12-11-2023, 08:24 PM
Ice conditions: Ice is currently forming at many Utah waterbodies but may not yet have even thickness or safe access for ice fishing. Anglers should use extreme caution and be aware of best practices for ice safety.
[b]Seasonal forecasts[/b]
Bear Lake (Blue Ribbon):
Fishing forecast (December through March): What anglers can expect at Bear Lake this winter will depend on whether the lake freezes over or not. The lake typically freezes over near the end of January. Bear Lake has a lot of springs and vents, so pay close attention to ice thickness. An ice safety guide is available here. If Bear Lake does not freeze over, fishing from boats will continue through the winter. The Bear Lake State Park marina is the only place on the lake where you can launch a boat in the winter. More information about Bear Lake State Park is available here.
Fishing forecast (December through March): What anglers can expect at Bear Lake this winter will depend on whether the lake freezes over or not. The lake typically freezes over near the end of January. Bear Lake has a lot of springs and vents, so pay close attention to ice thickness. An ice safety guide is available here. If Bear Lake does not freeze over, fishing from boats will continue through the winter. The Bear Lake State Park marina is the only place on the lake where you can launch a boat in the winter. More information about Bear Lake State Park is available here.
Whether you’re fishing through the ice or in open water, you can expect excellent fishing for cutthroat trout. Jigging with ½- to ¾-ounce tube jigs, tipped with cisco or sucker meat, is the most popular method at Bear Lake in the winter. Cutthroat can be found in anywhere from 30-100+ feet of water, but most anglers target 50-80 feet. If the lake is open water, you can try trolling minnow-type lures or flatfish, with downriggers, close to the bottom. Good locations for winter fishing are off the "rockpile" in front of Ideal Beach Resort, Second Point and Cisco Beach. The four artificial rockpiles just north of the Utah State Park marina are also a good spot to try. Bonneville whitefish fishing is typically good from the end of January through the end of February. When fishing for whitefish, use a small ⅛- to ⅜-ounce vertical jigging spoon (such as a Kastmaster or a Swedish Pimple) and tip it with a piece of worm or mealworm. Focus on areas with rocky bottoms or near weed beds on the bottom (south of Gus Rich Point, between First and Second points, is a good spot to try). Dipnetting for spawning Bonneville cisco at the end of January is weather dependent. If the lake is frozen, you can dipnet through the ice. If the lake is open water, you can wear waders and try dipnetting from shore at Cisco Beach. However, since they can see you, the cisco are very wary during open water years. Try to keep a low profile and stay close to shore. Jigging (snagging) for Bonneville cisco is also popular if the lake is not frozen. Jigging action should begin in mid-January and run through the first part of February. Use a larger jigging spoon (⅜- to 1-ounce) and jig it aggressively, right on the rocky bottom, in 40 to 60 feet of water or off weed beds in 20-35 feet of water. Reminder: The trout limit is two fish. There is no longer a fin clip regulation for cutthroat trout, so you can keep any cutthroat trout up to your two-fish limit. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Birch Creek Reservoir:
Fishing forecast (December through March): Tiger trout and rainbow trout were stocked in Birch Creek Reservoir again in 2023. If you’re fishing for tiger trout, use a fish finder to locate structures or rock outcroppings in water 15-30 feet. Tiger trout remain active under the ice. Tipping small white, brown or yellow jigs or jigging raps with waxworms or mealworms, and then actively jigging the lure, should do the trick. For rainbow trout, fish in 10-30 feet of water with small ice flies, jigs or spoons tipped with nightcrawlers or mealworms. Try combinations of active jigging, mixed with dead stick methods, to attract and entice rainbows to strike. After the ice first forms, early season and late season are generally the best times to catch fish through the ice at Birch Creek. Note: Access is extremely limited during the winter months, especially after large snowstorms, as there is no road maintenance on Birch Creek Road leading up to the base of the reservoir. Anglers are encouraged to use caution and be prepared for poor road conditions. Make sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season! (Dec. 1, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through March): Tiger trout and rainbow trout were stocked in Birch Creek Reservoir again in 2023. If you’re fishing for tiger trout, use a fish finder to locate structures or rock outcroppings in water 15-30 feet. Tiger trout remain active under the ice. Tipping small white, brown or yellow jigs or jigging raps with waxworms or mealworms, and then actively jigging the lure, should do the trick. For rainbow trout, fish in 10-30 feet of water with small ice flies, jigs or spoons tipped with nightcrawlers or mealworms. Try combinations of active jigging, mixed with dead stick methods, to attract and entice rainbows to strike. After the ice first forms, early season and late season are generally the best times to catch fish through the ice at Birch Creek. Note: Access is extremely limited during the winter months, especially after large snowstorms, as there is no road maintenance on Birch Creek Road leading up to the base of the reservoir. Anglers are encouraged to use caution and be prepared for poor road conditions. Make sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season! (Dec. 1, 2023)
