It’s no secret that Utah’s winter has been mellow this year. With little precipitation and warm temperatures, winter adventurists have been left with less to do than normal at this time of year. Despite these balmy conditions, a different group of outdoorsmen have still been able to enjoy their sport: ice fishing. Among them is Craig Lewis.
Lewis is an advisor at Southern Utah University and a seasoned fisherman. On Jan.31 at 6 p.m., he hosted a seminar through SUU Outdoors, inspiring attendees to start their ice fishing journey.
He taught about safe practices, gear and why the right mindset is essential to a good experience while on the lake. The biggest thing Lewis expressed was how easy it is to get started.
Beginners can start with as little as a bucket, a fishing line or pole, safety picks, a spud bar to test depth and a float suit. An auger is also recommended, but according to Lewis, a fellow fisherman may be willing to let someone borrow theirs.
With gear and a fishing license in hand, it’s as easy as cutting and cleaning a hole, dropping a line, catching a fish and repeating the last two steps.
Lewis suggests always going with a friend since it is safer and more fun. He personally finds the most satisfaction from bringing new people and seeing their face light up when they make their first catch.
At the end of the event, Lewis recommended a list of the most popular ice fishing spots in Utah:
— Panguitch Lake
— Otter Creek
— Fish Lake
— Scofield Reservoir
— Strawberry Reservoir
— Pineview Reservoir
Now all that’s left is trying it out! There’s still time to get into a new winter hobby.
For information about ice fishing, visit this website.
Author: Caden Wiegman
Photographer: Caden Wiegman
Editor: Lily Brunson
outdoors@suunews.net
