Crappie fishing at Willard Bay Reservoir

Spring crappie on Willard Bay Reservoir hold shallow, usually 2 to 8 ft. By summer they slide out to 7 to 22 ft, and by winter most fish are in 7 to 22 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Deep basin: a deep basin around 19 ft that scores prime in winter. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening. Tie on a jig trolled/spider-rigged or a small crankbait (trolled) and you're in the game.

Channel Catfish fishing at Willard Bay Reservoir

Start shallow in spring: channel catfish sit in 3 to 12 ft that time of year. Summer pushes them deeper, 7 to 22 ft, and winter fish settle into 7 to 22 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Deep basin: a deep basin around 19 ft that scores prime in winter. Best bite is after dark and the evening.

Smallmouth Bass fishing at Willard Bay Reservoir

Start shallow in spring: smallmouth bass sit in 3 to 12 ft that time of year. They move out to 7 to 22 ft in summer and finish the year down in 7 to 22 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Main-lake point: a point around 8 ft that scores prime in fall. Plan around early morning and the evening in the warm months. A drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig covers the summer program.

Walleye fishing at Willard Bay Reservoir

In spring, walleye run shallow here, mostly 4 to 15 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 7 to 22 ft, and winter fish settle into 7 to 22 ft. The spot to know is Break off the point, a drop-off in about 10 ft of water that rates prime for walleye in fall. Plan around the evening and early morning in the warm months. A crawler harness on bottom bouncer or a deep crankbait (trolled) covers the summer program.

White Bass & Hybrids fishing at Willard Bay Reservoir

Spring white bass & hybrids on Willard Bay Reservoir hold shallow, usually 3 to 15 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 7 to 22 ft, and winter fish settle into 7 to 22 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Main-lake point: a point around 8 ft that scores prime in fall. Plan around early morning and the evening in the warm months. Tie on a jigging spoon or a topwater (when schooling) and you're in the game.

Bluegill fishing at Willard Bay Reservoir

Spring bluegill on Willard Bay Reservoir hold shallow, usually 1 to 6 ft. Summer pushes them deeper, 4 to 15 ft, and winter fish settle into 7 to 22 ft. Shallow bay flat is the standout, a weed flat at roughly 3 ft, rated prime for spring bluegill. In summer the feeding windows fall in early morning and the evening. A small sponge spider (fly) or a micro tube jig covers the summer program.

How deep is Willard Bay Reservoir?

Willard Bay Reservoir is about 22 ft at its deepest point. The contours here are modeled from the water's real shape and maximum depth, so treat them as a rough guide.

What fish are in Willard Bay Reservoir?

Anglers target largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, white bass & hybrids, yellow perch, common carp on Willard Bay Reservoir.

Where is the best fishing spot on Willard Bay Reservoir?

Deep basin is the top-rated area: a deep basin in about 19 ft of water that rates prime for crappie in winter. Open the map above to see every rated spot for each species and season.

When is the best time to fish Willard Bay Reservoir?

For crappie, the summer bite is best in early morning and the evening. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.