Current Conditions May — Live USGS & Weather Data
⚠️ Yellow Perch: Daily limit is 15 fish (Willard Bay specific rule).
⚠️ Walleye: Statewide limit — 6 per day, only 1 over 24 inches.
⚠️ Catfish: 10 fish daily limit combined channel/bullhead.
⚠️ Bass: 6 per day, only 1 over 12 inches.
| Species | Quantity | Avg Length | Date Stocked |
|---|---|---|---|
| No recent stocking data — check DWR directly | |||
Best Time to Fish Today
Early morning and evening for catfish and walleye. Midday warming improves perch activity in shallower water.
Channel catfish are very active in spring at Willard Bay. Fish nightcrawlers or cut shad on the bottom near the inlet channel and rocky points after dark.
Perch move shallow in spring. Small tube jigs and blade baits in chartreuse or white fished 5-12 feet near structure are very effective. Remember — 15 fish daily limit.
Walleye are actively feeding in spring shallows. Shad-colored crankbaits worked along rocky shorelines at dawn and dusk are your best bet.
Slow troll spinner harnesses tipped with nightcrawlers at 1.2-1.8 mph in 8-15 feet for walleye as they stage near points and drop-offs.
Troll shad-pattern crankbaits at 2.0-2.5 mph along the main basin flats for walleye and white bass.
Swedish Pimples and blade baits in silver or gold jigged vertically in 10-20 feet are deadly on yellow perch through spring.
Tube jigs and paddle-tail swimbaits in shad or perch colors dragged slowly along bottom structure are great for walleye.
Channel cats at Willard Bay respond very well to punch bait and dip baits on treble hooks fished on the bottom near the south marina and inlet areas.
Fresh cut shad is hard to beat for big channel cats. Fish on a slip sinker rig in deeper holes and channel edges, especially after dark.