Fishing Forum

Was wondering if anyone had an ice report for Willard Bay? If you don't want to share public please DM me. Thanks
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My neighbor and I went went out on Sunday morning and caught two fat 9.5" perch. It was our first time ice fishing at Willard so we moved around quite a bit. We were straight out from the North Marina in about 10.5-11 FOW. I am new to ice fishing, but I caught my perch on a silver kastmaster tipped with a wax worm.

There was ~4" of clear ice with a skiff of snow. I'm not sure how the ice is holding up to the rain we have had this week.

I'd love to find a reliable catfish hole. Hopefully the ice holds up and I can continue my Willard ice education.
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Good report, thanks for sharing it with us. A friend and I were out there two weeks ago or so, fishing in about the same area but it was just over 3" of ice at the time. Good to hear it is getting a little thicker. If you had to guess would you say you were a few hundred yds or 1/4 mile from the shore? As with any fish at Willard it is pretty much hit and miss while ice fishing out there but if you caught perch, the cats will likely be in the same area. Next time, try a piece of crawler on one rod and the waxy on the other.
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I'm sure this rain hasn't helped the ice conditions at all.
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Was there still open water when you were out? 3 inches is pretty sketchy for me.
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Just got back. I have never felt so uneasy as I did this morning. About 1 1/2-2" of water on top and the ice was soft. Had I someone with me I might have explored a bit.

I'll wait for another good freeze.
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Hi Wiperhunter.
I've never tried Willard on the ice. Is there a fee for the marina? if so how much for the day?
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I fished out from Eagle Beach this morning. There was at least 5" inches of clear ice with 1" of water/slush on top. I caught one 9" perch. I also did a drive by of the south marina. There is a lot of water flowing into the reservoir which is probably contributing a lot to the the water on top of the ice. The gate was open and I was able to drive to the south marina boat ramp.
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Any Luck? Where did you park? Was there any fees? I am literally 5 mins from the south marina.
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[quote ddmoogs]I'm sure this rain hasn't helped the ice conditions at all.[/quote]

I've been tempted to go play at bountiful pins but the current weather conditions have me second guessing myself as well. Hope the ice holds up. Wouldn't mind heading up to Willard but it won't be any time soon. Other priorities have my calendar booked.
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When we were there it was during that really cold period and everything was froze solid. We checked close to shore and the ice there was 4", so we headed to the spot mentioned above. Once we got there we started drilling holes and found the ice was only 3 and 1/4" but very solid, so we fished there.
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The price to enter Willard bay state park does not change in the Winter. If I remember correctly it is around $10 and more on the weekend[crazy]. It's kind of strange because most state parks have their rates go down in the Winter but not Willard, unless it changed at the 1st of the year.
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[quote wiperhunter2]The price to enter Willard bay state park does not change in the Winter. If I remember correctly it is around $10 and more on the weekend[crazy]. It's kind of strange because most state parks have their rates go down in the Winter but not Willard, unless it changed at the 1st of the year.[/quote]

Wow 10 bucks just for day use. sounds like a lot to pay, then if you only spend a few hours there.
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Yea, that why I always buy a state parks permit. I just sent off an Email to the Willard park manager about the cost of getting into there in the Winter, I'll let you know what he says when he replies. Not sure how hard it would be from other locations but there are few places to access the lake without paying a fee.
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I went to the south marina. I forgot my season pass so I payed the $5 senior fee. (should have checked the ice first) parked at the boat ramp.

Nope! I didn't catch anything.

As I mentioned, the ice was ugly and I was nerves. Never did get to the spot I wanted. The spot I wanted to fish was open water. When I first looked out to it I thought I was seeing just another wet spot, Even when the ducks flew off I figured they had just been resting on surface water then I saw a gull make a dive into the water i was convinced I should leave.Depending where I was the ice was 3 1/3 to 5" and it was rotten.

I don't want any part of going through the ice again if I can help it.
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yes just looked at the year pass it would only be $35 for me sounds a lot better than 5 to 10 bucks a pop.
thanks guys hope it gets cold again would really like to give that body of water a try on the ice
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I get the annual pass as well but I pay the $75. Still with it to me.
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Yea, if you fish at any state park often, it is really worth buying one, even if you pay full price but you can't beat $35, when you get to that certain age[].
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Still have a year before that certain age. []
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Me too
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