Dicey challenges: Winter fishermen coping with cold, snow and slush

Gunderson said the Blue Ribbon Council has committed to raise money to spot treat the reservoir in the summer to try to improve fishing.

Wilson said Echo Reservoir has been giving up some nice trout but not in rapid succession.

Pineview has been slow, primarily because of the 12 to 14 inches of slush, which has made it difficult to keep feet dry and to find a place to drill a hole.

Scofield has slowed, but the traffic hasn't. There were reportedly around 500 anglers on the ice over the Presidents Day weekend.

Yuba has been on the radar for many anglers this winter because of new yellow perch regulations that were late in coming and allowed the fish an extra year's growth.

Reports are that it's not difficult to hook 10 perch, especially around the Painted Rock area. The problem is regulations say the first 10 to come out of the water must be kept, no matter the size. There have been few complaints on the size of the fish, however.

Strawberry has had moments of glory this winter. Here again, access has been one of the limiting factors. There are only three good parking areas — marina, The Ladders and Chicken Creek — which has concentrated fishermen.

One fisherman reported he was able to get away from the crowds and caught 25 fish within a hour. The secret is to get the bait or lure to the bottom and then crank up a turn on the reel.

A creel study done in 2006 at Strawberry showed that about two-thirds of the cutthroats more than 22 inches are being released back into the reservoir. It is legal to keep one more than 22 inches. Back in December, one fisherman caught a 27-inch rainbow that weighed in the area of 7 to 8 pounds.

Rockport was good at the start of the winter but has slowed.

For the latest report on fishing conditions, visit the DWR's Web site at www.wildlife.utah.gov/fishing.

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