Looks like its time to get the ice fishing gear in order. Does anyone know which lakes allow snowmobiles on the ice?
[signature]
All of them as far as I know. Unless you're venturing into the Uintas Primitive Area.
[signature]
There was a discussion about this a couple of years ago and if memory serves me right, there are a few that don't allow, or rather have ordinances against using them on the ice. Seems like Rock Port was one and Willard Bay was another. Maybe someone who really knows will chime in instead of someone who only thinks he remembers.
[signature]
There is only one lake in Idaho where it against the law to use a snowmobile . The funny part is you can use a 4 wheeler .
[signature]
They're not allowed at Deer Creek Res.
[red]⫸[/red][orange]<{[/orange][yellow]{{[/yellow][green]{{[/green][size 4][blue]⦇[/blue][/size][blue]°[/blue][#8000FF]>[/#8000FF]
[signature]
Lake Walcott in Idaho is a national refuge and be chiles are not allowed on the ice. May apply in Utah if the place is controlled by the Feds.
[signature]
[font "Times New Roman"] [/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]This is a very difficult question to answer in Utah. There are so many reservoirs in Utah and they are owned a/o operated by a very wide range of federal and state agencies. Some are State Parks, some are USFS Recreation Areas, and some are in the Federal system under BLM, BoR, or a National Park/Monument. Add to that the fact that most of them are operated or managed by some water agency such as the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District and you begin to see just how complex it is to answer that question. Every government unit has its own set of restrictions on the use of OHVs. The only way to know for sure is to contact the agency or management unit for each individual reservoir and ask.[/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000] [/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]And even then, there will be confusion. For example the BoR doesn’t allow it on ANY of their units but has zero means to enforce that restriction. I’ve used my snowmobile on Newton numerous times where it isn’t technically allowed, been checked by DWR Cos, and never issued a citation for OHV use. Deer Creek is another unit that doesn’t allow OHVs. However, folks do it every winter and most will not receive a citation for it according to a phone conversation I had with the CO for that area a couple of years ago.[/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000] [/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]As I said, it’s a very complex and confusing issue trying to figure out who does and who does not allow OHV use on the ice for any given unit in Utah. Good luck in your search.[/#800000][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"] [/font]
[signature]
Joe's Valley reservoir located in Emery County up the canyon from Castle Dale and Orangeville is on US Forest Service land. There is a sign at the boat ramp that states "No ATVs or Snowmobiles may be used inside the fenced areas of the reservoir". I worked the area for years and I've ice fished it many times and I don't recall ever seeing an ATV or snowmobile out on the lake. Maybe someone who lives closer or is more familiar with the lake might want to chime in, but I plan to follow the rules and ice fish the lake this winter on foot.
Mike
[signature]
dear creek and jordanell snowmobiles and atvs are not allowed.
[signature]
Hyrum, East Canyon, Rockport will allow snowmobiles. Of course there are some non State Parks like Pineview and Strawberry that I have seen machines being used.
Thanks to all for your in put.
[signature]
How thick does the ice usually get at Joes Valley?
[signature]
I don't claim to know the actual Regs but Jordanelle has machines all over the Ice every winter. Talked to the Park folks several time sitting on my 4-wheeler leaving and going onto the Ice, never mentioned any restriction. Willard and Deer creek for sure have restrictions.
[signature]
[#0000FF]As a ranger explained it to me...at Willard...the only restriction for machines is that you have to get on and off the ice at a ramp. Since the ice at the mouth of the north marina is often sketchy that cuts down on the potential.
Deer Creek is definitely no machines...and no dogs...and no dogs driving machines.
[/#0000FF]
[signature]
I had a meeting on the 6th of November with James Morgan, Willard Bay State Parks manager and this very subject came up. According to him Willard Bay will not allow ATV's and snowmobiles because of a varying ice conditions at lower elevation lakes.
[signature]
[#0000FF]Makes sense. But what about Utah Lake? Plenty of motorized traffic there every year...including the Loy's carp trucks.
[/#0000FF]
[signature]
Very true, you make a valid point my friend. Just wanted to give you a friendly fYI on what James told me less than 2 weeks ago. I'd hate to see anyone go out and get them selfs tangled up with the law[
]
[signature]
[#0000FF]It is always best to know what the law really is...and the reasons for it...if any. Even better to abide by the law even if you don't agree.
There is an old saying (by a wimpy husband): "It is easier to ask for forgiveness than to beg for permission." That doesn't cut it when dealing with regulating agencies. Their policy is "Ignorance of the law is no excuse."
That's why it is always a good idea to keep a copy of each year's Fishing Guidebook and refer to it whenever there is a question or concern.
[/#0000FF]
[signature]
I even called state parks to try to get an idea of what the regulations are and which parks and bodies of water would allow ATV's and snowmobilese. The individual I talked to didn't have a clue, and he even stated that he was in charge of outdoor motorized vehicle trail maintenance for the entire northern region which would have made him the SME "subject matter expert". It just goes to show how well the left hand talks to the right when dealing with the government. Oh wait a minute I work for the government[laugh]
[signature]
that's strange about jordanelle we call the ranger 2 years ago before a trip and he told us lots of people drive on it . but told us they don't allow it. he may have been giving us double talk to discourage us.
[signature]
How blue is the sky, how deep is the ocean? [
]
Joe's Valley normally has fishable ice a few weeks after Scofield. The elevation is not as high and the area seems to have fickle winds that keep the lake stirred up. It is also very deep near the dam (over 120 feet), so there is a lot of water to cool down to freezing.
I haven't ice fished the lake for a few years but as I recall the ice was usually about 10 to 12 inches thick in January.
One note of caution: The bay near the lodge and boat ramp on the west side has numerous springs and methane gas fissures. This activity often creates holes in the ice that skim over and become very dangerous to people walking out on the ice. It's a good idea to stay near shore until you reach the open part of the lake away from the Seely Creek inlet.
Joe's Valley might produce some interesting tiger muskie fishing through the ice this winter. There are also some good size splake and cutthroat trout to be had in the lake. There is a slot limit on the trout, so consult the current fishing proclamation for specific special regulations. Current rules allow for keeping one tiger muskie over 40 inches, all others must be released. I caught three tigers over 40 inches this fall, so there are some water wolves swimming around up there.
Mike
[signature]