[b]Blacksmith Fork River:
[/b]Fishing forecast (December through March): Brown trout numbers are dense in the Blacksmith Fork River, affecting the size and condition of the fish population in this water. We encourage anglers to harvest some brown trout when fishing the Blacksmith Fork, to allow the remaining fish to grow to a larger size. Fishing during the winter months can be very good. Spinners, jigs or crankbaits can be used to target trout. Small nymphs of midges, sow bugs, caddisflies and mayflies also work well. Egg patterns used as attractors can also be effective. Streamers in various colors are also a good bet. Ice may form in some reaches of the river, so advanced planning may be necessary for a good trip. (Dec. 1, 2023)
[/b]Fishing forecast (December through March): Brown trout numbers are dense in the Blacksmith Fork River, affecting the size and condition of the fish population in this water. We encourage anglers to harvest some brown trout when fishing the Blacksmith Fork, to allow the remaining fish to grow to a larger size. Fishing during the winter months can be very good. Spinners, jigs or crankbaits can be used to target trout. Small nymphs of midges, sow bugs, caddisflies and mayflies also work well. Egg patterns used as attractors can also be effective. Streamers in various colors are also a good bet. Ice may form in some reaches of the river, so advanced planning may be necessary for a good trip. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Bountiful Lake:
Fishing forecast (December through March): DWR trout stocking has ended for the year, but there are still plenty of fish to be had whether the pond is open water or covered with ice. Ice presence and thickness is highly variable at this pond, so be cautious and use good judgment. Make sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season! When the pond is covered with safe ice, ice anglers can catch trout, bluegill and largemouth bass by tipping a small jig with either a mealworm or a waxworm and fishing it near the bottom of the pond. Light line (4- to 6-pound test) and tackle is recommended. When open water conditions are present, try fishing trout dough bait or worms 1 or 2 feet off the bottom. Trout stocking is scheduled to resume in March 2024. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through March): DWR trout stocking has ended for the year, but there are still plenty of fish to be had whether the pond is open water or covered with ice. Ice presence and thickness is highly variable at this pond, so be cautious and use good judgment. Make sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season! When the pond is covered with safe ice, ice anglers can catch trout, bluegill and largemouth bass by tipping a small jig with either a mealworm or a waxworm and fishing it near the bottom of the pond. Light line (4- to 6-pound test) and tackle is recommended. When open water conditions are present, try fishing trout dough bait or worms 1 or 2 feet off the bottom. Trout stocking is scheduled to resume in March 2024. (Dec. 1, 2023)
East Canyon Reservoir & State Park (Blue Ribbon):
Fishing forecast (December through March): Rainbow trout, kokanee salmon and wiper stocking has ended for 2023. If you’re targeting rainbow trout through the ice, tip brightly colored tungsten ice flies or jigs with mealworms or nightcrawlers, and fish them in 10-30 feet of water. A fish finder will increase your success by helping you identify where in the water column the fish are feeding. Early season ice conditions can fluctuate at East Canyon before the ice stabilizes, so review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. One of the best places to access East Canyon Reservoir is near the state park boat ramp on the north side of the reservoir. You can access this area via state Route 66. Designated pullouts are also available along state Route 65. Amenities and conditions at East Canyon State Park can be found here. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through March): Rainbow trout, kokanee salmon and wiper stocking has ended for 2023. If you’re targeting rainbow trout through the ice, tip brightly colored tungsten ice flies or jigs with mealworms or nightcrawlers, and fish them in 10-30 feet of water. A fish finder will increase your success by helping you identify where in the water column the fish are feeding. Early season ice conditions can fluctuate at East Canyon before the ice stabilizes, so review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. One of the best places to access East Canyon Reservoir is near the state park boat ramp on the north side of the reservoir. You can access this area via state Route 66. Designated pullouts are also available along state Route 65. Amenities and conditions at East Canyon State Park can be found here. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Echo Reservoir:
