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I'm looking for somewhere to take the kids out this weekend. We were planning on Strawberry, but just called the marina and they told us that the ice is still not safe for taking a wheeler on and they are not allowing their rental equipment on the lake yet. Because I'm taking the kids, I want to be sure I can keep them warm and need more gear than I want to drag on foot a mile out on the ice to get away from others so we can catch something.
I'm taking one of the neighbor kids who has never been fishing, so I want it to be a good experience and get him hooked on the sport.
I'd love any ideas for a different location within 2 hours of SLC. I do have a small boat we can use on open water as well.
Thanks so much for any tips in advance!
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Scofield may be a bit too far for you if you're trying to keep your drive time under two hours, but it's a good option for kids, even if you catch chubs.
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I had to call in sick so I could go to Lake Powell!
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You can definitely take a 4 wheeler/snowmobile/quad out on the ice. 10+ inches. I like to fish out by the island to get away from the crowds and the fishing is usually pretty good. Last outing I fished in the middle between the shore and the island with my family and we did pretty good. We only caught 1 chub and once we did we were able to use it for cut bait. Chub meat is pretty productive up there. The fish are skinny, but kids don't always mind.
I also saw 4 wheelers on the ice at Strawberry on the Soldier Creek side and I took my snowmobile all over with no problem, so that may be another option for you. Ice was 6 1/2". Some have reported good fishing and others not so good. We did well on Monday catching one over the slot and several good size Rainbows.
Good luck!
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I had to call in sick so I could go to Lake Powell!
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We fished Strawberry last Sunday (1/18/15) near the marina and boat ramp. There were tons of quads, snow mobiles, and even an air-boat on the near 8-10" thick ice.
It hit 43 degrees during the middle of the day, to which there was a little slush forming on the surface of 3" of snow left from the last storm.
Fishing was slow where we only had 3 fish with 3 fisherman. We fished from Dawn to 3:00pm. The multitude of other tents and fishing parties appeared to be doing as unwell as we were.
Fish appeared to be more active earlier in the morning around 20-30' where bottom ranged from 25 - 35'. Action was consistent on the flasher with a lot of "lookers," but only the 3 decent hits to hook a fish. We tried several baits, jigs, scents, and gear to promote more success, but had no such luck.
Keep in mind the slot limit at Strawberry, and check the proclamation before you head out.
Good luck,
Big B.
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Thank you for the tip Big B! We called the Strawberry lodge this morning and they told us that the ice is too thin for machines. 8-10" is plenty though. We may have to think this one over.
I like to get away from the marina and the people, that tends to help the catch rate if you know what I mean. I guess that more than anything, I'm worried about going through the ice. I'm a BIG guy and I will have me and 1 other adult on the machine along with 4 kids in a sled behind me with another sled behind that full of gear.
I can certainly make 2 trips and cut the load size dramatically, but once there is a solid 15" I don't worry about it.
How far did you get from the marina? I understand that there is a major pressure ridge forming to the east that runs from the marina all the way to the narrows.
Thanks again!
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Bassomatic last weekend I saw multiple sleds cross from the marina over to haws point. I saw a half dozen sleds come from haws point area past me into Mud creek and keep on going across the middle of the lake over to the ladders area. There were a lot of wheelers traveling all over the ice. The pressure ridges were locked up tight with no openings at all. Ice was 9-10" where i drilled!!
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Bring 'em up to Bear Lake for the Cisco Disco. Begins right at daybreak at Cisco Beach. We'll have plenty of nets for the kids to use. No ice, but you can dip them from shore. Plus a bunch of us will be over cooking up cisco, fries, and scones with all the trimmings. Plus hot chocolate, etc. The kids LOVE to see the fish and its totally different. Then after that, a lot of people head over the marina and there will be a chili cookoff and of course the Polar Plunge. There will be a tournament for kids for the largest cisco, but only the first 49 people can register. Some nice prizes will be had too.
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Okay, so now I'm thinking that I have 2 great options. It sounds like the berry is safe, but I'm thinking hard about Bear Lake. That sounds like a ton of fun.
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Way to go! I'm thinking about taking my wife up there tomorrow. Would you be willing to tell me what part of Solder Creek you went to? How far from the road did you walk/drive? I have been ice fishing 3 times this winter and haven't caught 1 single fish! lol.
Please PM me more exact details if your willing?
Thanks!!
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] I think we'll give Schofield a try and see what we how we can do. I'll give a report after the trip.
s on all of the kids faces!