DWR Changing Rules on Spearfishing in Quail Creek Reservoir

If you have desires to become a "spearo", there are more opportunities coming to Utah.

Most of us have never heard someone call themselves a "spearo". It is a term for spearfishing. You might have an inkling of what spearfishing is. Basically, you dive into a body of water with a spear in your hand and see if you can get a fish with it. 

The DWR is making changes to the spearfishing requirements throughout Utah, including Southern Utah. In places where illegally introduced fish species have been found, spearfishing will be expanded. Because spearfishing targets specific fish (you can see the fish you are going to spear) these invasive species can be removed. 

Small mouth bass are an invasive species in Quail Creek Reservoir here in Southern Utah and the DWR will allow spear fishing to help remove them.  

I talked with TJ Cottam with Adventure Plus in St. George spearfishing and how it works. “You can either do it with a spear gun or a pull spear,” he said. “Usually, they use a rubber band and there are some that are pneumatic as well.” 

Cottam said it can be a lot of fun. It hasn’t been too popular because it has been illegal here in Utah. You can spearfish in Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Most people purchasing spearfishing equipment have been heading out of town.

With the DWR lifting restrictions in Quail Creek it will probably become more popular. “It will definitely pick up some,” said Cottam. 

I am not good at regular fishing but swimming through the water with a spear in hand seems like it could interesting, if it isn’t too murky to see. Maybe it's time you had people calling you spearo. Maybe put it on your license plate.