Fishing forecast (December through March): Rainbow trout were stocked in the fall and should be abundant throughout the ice fishing season. To target rainbow trout, tip small ice flies or tube jigs with waxworms or nightcrawlers, and fish them 3-10 feet below the ice in 20-30 feet of water. For brown trout and yellow perch, tip tungsten ice flies and jigging raps with mealworms, and then actively jig them 1-2 feet off the bottom in 30-50 feet of water. Try using ice flies and jigging raps that are colored like a yellow perch. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through March): Rainbow trout were stocked in the fall and should be abundant throughout the ice fishing season. To target rainbow trout, tip small ice flies or tube jigs with waxworms or nightcrawlers, and fish them 3-10 feet below the ice in 20-30 feet of water. For brown trout and yellow perch, tip tungsten ice flies and jigging raps with mealworms, and then actively jig them 1-2 feet off the bottom in 30-50 feet of water. Try using ice flies and jigging raps that are colored like a yellow perch. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Farmington Pond:
Fishing forecast (December through March): Trout stocking has ended for the year, but there are still plenty of fish to be had whether the pond is open water or covered with ice. Ice presence and thickness is highly variable at this pond, so be cautious and use good judgment. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. When the pond is covered with safe ice, you can catch trout (and an occasional yellow perch) by tipping a small jig with either a mealworm or a waxworm and fishing it near the bottom of the pond. Light line (4- to 6-pound test) and tackle is recommended. When open water conditions are present, try fishing trout dough bait or worms 1-2 feet off the bottom. Trout stocking is scheduled to resume in March 2024. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through March): Trout stocking has ended for the year, but there are still plenty of fish to be had whether the pond is open water or covered with ice. Ice presence and thickness is highly variable at this pond, so be cautious and use good judgment. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. When the pond is covered with safe ice, you can catch trout (and an occasional yellow perch) by tipping a small jig with either a mealworm or a waxworm and fishing it near the bottom of the pond. Light line (4- to 6-pound test) and tackle is recommended. When open water conditions are present, try fishing trout dough bait or worms 1-2 feet off the bottom. Trout stocking is scheduled to resume in March 2024. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Holmes Creek Reservoir:
Fishing forecast (December through March): Trout stocking has ended for the year, but there are still plenty of fish to be had whether the pond is open water or covered with ice. Ice presence and thickness is highly variable at this pond, so be cautious and use good judgment. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. When the pond is covered with safe ice, you can catch rainbow trout by tipping a small jig with either a mealworm or a waxworm and fishing it near the bottom of the reservoir. Light line (4- to 6-pound test) and tackle is recommended. When open water conditions are present, try fishing trout dough bait or worms 1-2 feet off the bottom. Trout stocking is scheduled to resume in March 2024. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through March): Trout stocking has ended for the year, but there are still plenty of fish to be had whether the pond is open water or covered with ice. Ice presence and thickness is highly variable at this pond, so be cautious and use good judgment. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. When the pond is covered with safe ice, you can catch rainbow trout by tipping a small jig with either a mealworm or a waxworm and fishing it near the bottom of the reservoir. Light line (4- to 6-pound test) and tackle is recommended. When open water conditions are present, try fishing trout dough bait or worms 1-2 feet off the bottom. Trout stocking is scheduled to resume in March 2024. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Hyrum Reservoir & State Park:
Fishing forecast (December through March): Rainbow trout were stocked in the fall and should be abundant throughout the ice fishing season. To target rainbow trout, tip small ice flies or tube jigs with waxworms or nightcrawlers, and fish them 5-10 feet below the ice in 10-45 feet of water. To catch brown trout and yellow perch, jig actively with tungsten ice flies and jigging raps in perch colors. Tip the ice flies and jigging raps with mealworms and fish them 1-2 feet off the bottom in 30-50 feet of water. If you’re fishing for perch, try to stay mobile and locate schools of perch before setting up all of your gear. As the ice season progresses, some of the fish — including yellow perch — will begin moving to other locations, including into shallower water. If fishing begins to slow down in the spots that were working previously, try exploring shallower depths. Most of the access to Hyrum Reservoir is along its north side. The state park marina and the state park beach are the primary access points. To stay updated on current conditions, check here. