Just wondering how everybody is coping with all the snow lately, and how it's affecting their decisions while icefishing. At this time the bite is slowing in alot of places, and most of us want to make the most of our fishing trip without spending too much time trudging through snow. And, if the temperature starts to warm (like this weekend), its really going to get slushy.
Where can one go for some good fishing while avoiding the snowy slush monster?
What reports do you have on snow depth and accessibility?
If you decided to fight the snow, did it still payoff with some nice fish?
I think this will be helpful for everybody, because I have noticed alot of people asking.
UPDATE: BearLakeFishGuy had alot to say about snow and ice safety in a recent reply. Even though its been cold, at Bear Lake the snow is pushing the ice down and creating slushy spots. Snow also works as an insulator, like a blanket on top of the ice. When it warms up which it will through the next couple weeks, the bottom layer will melt and create even more slush. The ice will also melt a little bit. This is going to be the same effect we'll see at other lakes all over the Northern half of Utah.
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I am probably the last one who should chime in on this one since I DO NOT ice fish, but my best guess would be to go to either Arizona or Mexico if you want to avoid the SLUSH MONSTER!!! Funny you posted a topic like this because I was going to post and ask fellow BFT'rs if its even worth the hassle of ice fishing. My reason for asking is because almost 80% of the ice fishing posts' on here have been of people complaining of "too much snow, slush monster, falling through the ice, soft edges, too many holes (swiss cheese)" and so on and so forth!!! Like I said I am not the ice fishing type, so that is why I ask and I understand that a day on the "ice" is better than a day at work, just like on the "water", but it just seems like a huge hassle. I guess you just have to have the patience huh? For me, I fell through the ice when I was six and never have been on it since, plus I cant stand being cold so ice fishing is out of the question for me. I use winter time to get in shape, make babies (try to) and dream about "ice off"!!!
TS
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Excellent question. This year is providing problems that we aren't used to. I am taking a friend ice fishing this weekend and don't quite know where to go. Slush and access present problems. I hope for a good experience, but who knows. The places I normally fish are not working out this year, but it is always worth it. I got some snowshoes that I am going to try. The environment has changed so it's me that has to adapt.
Like they say, "If it was easy everyone would be doing it."
Chester
PS: Wow you woke TS up! I always wondered what his winter hobby was...procreatin'...hope he doesn't get too good at that!
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Yeah, it seems like alot of people have been coming back with nothing but snow complaints. I personally like the snow, but I would much rather be fishing than worrying about too much of it. I've had my best success while ice fishing (I've never been skunked either), but other times it just plain sucks and I drive home thinking about how I probably should've just done my school work.
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Yea its worth it! Ice fishing is the best. It may be a bare to get out there but it is definately worth it. The only think that I dont look forward to is the walk in. [
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[cool][#0000ff]To fish...or not to fish? That is not a question for iceaholics. But, they need to prepare for the worst possible conditions whenever there is a bunch of snow and slush. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]A VERY GOOD AND TIMELY POST. I was thinking of posting a warning to everybody about the anticipated conditions over the next few days...and weeks. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Slush is only part of the problem. If you do not have high topped waterproof boots, wear insulated hip boots or even chest waders. They will keep your feet dry and that is a big part of survival on the ice. If you don't want to stand in slush, take a shovel and shovel snow onto the area you will be fishing and pack it down. That will give some firmness, but is likely to turn to ice too. Take a piece of carpet to put over it for slick control and wear ice cleats.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The combined weight of the snow and the runoff from snowmelt is going to create more soft edges around many lakes...especially along steep banks. Time to start carrying a plank with you to make sure you can get both on and off the ice safely.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you don't want to fight snow and ice, look for venues which have not been clobbered as heavily. For example, Pineview is almost unfishable right now. The heavy snow on the ice is only part of the problem. Pineview, like some other popular lakes, offers very little parking for anglers because all of the pullouts have been plowed full of snow. Unless you can use a snowmobile to travel from a remote parking area to get onto the ice, you simply can't park and fish.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]On the other hand, some lakes have received less snow and the prevailing winds tend to blow a lot of the loose snow off the top. Yuba is a good example. Only in the worst winter storms does Yuba get deep snow. Right now it is still pretty clean and open to both wheelers and sleds. A long way for many to drive...for ten perch...but it can satisfy the addiction until something else is available.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Within the next few weeks, the weather should change and we will see some thawing. That's when runoff will start bringing the lake levels up fast...with resulting weak ice around the shorelines. Always check well before trudging out on the ice. Take an ice chisel to sample the edges. Once you get past the thin area, you should find healthy ice until daytime temps average above freezing.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Strawberry, Scofield, Huntington and Jordanelle are all buried under a lot of snow and slush. Rockport and Echo both have a lot too, but they are more fishable...if you go prepared for some snow and slush. And, even though the parking has been reduced by the heavy snow, there is still some available.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Same with Deer Creek. Lots of snow and reduced parking, but entirely doable and within easy driving distance of the valley.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]So, don't jump off your tackle box just yet. Still some prime ice fishing left. The problems are mostly with the fishermen and not the fish. They will still bite if you find them and serve them what they want. They tend to slow down and hit lighter during the latter months of the ice season. Lower light and oxygen levels slows everything down a bit. Time to fish slower and lighter stuff and to stay more alert for light bites.[/#0000ff]
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Thanks for the post and thanks for the long reply TD.
