Johansen Pond

Johansen Pond is a lake in Emery County, Utah and covers about 0.5 acres, reaches about 6.1 feet at its deepest point and holds roughly 1.2 acre-feet.

One weed edge or deeper pocket can hold much of the day’s activity; begin over firm bottom, then work the bottom where the bank turns steep. With little deep water in Johansen Pond, weeds, wind, and water color can matter more than depth alone.

Fish and Baits

The fish mix here is not confirmed, so check fresh local information before choosing a target or keeping a catch; follow a short creek arm, then test the drop before leaving.

Begin with one slow bottom presentation and one moving bait, then let bites show whether fish are holding close to cover or roaming open water; fish a small bottom change, then fish the windy and calm sides differently.

How to Read the Water

Do not let the deepest number control the whole day; nearby cover, firm bottom, and food usually matter more than the deepest hole by itself; look for a clean edge beside cover, then work each small drop before going deeper.

Season by Season

In spring, start with warming banks, creek mouths, and shallow cover; summer usually pushes the better bite toward the outside weed edge or a nearby drop; fall can bring bait back to windblown points, while winter calls for smaller moves and a slower pace; use a small lure when bites are scarce, then use the old channel as a guide.

A Simple Tackle Plan

A medium spinning rod, 8-pound line, a small box of jigs, a few crankbaits, and a simple bottom rig cover most situations; change depth or speed before changing every piece of tackle; check a protected pocket, then check both sides of the point.

Record the wind, water color, productive depth, and cover after a bite; those four notes are more useful on the next trip than a long list of spots that did not produce; use water color to choose the first lure, then let two bites set the useful depth.