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through March): Rainbow trout were stocked in the fall and should be abundant throughout the ice fishing season. To target rainbow trout, tip small ice flies or tube jigs with waxworms or nightcrawlers, and fish them 5-10 feet below the ice in 10-45 feet of water. To catch brown trout and yellow perch, jig actively with tungsten ice flies and jigging raps in perch colors. Tip the ice flies and jigging raps with mealworms and fish them 1-2 feet off the bottom in 30-50 feet of water. If you’re fishing for perch, try to stay mobile and locate schools of perch before setting up all of your gear. As the ice season progresses, some of the fish — including yellow perch — will begin moving to other locations, including into shallower water. If fishing begins to slow down in the spots that were working previously, try exploring shallower depths. Most of the access to Hyrum Reservoir is along its north side. The state park marina and the state park beach are the primary access points. To stay updated on current conditions, check here. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Jensen Nature Park Pond:
Fishing forecast (December through March): Trout stocking has ended for the year, but there are still plenty of fish to be had whether the pond is open water or covered with ice. Ice presence and thickness is highly variable at this pond, so be cautious and use good judgment. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. When the pond is covered with safe ice, you can catch trout, bluegill and an occasional bass or wiper by tipping a small jig with either a mealworm or a waxworm and fishing it near the bottom of the pond. Light line (4- to 6-pound test) and tackle is recommended. When open water conditions are present, try fishing trout dough bait or worms 1-2 feet off the bottom. Trout stocking is scheduled to resume in March 2024. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through March): Trout stocking has ended for the year, but there are still plenty of fish to be had whether the pond is open water or covered with ice. Ice presence and thickness is highly variable at this pond, so be cautious and use good judgment. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. When the pond is covered with safe ice, you can catch trout, bluegill and an occasional bass or wiper by tipping a small jig with either a mealworm or a waxworm and fishing it near the bottom of the pond. Light line (4- to 6-pound test) and tackle is recommended. When open water conditions are present, try fishing trout dough bait or worms 1-2 feet off the bottom. Trout stocking is scheduled to resume in March 2024. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Kaysville Ponds:
Fishing forecast (December through March): Trout stocking has ended for the year, but there are still plenty of fish to be had whether the pond is open water or covered with ice. Ice presence and thickness is highly variable at this pond, so be cautious and use good judgment. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. When the pond is covered with safe ice, you can catch trout, bluegill, black bullhead catfish, channel catfish and an occasional bass or wiper by tipping a small jig with either a mealworm or a waxworm and fishing it near the bottom of the pond. Light line (4- to 6-pound test) and tackle is recommended. When open water conditions are present, try fishing trout dough bait or worms 1-2 feet off the bottom. Trout stocking is scheduled to resume in March 2024. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through March): Trout stocking has ended for the year, but there are still plenty of fish to be had whether the pond is open water or covered with ice. Ice presence and thickness is highly variable at this pond, so be cautious and use good judgment. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. When the pond is covered with safe ice, you can catch trout, bluegill, black bullhead catfish, channel catfish and an occasional bass or wiper by tipping a small jig with either a mealworm or a waxworm and fishing it near the bottom of the pond. Light line (4- to 6-pound test) and tackle is recommended. When open water conditions are present, try fishing trout dough bait or worms 1-2 feet off the bottom. Trout stocking is scheduled to resume in March 2024. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Logan River (Blue Ribbon):
Fishing forecast (December through March): Lower reaches of the river will stay open for fishing during the winter if temperatures don’t drop low enough to create anchor and frazil ice. Trout numbers have stayed stable this year, and fishing should be good throughout the river. Fishing during the winter months can be very good. Spinners, jigs or crankbaits can be used to target trout. Small nymphs of midges, sow bugs, caddisflies and mayflies also work well. Egg patterns used as attractors can also be effective. Streamers in various colors are also a good bet. Ice may form in some reaches of the river, so planning ahead of time may be necessary to enjoy a good trip. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through March): Lower reaches of the river will stay open for fishing during the winter if temperatures don’t drop low enough to create anchor and frazil ice. Trout numbers have stayed stable this year, and fishing should be good throughout the river. Fishing during the winter months can be very good. Spinners, jigs or crankbaits can be used to target trout. Small nymphs of midges, sow bugs, caddisflies and mayflies also work well. Egg patterns used as attractors can also be effective. Streamers in various colors are also a good bet. Ice may form in some reaches of the river, so planning ahead of time may be necessary to enjoy a good trip. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Lost Creek Reservoir:
