Kayak Exploration: Utah Lake Marshes and Tributaries

 The damp, biologically diverse marshes along Utah Lake's shores and slow streams supplied the richest sources of food and shelter for the paleo peoples and other people of Utah Lake. People living near marshes found plentiful supplies of plants, such as cattails, roots, and berries, as well as animals such as water fowl and other birds, all types of critters, and a plentiful fish variety to feast on. Anciently, they also hunted large prehistoric bison, mammoth, and camels. Archaeologists have found pottery, projectile points, basketry, and grinding equipment in many places where these people lived. Paleo-Indians are even believed to have traded with other cultures. Obsidian from Utah was used to make the famous Clovis spear points found in New Mexico.

 One of the best places to explore the richness of the marshes of Utah Lake is a place that locals call "Mud Lake". It also has other names such as, Provo Bay, or a possible futuristic name like "Restoration Bay". Some of the restoration in a nearby area is already taking place in the recreation of "The Provo River Delta". Whenever I explore these areas I cannot help but think of all the life that Utah Lake has given people throughout the ages. 

Dance of the Bulrush

I can think of no other North American plant that is more useful than the cattail. This wonderful plant is a virtual gold mine of survival utility. It is a four-season food, medicinal, and utility plant. What other plant can boast eight food products, three medicinals, and at least 12 other functional uses?

https://www.backwoodshome.com/the-incredible-cattail

Cattails and other bulrush plants used to dominate Utah Lake before the invasive takeover of the Phragmites. Don't get me wrong, I find the Phragmites to be quite beautiful as they sway in the Utah Lake wind. Even there stand tall feathery-like stature gives a certain aesthetically pleasing appeal with the glimmering lake in the background. It seems to be a large addition to the gestalt of Utah lake paddling.

There are two main tributaries that lead into Provo Bay: Lower Hobble Creek, and Mill Race. Both of these inlets to the Lake are inundated with white bass during the spring time spawn. The bass are fun to catch and pound for pound they offer a good fight to the angler. The kayak entrance to Mill Race may be preferred because the current is slower and consequently the return is much easier as opposed to the Hobble Creek access that has a stronger current. My favorite kayak exploration is to enter at Hobble Creek and exit at Mill Race.

Storm at the Stern
Excursion Logistics (click)

White Bass Spawn

As spring shortly approaches I feel a little anxious to explore these areas once again. Even the thought of watching giant carp porpoising into the air as you paddle these areas, or getting a glimpse of the elusive Utah Lake otters hunting the fish spawns just gets me giddy. May we always reverence the people that explored before us with our thoughts and admiration. Utah Lake is indeed a chance for common ground in humanity.

Carp Fishing" (click)

Utah Ichthyology (click)