Outdoor notes

ICE ON SCOFIELD

The long-awaited ice-over has finally occurred at Scofield Reservoir, signaling some of the best fishing of the year.

Last week, the thermometer plunged to record lows, transforming a skiff of shoreline ice into a rock-solid surface.

Early season ice fishing is traditionally some of the best of the year. Last weekend, anglers caught a number of 14- to 16-inch rainbows, mixed with some 6- to 8-inch planters, as well as cutthroats and a few pan-size tiger trout.

Some of the best fishing is in water 10 to 20 feet deep. Good lures are the small silver attractor like a Kastmaster or Stinger, then remove the hook and tie on 10 to 12 inches of leader with a 1/32- or 1/16-ounce chartreuse jig head tipped with a piece of night crawler, meal worm, wax worm or small minnow.

ANTELOPE ISLAND EVENTS

Two events will take place on Antelope Island State Park on Saturday — winter wildlife tracking and a lesson in brine shrimping.

Crystal Carpenter will hold a class for young visitors ages 6 to 12 at 11 a.m. at the visitors center for the Junior Ranger Program. Participants will take a deeper look into the wonders of wildlife during winter months.

Park staff will look at the brine shrimp industry at 3 p.m. in the visitors center through a photo tour. The brine shrimp season varies each year but usually begins in October or November and ends in January or February. Anywhere from 2,000 to 7,000 tons of brine shrimp are harvested each year.

To visit Antelope Island State Park, take I-15 to Exit 332, turn west and follow Antelope Drive to the entrance gate. Day-use fees are $9 per vehicle. For more information call 801-721-9569.

HARDWARE RANCH OPENS

Hardware Ranch opened for the season today for sleigh rides into herds of Rocky Mountain elk. Cold temperatures and snow in the high country have caused the elk to migrate to Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has operated sleigh rides to see elk at Hardware for more than 50 years.

Rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not required for the general sleigh rides. However, reservations are required for weekly moonlight dinner and rides that are held every Saturday evening. Operating hours and fees are: