Utahns often fall into two distinct groups when winter rolls in, marked by their reactions to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. One group dreams of fresh powder and days spent carving down ski slopes. The other group’s minds go to ice huts and the excitement of reeling in trout from frozen lakes. If you’re in the latter group there are some key things to keep in mind when you roll up your frozen lakes this winter.

Safety is the paramount concern when you are standing over deep water, with only four inches of ice between you. Ice depth is the most important factor to study when looking for the dangers of a spot. You need to be sure ice is at least four inches thick, before you let it bear your weight. It is important to know that ice does not develop uniformly, and the thickness will not be the same throughout the lake.

“As a basic precaution, you should also purchase and always wear ice safety picks, which can help you get out of the water if you fall through the ice,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Sportfish Coordinator Trina Hedrick said. “I’d also recommend taking a throw rope with you, and having someone else with you when ice fishing.”

Before you go out, it’s important to be sure of the weather forecast. On colder days, make sure to have high quality snow gear. You can find reputable brands, such as striker or eskimo, at most local outdoor retailers. It is a good idea to pack hand warmers and warm foods and soups on cold days.

Getting to the lake is only half the battle. In order to catch fish you have to know where the fish are and the geography of the water you're fishing. In Utah, trout are the most targeted fish, and while you can usually find them anywhere, to have consistent success you need to know their behaviors. Rainbow and cutthroat trout generally prefer shallow waters, largely due to higher oxygen levels, and they hunt for insects, mainly, and smaller baitfish. During the later parts of the year, when the ice is thickest, they may move slightly deeper around 15-30 feet, where they’ll begin to congregate around structures. Lake trout prefer deeper depths, around 30-60 feet.

Tiger muskie, a prized fish in the state, often rest in deeper waters, and hunt the shallows. This can make an exciting catch as they tend to be very aggressive when they prowl their hunting grounds. When fishing for muskie, try and place yourself around drop offs, weed edges, or rock piles.

Walleye are another fish that patrol much of the lake, and they are more active in water around 40 degrees, making them an exciting catch through the ice. They roam between medium and shallow waters. They are fished best from drop off’s – like muskie – underwater structure, or inlets and outlets. Weed beds are the best starting points for bass. 

If you want to release the fish that you catch while ice fishing, there are a few things you can do to help decrease stress to the fish and increase survival.

“If an angler is fishing on a particularly cold day, pulling a fish up through a hole and exposing them to freezing conditions can be stressful to the fish,” Hedrick said. “The water that remains on sensitive areas – such as the gills or eyes – can begin to freeze and this can cause damage to a fish. So, it is best to minimize exposure time and to release the fish as quickly as possible after catching it.”

Make sure you have access to your tools on hand and can get the fish back in the water quickly. Another important tip is to remove your gloves before handling the fish. Gloves often carry absorbent material, and can remove the coating covering fish scales. 

“That can leave fish more susceptible to various skin issues, such as fungal diseases,” Hedrick said. “I know that it is tough to take gloves off while ice fishing because it’s cold, but handling fish with your bare hands is best – and when the fishing is hot, your hands just don’t seem to get as cold! Once the fish have been safely released, then you can put your gloves back on. This also keeps your gloves drier throughout the day, which will help keep your hands warmer in the long run.”

Ice fishing is one of the most exciting ways to experience Utah’s lakes during the winter. However, safety should always be your top priority. Make sure to check ice thickness before venturing out, wear the proper gear, and always let someone know where you’ll be. And, of course, be sure to follow all DWR regs to protect the environment and preserve the quality of fishing for future generations. λ