Ice Fishing Clinics in Utah
Category: Fishing Clinics
Jan 6th, 2015 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Jan 6th, 2015 at 12:00 AM
VERNAL – If you’d like to learn how to catch fish through the ice, two ice fishing clinics – and an ice fishing seminar – will show you how.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is offering the free clinics in the Uintah Basin. Here’s the schedule:
Date Time Event Location
Jan. 10 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Clinic Big Sandwash Reservoir
Jan. 15 4-6 p.m. Seminar DWR Vernal office, 318 N. Vernal Ave.
Jan. 19 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Clinic Steinaker Reservoir
Ron Stewart, regional outreach manager for the DWR, says each event is an “open house” format. “You’re welcome to come and go anytime you’d like during the hours the events are held,” he says.
Stewart says each event has the same goals: help beginning anglers feel comfortable enough to want to give ice fishing a try; help beginners catch fish; and provide advanced tips and techniques to those who are already familiar with ice fishing and are ready to try something new.
“When you’re prepared,” he says, “ice fishing is fun. That’s the goal behind the ice fishing seminar and the two clinics; to help you prepare for the upcoming season.”
Stewart says it might seem strange to talk about ice fishing when temperatures are in the 40s. “But, sooner or later,” he says, “the lakes will freeze, and ice fishing will start. It’s time to get ready.”
Seminar: Jan. 15, 2015
Even though the Jan. 15 seminar will be held in a warm room, on dry land, DWR staff have chosen to call it a ‘Brave the Ice’ seminar.
“We’ll have displays set up that focus on the basics of ice fishing,” Stewart says, “what to wear, essential fishing gear, baits and lures, where to go, and tips and techniques for some of the fish species we have in our local waters.”
The seminar isn’t just for beginning ice anglers, though.
“If more advanced anglers would like to talk about some of the more specialized or difficult-to-catch species in our local waters,” he says, “we’ll be happy to answer your questions too.”
Clinics: Jan. 10 and Jan. 19, 2015
Stewart says the Jan. 10 and Jan. 19 clinics will be held on the ice. To participate, you need a fishing license.
“Division personnel will be at the Big Sandwash and Steinaker boat ramps, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., to help anglers of all ages and skill levels,” he says.
The UDWR will provide augers to drill holes with. And a selection of hooks and baits – that work well for fish at these waters – will be available too.
Stewart says any fishing pole and reel you have will work for ice fishing. If you don’t have a fishing pole or reel, no problem. “We’ll have a few extras on hand,” he says. “If you don’t have your own rod and reel, you can still come out and give ice fishing a try.”
Stewart encourages you to wear warm clothes and to dress in layers. “Clothes should include warm, waterproof boots; hats; gloves; and insulated coats and pants,” he says.
Stewart says it’s also a good idea, especially if you’re bringing your family, to have a supply of snacks and drinks on hand.
“When you’re on the ice,” he says, “the only thing better than having something warm to drink is reeling in your first fish through the ice.”
For more information about the seminar or the clinics, call the DWR’s Vernal office at 435-781-9453.