Do the toll fees still apply at Deer Creek during the winter? Coming up through Provo Canyon there isn't any shore access for a long ways, so I always hestite to fish DC because I don't want to spend ~$10 to potentially get skunked. If the fees do apply, where can one go to access the lake on a non boat ramp area?
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I hate paying the fees too. What I do is I ice fish up in the Charleston area. I park my car at the bridge and then I walk down to the lake. It only takes 5-10 minutes longer and it saves me money.
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[cool][#0000ff]If you drive into any of the state park areas the fees will apply. However, there are several roadside turnouts around the lake from which you can walk onto the ice and fish without paying a fee. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The first is a short distance past the Walsburg turnoff...on the north side of the road. You will see a fence, a small building, etc. You park there and hike to the steep bank going down onto Walsburg Bay. There was some discussion that they were going to make that a fee area but I do not think it has been done.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The next is the roadside turnout just beyond the Island state park. There is a gate in the fence through which you can easily pull a sled and gear and go out on either side of the island. No fee.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]A third spot is the corner where the road to Charleston turns off the highway to Heber City. Again, some parking and easy access onto the lake. But, depending on lake levels you may have to trudge a ways to find water deep enough to hold fish.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As has been mentioned, you can park at the bridge over the Provo River at the Charleston access point. You can then drag your gear down the short access road and out onto the ice.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Here are some maps to help.[/#0000ff]
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much thanks. Do you get out much for ice fishing TubeDude?
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[cool][#0000ff]I haven't so far this season, but I do dearly love "drillin' and chillin'".[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have been busy winding down on float tubing and getting my gear ready for ice fishing. Should start hitting it soon. But, I am not a big fan of subzero temps, deep snow or slush. I generally plan my trips around more mellow conditions. I fish for enjoyment...not endurance.[/#0000ff]
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I plan on hitting Strawberry this Saturday, I'd love to "chill" with you if you'd like to come, that is if you don't mind chillin with my wife and brother too. But if you're looking for braving it in an ice tent, we don't have one, that's my next purchase.
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[#002850]TD, you never cease to amaze me with your info. You should write a book....oh, that's right you did... [cool][/#002850]
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TD -- I think you should publish a book of maps. It's so nice to have an image rather than just a vague description. Thanks for the info!
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[cool][#0000ff]Thanks for the friendly offer but I don't "do" Strawberry. About the only water I fish that is trout-oriented is Huntington...and then only one or two trips a year.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]It has been over 30 years since I last fished Da Berry. Wouldn't want me to break such a long string wouldja?[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]My target waters (in no particular order) are Deer Creek, Jordanelle, Utah Lake, Willard, Starvation, Pelican and Mill Meadow. Oh yeah, might try a couple of dinkfests at Pineview too.[/#0000ff]
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[cool][#0000ff]Nah! I am happy to share what I put together for myself and a few fishing buddies but not looking to gain anything from it. Also not sure what legal lines I am transgressing as it is. I download Google Earth maps but then I label them with the database churning around inside my carload of crooked cogwheels (mind) and try to put some semblance of order to them.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]We have it pretty good these days with all the info available online. A lot of folks have no idea how difficult it was back when I used a stone float tube and treebark fins. The only maps were burned into mammoth skins and I had to battle T-Rex to get to my launch spots...and then icthyosaurs while fishing. I tell ya, it's a lot easier for today's wimps.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Glad to help when I can.[/#0000ff]
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Just curious why the bias towards non-trout fish? I feel the same way though, trout fishing for me isn't a challenge anymore, that's why I've tried to get into walleye fishing, and other species. Hence in 2010 I landed six new species I hadn't caught previously. The only reason I'm hitting Da Berry is because there is a descent chance you can hook into something with some size. The average size fish we caught there last week was probably 16" or so.
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[cool][#0000ff]No particular VALID reason for NOT fishing Strawberry. Used to fish it a lot...even before it became a year round fishery. Even fished real flies with a real fly rod...and enjoyed it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Since then I have broadened my scope of angling interests and some of my preferences have changed. I always enjoy catching quantities of good sized fish...of any species...except cutthroats. Nuff said...to avoid a locked thread.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]These days I kinda have a planning process I go through before scheduling a trip. The factors I weigh into the decision include:[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Current conditions[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Weather forecast for fishing trip times[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Recent/current fishing reports[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Species available[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Distance from home[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Other potential spots nearby (Plan B, C, D)[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Other anglers involved?[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Gut feelings[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In short, I prefer to fish within a reasonable driving distance...on a day with tolerable temps and no wind...in a water that is producing...species that I enjoy catching...on (light) tackle.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Let's see how a trip to Strawberry might rate on my card this week:[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]A 2 hour drive...including icy or snowy roads.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Below zero temps (no thanks)[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Heavy trudging through deep snow likely[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Iffy fishing reports...could go either way[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Primary species cutthroat (rolling dishrags)[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I would rather drive half the distance and catch fewer fish...especially with the chance to catch perch, walleye, wipers, white bass, catfish, crappie or other non-trout species. But, I do enjoy playing with rainbows after they have shed their hatchery clothes and got some growth and attitude.[/#0000ff]
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One of the reasons I enjoy my year long State park pass. Well worth the money!
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went there 2 weeks ago and was shocked that it wasn't $10. it was only $5 for access, it goes down in the winter months. [cool]
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