I have been fighting a war in my head trying to decide where to go tomorrow. Fighting the lsush is worth it when the fishing is on but it sounds like it has slowed way down just about everywhere.
I have tomorrow morning set-aside to go catch some fish through the hard deck. Where would any of you recommend considering I will be leaving Provo and would like to be back in Prov around 1 or 2?
I was thinking about Yuba for perch and trying to find some pike or the berry at the ladders. I also thought about Jordanelle just North of the boat ramp. I would also consider UL to chase some whities at AF boat harbor.
Such a hard decision.[
]. But seriously as already mentioned. I wonder if it worth getting out tomorrow or if I should stay back and catch up on school work.
Any recent reports from these lakes to convince me.
To add to the subject, I love first ice on and am usually in the first group to ice fish many lakes within 90 minutes of Provo, probably the first to fish Scofield. I love 2.5-3" of good clear ice - easier to cut through, better fishing and way easier to drag a sled on. Becuase lakes freeze at different times, you can fish early ice on at different lakes for nearly 2 months. It's almost time to start thinking about early ice off fishing - just too much snow this year, but I wont complain because we need it.
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[cool][#0000ff]Following my own advice, I am heading for Yuba in the morning with Bassrods...Painted Rocks. We should be at the ramp between 8 - 8:30 and will likely head straight across to the other side...not the island.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Come on down. The weather is supposed to be wacko tonight but mellowing by tomorrow morning. Need to drive carefully, but better than fighting up over Daniels Canyon and then doing your Nanook of the North routine through the heavy snow.[/#0000ff]
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thanks for the posts gentlemen, I was wondering the same exact question. Im taking a friend and his 2 young kids this weekend and I dont want it to be such a headache that they never go again. My kids are already ice veterans even at 10 and 7 but his kids have never gone and I would like them to enjoy the experience instead of have to fight the monster.
Im heading to Yuba on Sat. morning for some perch to keep the all kids busy and entertained, hopefully also to get some fryers. Maybe Ill run into to a few veteran BFT-ers while Im there. Good luck to everyone.
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HEYYY I got my worm!!
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Go further south. Piute is awesome right now. Otter Creek has also been very good. Both have good access and only a couple of inches of snow on the ice.
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Jacksonman, sounds like you and me are in the same boat. He he, literally too since you sold that one to me [
]. Every weekend it is so hard to decide, and just when I think I picked out my destination, I change it. I tried utah lake on the west side for the whities and had no luck, just little dink bluegill. It will be nice when I eventually get my degree and have a regular 9-5. Not only will I have the weekends wide open with no schoolwork, but more money to get the gear I want!
I haven't fished the Berry yet this year, Yuba either. And I had planned on Jordanelle a while back, and I even cut up tons of perch pieces for it. Still sittin in my freezer.
I have snowshoes and used them at Scofield, but it was so uncomfortable standing and fishing with them all day I took them off and guess what?.... I sank into the slush and got my boots soaked. Plus I only caught one fish that day.
About Piute and Otter Creek, a neighbor was just down at Piute and slammed them. Said they got almost 100 fish in his group, and some very good sized ones. Then he complained that he went a second time and only iced 30. That's quite a drive though.
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I hear ya. I have actually be talking with a work buddy about pulling off an ultra-ice fishing Saturday, starting off at Forsyth, than Mill Meadow and then Yuba before heading back to Provo. Way less snow down there and faster/more exciting fishing in my opinion. We were looking for a third person if we decide to go for it. If interested, let me know.
I would have to work hard all day friday to justify it.
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Jacksonman: You'll need to let me know how you do at Yuba. Went there last Saturday and slayed them. The two of us caught our limit in about 4 hours. I left my camare at home and had my cell phoen but failed to realize that I could use my cell phone (what a dummy)!! I caught a nice 14 inch perch. The fillets made close to 4 lbs of meet. The entire family loved it. I figure if I can get out on the ice by 7:00 am that would really be nice and not make for such a long day. With a tent, we really don't need to worry to much about the slush. I had my "Mr' Buddy" heater in my tent last week, it was really nice.
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Where do you fish piute? I have never been there so the more details the better.
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How it has worked for us, hit the road at 6:30 and I15 south to Nephi last exit on south end of town then to Levan and on south to Yuba...
So far it takes at the most 1 1/2 hours to get a limit of perch and back home or try one of the other lakes in the area...
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I know several lakes with little or no snow on them and no slush the fishing is fast with mostly planter rainbows and a big brown here and there Where are you located this lake is about an hour and a half from saltlake but fun for kids PM me if your interested
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Hey TD and BR I will be at yuba by 8:30 see you then.
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Let us know houw Yuba is today. We are heading down tomorrow. Thanks Guys !!
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