Fishing forecast (December through March): Splake trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and tiger trout stocking has been completed for the 2023 season. Road access at Lost Creek will vary depending on the time of year and the frequency of snowstorms. Utah State Park crews will do some winter maintenance to provide access to the boat ramp parking area, but inclement weather may still limit access. Otherwise, anglers should be able to access the dam area parking and restroom site on the northeast side of the reservoir. Early and late season ice anglers should be able to access the main boat ramp area on the south arm of the reservoir, where there are ample fishing opportunities for rainbow trout near shoreline structure in 10-40 feet of water. If you’re fishing for rainbows, try pink, blue or white ice flies and jigs. For tiger trout, splake trout and cutthroat trout, locate deeper structures in 20-65 feet of water. To target these larger, predatory trout, try vertically jigging lures tipped with sucker meat. If you aren’t catching fish, keep moving to various types of deepwater habitat to locate the fish. Some larger fish will cruise shoreline habitat in 50-60 feet of water. Moving — to get ahead of cruising fish — could lead to better catch rates at this waterbody. Shallow water (less than 10 feet deep) can sometimes be productive for large cutthroat trout and tiger trout. When fishing shallow water, success will increase greatly if you can stay quiet, which minimizes the noise fish can detect below the ice. More information about amenities at Lost Creek Reservoir are available here. Please remember: Special fishing regulations are in place at this waterbody so be sure to check the current Utah Fishing Guidebook. Don't forget to bring a tape measure if you plan to harvest any fish. All trout between 15 and 22 inches must be immediately released. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through March): Splake trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and tiger trout stocking has been completed for the 2023 season. Road access at Lost Creek will vary depending on the time of year and the frequency of snowstorms. Utah State Park crews will do some winter maintenance to provide access to the boat ramp parking area, but inclement weather may still limit access. Otherwise, anglers should be able to access the dam area parking and restroom site on the northeast side of the reservoir. Early and late season ice anglers should be able to access the main boat ramp area on the south arm of the reservoir, where there are ample fishing opportunities for rainbow trout near shoreline structure in 10-40 feet of water. If you’re fishing for rainbows, try pink, blue or white ice flies and jigs. For tiger trout, splake trout and cutthroat trout, locate deeper structures in 20-65 feet of water. To target these larger, predatory trout, try vertically jigging lures tipped with sucker meat. If you aren’t catching fish, keep moving to various types of deepwater habitat to locate the fish. Some larger fish will cruise shoreline habitat in 50-60 feet of water. Moving — to get ahead of cruising fish — could lead to better catch rates at this waterbody. Shallow water (less than 10 feet deep) can sometimes be productive for large cutthroat trout and tiger trout. When fishing shallow water, success will increase greatly if you can stay quiet, which minimizes the noise fish can detect below the ice. More information about amenities at Lost Creek Reservoir are available here. Please remember: Special fishing regulations are in place at this waterbody so be sure to check the current Utah Fishing Guidebook. Don't forget to bring a tape measure if you plan to harvest any fish. All trout between 15 and 22 inches must be immediately released. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Mantua Reservoir:
Fishing forecast (December through March): Anglers should expect to find fishing success similar to success found over the past few years. Rainbow trout stocking occurred this fall, so trout fishing should be good. Be willing to move around this small reservoir to find active fish. Groups congregate on the Maple Spring confluence and the point on the east of the reservoir, but fish are distributed everywhere. If you’re fishing for bluegill or yellow perch, keep your lures and baits very small. Ice conditions are always changing on this reservoir. It’s fed by two main springs on each side of the reservoir as well as many underwater seeps located throughout the reservoir. These seeps often create holes in the ice and thin areas of ice, well into the ice fishing season. These seeps are easily found if little or no snow is present because you can see water moving or the snow has a gray color to it. Avoid these areas! The water level will rise through the winter, so the edges may be soft through most of the season. Check the edges carefully before venturing out. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through March): Anglers should expect to find fishing success similar to success found over the past few years. Rainbow trout stocking occurred this fall, so trout fishing should be good. Be willing to move around this small reservoir to find active fish. Groups congregate on the Maple Spring confluence and the point on the east of the reservoir, but fish are distributed everywhere. If you’re fishing for bluegill or yellow perch, keep your lures and baits very small. Ice conditions are always changing on this reservoir. It’s fed by two main springs on each side of the reservoir as well as many underwater seeps located throughout the reservoir. These seeps often create holes in the ice and thin areas of ice, well into the ice fishing season. These seeps are easily found if little or no snow is present because you can see water moving or the snow has a gray color to it. Avoid these areas! The water level will rise through the winter, so the edges may be soft through most of the season. Check the edges carefully before venturing out. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Meadow Creek Pond:
