ins, outs, ups and downs of fishing at the lake. In this episode he shares insights on how to enjoy ice fishing at Utah Lake. With Tube Dude’s suggestions on ice safety, lures, locations and more you are sure to enjoy your experience ice fishing at Utah Lake. Links from this Episode Ice Safety How To Make Fliggs with Pat Scouten Big Fish Tackle Forum

Sarah loves kayaking. She also loves kleaning up litter. During this pandemic, Sarah has been out on her kayak down at Utah Lake on a daily basis. While there, she wanted to make a difference by picking up litter she spotted while out paddling. Listen in to hear her story and learn more about why Sarah LOVES Utah Lake. *If you have a story about why you love Utah Lake we want to share it on the podcast! Links from this Episode: Utah Lake Adopt a Shoreline program Jason Robison Instagram profile #UtahLakePhotos #BeautyofUtahLake Life Jacket Loaner Program

If you think lakes are only for summertime, you are missing out! Utah Lake is a winter wonderland, and we’ve got the ideas to prove it. Listen in for our top 10 wintertime activities at Utah Lake, as well as some ice safety tips from Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation. Ice skating, broom hockey, photography, ice fishing and more; Utah Lake is close to home, beautiful and has lots to offer during wintertime. Listen in for some tips from our staff on how to find the famous “ice stacks” along the shoreline. Links from this Episode: Utah State Parks Ice Safety tips Winter recreation activities at Utah Lake DWR Fishing Reports Utah Lake Trail Plan

Ever heard of the S.S. Sho Boat? Created in the early 1900’s, this flat-bottomed boat held upwards of 200 passengers, with a full kitchen, orchestra and dance floor! This boat was a central part of leisure in the valley for several decades and we share details of just how loved it was to the residents. Links from this Episode: Utah Lake Legacy, online PDF of the book Utah Lake Legacy on YouTube June Sucker Recovery Implementation Program website

In this episode, we cover 5 things to do during fall at Utah Lake, including: photography, sailing, trails, fishing and waterfowl hunting. We share lots of helpful information and useful links (included below) as well as some of our favorite smartphone apps that will contribute to a great experience at the lake! Links from this episode: Farmer’s Almanac forecast for November Utah Lake current water levels 1. Photography Ep. 32 – Utah Lake Photo Club Photo Club Facebook group Photo club Instagram profile Utah Lake annual photo contest info 2. Sailing Bonneville School of Sailing website Timpanogos Yacht Club Facebook group Lindon Marina website 3. Trails Utah Lake Trail plan interactive map Ep. 4 – Walkara Way Conservation Project Ep. 34 – Provo River Delta Features Starting to Take Shape 4. Fishing Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Fishing Guidebook Reasons to go fall fishing 5. Waterfowl Hunting Ep. 30 – 5 Things you Need to Know about Waterfowl Hunting at Utah Lake Public access points map **Smartphone apps discussed: DWR Hunting/Fishing app Windy Lookout app MyRadar Windy.com Be4UFly My Sunset Utah Lake Instagram account

Melissa Stamp with the Mitigation Commission updates us on the construction of the Provo River Delta Restoration Project. In 4 1/2 months, they've accomplished a LOT! They've excavated 1 mile of new river channels, 4 new ponds, 5 wetland areas; removing about 60,000 cubic yards of material...that's enough to cover 28 football fields! Listen in to hear about the 2020 construction results, lessons learned, cool bits of technology being used and more! Links from this episode: Provo River Delta project website Ep. 07 - Provo River Delta Starts Construction 

How much do you know about the history of Utah Lake? Did you know that if you looked at a pre-1850's map of the area, Timpanogos doesn't even show up as a landmark? So why is "Timp" such a big part of society and Utah Lake isn't? In this episode, the Commission summarizes the reasons why based on a book, On Zions Mount by Jared Farmer.  Utah Valley was originally known as "Utah Lake Valley". The lake was central to survival and to society, but all of that has changed. Listen in and you'll be left pondering how that change occurred. Links from This Episode: On Zions Mount book

Did you know there was a photo club at Utah Lake? We interviewed some of the photo club members talking about the club and why they love Utah Lake. The Utah Lake photo club was started 4 years ago by a small group of photography enthusiasts, of varying skills, who love Utah Lake. The club provides regular education classes on various photography topics, and also enjoys photo outings, when appropriate (i.e. not much during the pandemic). Listen in to learn about the appreciation photographers have for Utah Lake. Links from this Episode: Facebook Group for the photo club Photo Club Instagram account

What is being done to address algae blooms at Utah Lake? Erica Gaddis, Director of Utah’s Division of Water Quality and Eric Ellis, Executive Director of the Utah Lake Commission discuss the efforts to rid Utah Lake of algae blooms through the Utah Lake Water Quality Study. Listen in as Erica updates us on where the research is at, the management goals for improving the lake’s water quality and more. Both director’s provide answers to the following questions: Why does the lake need a water quality study? What will be the outcome of the study? How will cost of implementation be considered? Links from this Episode: Utah Lake Water Quality Study webpage Utah Division of Water Quality (DWQ) home page

Special guest Derek Murdock, an avid waterfowl hunter who also works at Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, talks about 5 things you should know before waterfowl hunting at Utah Lake this season. Duck season opens on Oct 3 this year, and this podcast episode will get you all caught up on hunting this fall. Where to hunt, the Utah Waterfowl Slam, projects to improve habitat and access and more! *Make sure to listen to the end, we answer questions that were submitted in two waterfowl hunting Facebook Groups. Links from This Episode: Utah Lake public access points map Utah DWR 2020-21 Waterfowl Guidebook Utah Waterfowl Slam info Lessons Learned by a First-Time Duck Hunter Windy Lookout HABS.utah.gov

The Utah Lake Commission is excited to announce a life jacket drive to gather life jackets and monetary donations to support a new loaner program in partnership with the families of Priscilla Bienkowski and Sophia Hernandez. Priscilla and Sophia were two dear friends who tragically lost their lives this summer while recreating at Utah Lake earlier this year. This program will provide life jackets at public access points around Utah Lake. The life jacket drive will start Wednesday, September 30 and run until Wednesday, October 7th. Listen in to learn more about the life jacket drive and loaner program and other efforts to improve water safety at Utah Lake, past, present and future. Links from this episode: Donate Online! Life Jacket Drive donation locations Windy Lookout app Utah State Parks Boating Safety How to Enjoy Utah Lake, Safely blog post

Ever wondered why Utah Lake water levels are so low? Drought is one of the largest contributors to lake levels, setting that aside, there are four main reasons why water levels fluctuate. First, upstream water use that reduces the amount of inflow to the lake. Second, changes in the lake outlet, which controls how much water flows out. Third, use of the lake as a storage reservoir, which affects storage and withdrawals. Fourth, evaporation of the water in Utah Lake is a significant factor to lake levels. **Featuring a clip from a 09/17/20 presentation from Central Utah Water on current weather conditions and their impact on water levels. Links from this Episode: Understanding Water Levels at Utah Lake, blog post Tom Bruton, full CUWCD presentation Water levels chart and LIVE water levels link CUWCD website