Not Just for Grumpy Old Men
Photography: Ellen Schiess and Reggie Kohler
Ice fishing has been growing in popularity ever since Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon’s hilarious antics—both on and off the ice—captured the hearts and imaginations of movie goers in 1993’s film, “Grumpy Old Men.” Of course, the ice that forms on Utah’s lakes is not nearly as thick as the Minnesota ice on which Matthau and Lemmon famously feuded. Still, the four to 12 inches of ice that forms on four Park City-area reservoirs each winter safely supports a large number of ice fishing enthusiasts, including men, women, children and even, yes—a few grumpy old men.
Even though “Grumpy Old Men” portrayed ice fishing as a bitter cold, unappealing and even somewhat boring experience, Utahns are discovering that ice fishing can be a surprisingly pleasant, social and exciting outing for anyone. In fact, it’s as much about socializing, enjoying hot beverages and chatting with friends and family as it is about catching fish. And when the sun is shining and the wind isn’t blowing, it’s a great place to catch a few rays during the winter months.
Usually, by the end of December, the area’s four reservoirs (Rockport, Echo, Jordanelle and East Canyon) are frozen over and ready for ice fishers to start drilling holes and catching fish. Rockport and Echo are noted for their abundant perch population as well as a good number of rainbow trout and an occasional brown trout. East Canyon has good rainbow populations, as well as some perch and browns. Jordanelle offers abundant perch, rainbows, browns and even an occasional bass in the winter.
Ice fishing makes a great family outing with its minimal cost and equipment and easy-to-learn fishing techniques. All you need is an inexpensive hand-held auger to drill holes in the ice, a metal ladle to scoop ice out from the holes, short fishing rods, five-gallon buckets to sit on and carry equipment in, a few simple lures or jigs, small plastic bobbers and some mealworms or wax worms for bait, all available at discount department stores and sporting goods stores. You can pull all of your gear out onto the ice on a child’s large plastic sled. You’ll also want to take along thermoses of your favorite hot beverages and some snacks.
The trick to catching fish through the ice is to watch the bobber very carefully in order to detect the slightest strikes, since fish tend to bite very softly in cold winter waters. Watchfulness and quick reflexes (for pulling your line up) make for successful ice fishing.
Avid ice fishers swear by a small electronic device called a “sonar” or “fish finder.” Ranging in cost from $100 to several thousand dollars, the fish finder shows your lure and the lake bottom and detects when fish move into the area. The sonar enables you to watch as fish approach and make sure your lure is at the right depth. For instance, rainbows are typically found in water less than 20 feet deep, while browns stay near the bottom in water that is 50 to 70 feet deep. The fish finder is a definite must for the serious ice fisher, but not necessary for an occasional day on the ice.
BEFORE YOU GO
Ice fishing can be a lot of fun, but it can also be dangerous if safety precautions are not strictly followed each time you venture out on the ice. Never fish on ice that is less than four inches deep. Be sure to check the weekly fishing report on the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Web site before heading out (www.wildlife.Utah.gov). Be aware that oftentimes the ice is softer and not as thick around lake edges. Also be careful around springs and inlets. Always test the ice in these areas before walking on it. If the edges are soft, use a broad plank to walk across to solid ice.
Wear waterproof boots and warm socks. Even if the sun is out and the weather is pleasant, take a winter coat, gloves and hat in case the wind picks up or clouds move in. If you get wet, it’s time to head home. Never stay out on the ice in wet clothes, as hypothermia could set in quickly.
As always, when venturing into the great outdoors, let someone know where you will be and what time you expect to return.
Also be sure to check the current fishing proclamation for all applicable rules, limits, regulations and fishing license requirements before you go.
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