Fishing forecast (December through March): Trout stocking has ended for the year, but there are still plenty of fish to be had. Because of abundant freshwater going into Meadow Creek Pond year-round, this pond rarely freezes, providing a convenient open water fishing opportunity through most of the winter. During the winter season, try fishing trout dough bait or worms 1-2 feet off the bottom. Flies and spinners can also be quite effective. Trout stocking is scheduled to resume in March 2024. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through March): Trout stocking has ended for the year, but there are still plenty of fish to be had. Because of abundant freshwater going into Meadow Creek Pond year-round, this pond rarely freezes, providing a convenient open water fishing opportunity through most of the winter. During the winter season, try fishing trout dough bait or worms 1-2 feet off the bottom. Flies and spinners can also be quite effective. Trout stocking is scheduled to resume in March 2024. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Pineview Reservoir (Blue Ribbon):
Fishing forecast (December through March): Ice fishing at Pineview Reservoir can be rewarding for the entire family. The panfish populations are doing very well, and anglers should expect to find great numbers of yellow perch, black crappie and bluegill — along with an occasional largemouth bass or smallmouth bass — this winter. Yellow perch can be found 1-2 feet off the bottom in water 10-45 feet deep. Tungsten ice flies, small brightly colored UV jigs, vertical jigging lures or spoons — tipped with mealworms, wax worms or nightcrawlers — should lead to success. Black crappie will generally be suspended 10-20 feet off the bottom — in or near structure — in 20-50 feet of water. A combination of deadsticking and light jigging will entice a strike. A crappie’s bite can be extremely subtle. To maximize strike detection, use ice rod strike indicators or small floats, and pay close attention to the tightness of your fishing line. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season.
Fishing forecast (December through March): Ice fishing at Pineview Reservoir can be rewarding for the entire family. The panfish populations are doing very well, and anglers should expect to find great numbers of yellow perch, black crappie and bluegill — along with an occasional largemouth bass or smallmouth bass — this winter. Yellow perch can be found 1-2 feet off the bottom in water 10-45 feet deep. Tungsten ice flies, small brightly colored UV jigs, vertical jigging lures or spoons — tipped with mealworms, wax worms or nightcrawlers — should lead to success. Black crappie will generally be suspended 10-20 feet off the bottom — in or near structure — in 20-50 feet of water. A combination of deadsticking and light jigging will entice a strike. A crappie’s bite can be extremely subtle. To maximize strike detection, use ice rod strike indicators or small floats, and pay close attention to the tightness of your fishing line. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season.
According to the U.S. Forest Service (the agency that manages the reservoir and adjacent shoreline), the following sites will be open to anglers this ice fishing season: Anderson Cove, Windsurfer/Pineview trailhead, BOR/Salamander, Old Highway, Pelican Beach, Browning Point and the pullouts on state Route 39. Cemetery Point will also be open but only a small number of parking spots will be available. While this might provide some discomfort in the short-term, we’re confident that once the site upgrades and renovations have been completed, Pineview Reservoir and its on-site amenities will be more enjoyable and accessible than ever before! (Dec. 1, 2023)
Porcupine Reservoir:
Fishing forecast (December through March): Rainbow trout were stocked in the spring of 2023. To target rainbow trout, tip small ice flies or tube jigs with waxworms or nightcrawlers, and fish them 5-10 feet below the ice in 20-40 feet of water. For brown trout and splake, jig actively with jigging raps and tube jigs tipped with cut bait, such as Utah chub, Utah sucker or mountain sucker. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through March): Rainbow trout were stocked in the spring of 2023. To target rainbow trout, tip small ice flies or tube jigs with waxworms or nightcrawlers, and fish them 5-10 feet below the ice in 20-40 feet of water. For brown trout and splake, jig actively with jigging raps and tube jigs tipped with cut bait, such as Utah chub, Utah sucker or mountain sucker. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Rockport Reservoir:
Fishing forecast (December through March): Rainbow trout were stocked in the fall and should be abundant throughout the ice fishing season. To target rainbow trout, tip small ice flies or tube jigs with waxworms or nightcrawlers, and fish them 5-10 feet below the ice in 20-40 feet of water. For brown trout and yellow perch, jig actively with tungsten ice flies and jigging raps in perch colors. Tip them with mealworms and then fish them 1-2 feet off the bottom in 30-50 feet of water. If you’re fishing for perch, try to stay mobile and locate schools of fish before setting up your ice tent. Access to Rockport Reservoir is great through the winter on both the east and west sides of the reservoir. Anglers looking for easy access with snow machines or large sleds can utilize the main boat ramp within the state park. Park conditions can be found here. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through March): Rainbow trout were stocked in the fall and should be abundant throughout the ice fishing season. To target rainbow trout, tip small ice flies or tube jigs with waxworms or nightcrawlers, and fish them 5-10 feet below the ice in 20-40 feet of water. For brown trout and yellow perch, jig actively with tungsten ice flies and jigging raps in perch colors. Tip them with mealworms and then fish them 1-2 feet off the bottom in 30-50 feet of water. If you’re fishing for perch, try to stay mobile and locate schools of fish before setting up your ice tent. Access to Rockport Reservoir is great through the winter on both the east and west sides of the reservoir. Anglers looking for easy access with snow machines or large sleds can utilize the main boat ramp within the state park. Park conditions can be found here. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Uinta Mountains, Mirror Lake Highway (Blue Ribbon):
Fishing forecast (December through March): The Mirror Lake Highway (state Route 150 east of Kamas) is plowed to the Soapstone Basin turnoff (milepost 14) during the winter. All other travel to the east must be done by snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle. Ice fishing can be very good for those willing to pack into the waters. Because of the high elevation and cold, it may be necessary to have an extension for your ice auger. Snowshoes can be helpful for getting around on top of the ice and snow at this altitude. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through March): The Mirror Lake Highway (state Route 150 east of Kamas) is plowed to the Soapstone Basin turnoff (milepost 14) during the winter. All other travel to the east must be done by snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle. Ice fishing can be very good for those willing to pack into the waters. Because of the high elevation and cold, it may be necessary to have an extension for your ice auger. Snowshoes can be helpful for getting around on top of the ice and snow at this altitude. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Weber River (Blue Ribbon):
Fishing forecast (December through March): Based on recent fish captures, the brown trout and mountain whitefish spawns have been completed for the year. Flows may be up this winter due to Echo Reservoir being so full after this good water year. Flows may fluctuate during the winter as well, so please check flows before heading out. Fishing during the winter months can be very good. Spinners, jigs or crankbaits can be used to target trout. Small nymphs of midges, sow bugs, caddisflies and mayflies also work well. Egg patterns used as attractors can also be effective. Streamers in various colors are also a good bet. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Willard Bay Reservoir (Blue Ribbon): Both ice fishing and open water fishing are typically more challenging at this fishery due to the abundance of young gizzard shad that are available for sportfish to feed on during the winter months. Quality-size yellow perch can typically be found in both marinas and at the rock piles outside the South Marina. For yellow perch, try using a jig and plastic body tipped with a waxworm, mealworm or nightcrawler. Hard-bodied jigging baits can also be effective. Channel catfish can also be caught in open water or under the ice — in the main body of the reservoir — using a jig tipped with either a worm or chub meat. When fishing the main body of the reservoir, look for deeper water (10 feet and below). Ice conditions at this reservoir are highly variable, so be cautious and use good judgment. Park conditions can be found here. Be sure to review the ice safety guidelines before heading out this season. Access is plentiful around the reservoir. The most popular access points are the North Marina and the South Marina as well as Freeway Bay on the east side of the reservoir. (Dec. 1, 2023)
Fishing forecast (December through March): Based on recent fish captures, the brown trout and mountain whitefish spawns have been completed for the year. Flows may be up this winter due to Echo Reservoir being so full after this good water year. Flows may fluctuate during the winter as well, so please check flows before heading out. Fishing during the winter months can be very good. Spinners, jigs or crankbaits can be used to target trout. Small nymphs of midges, sow bugs, caddisflies and mayflies also work well. Egg patterns used as attractors can also be effective. Streamers in various colors are also a good bet. (Dec. 1, 2023)