Ice-Off Fishing at Strawberry

By Matt Selders

One of the best fishing experiences Utah has to offer occurs when Strawberry Reservoir's winter ice cap begins to recede from the banks. The fish seem to congregate in the area of open water between the ice and the banks. After the long months of winter, the fish are hungry and vulnerable. Many haven't seen a lure or fly in months. This is probably the best time of year to catch big numbers of trophy fish. Many anglers visit Strawberry just after "ice out" but, all too often, the best fishing has already happened. "Shoulda' been here yesterday," is, I believe, the correct term.

Fly fishing at ice out is usually done from shore. To find fish at early ice out, simply find open water. If you're looking for big fish, look for water that is at least 3 feet deep and has a spring or river inlet nearby. The inflow of warmer, more oxygenated water attracts baitfish and insects; when there is more prey in the water, there are also more predators. I prefer open water that is at least my maximum casting distance wide. I find it easier to fish and much more efficient. Also, the fish often cruise just under the ice at the edge of the open water. They will be more likely to hit a presentation for which they don't have to travel far although, at times, fish may be so aggressive that almost anything that hits the water is fair game.

Fish open water as soon as you can. Often, the first areas to ice out provide the very best fishing.

It seems to me that large areas of the reservoir go virtually unfished all winter long. The roads aren't plowed, so the only access is by snowmobile. The south end of the lake has a few more springs, and usually has a little open water by mid-April. Indian Springs, Horse Creek and Renegade Bay are targets of choice. If you don't have snowmobiles, try fishing anywhere along the road where open water is visible. The Ladders on the east side of the lake and Jake's Bay also offer some great fishing.

The Soldier Creek side doesn't feel the effects of spring quite as soon, but may be only a few days behind the others. Access is fairly open throughout the entire reservoir, so scout out new areas-you may be the first to fish them this spring. Remember to use a stealthy approach; fish are very skittish at ice out and the water is generally clear.

If you are in the right water at the best time, you won't need a float tube. A warm, comfortable pair of waders will work much better. As ice recedes, the tube might become advantageous. Be prepared, because the entire reservoir can become ice free in a few days' time. A storm front with high winds can push ice rapidly up onto or away from the shore in a matter of minutes. Normally, it takes a couple of weeks for ice to disappear from the entire reservoir. This year is anything but normal. Warmer temperatures have me thinking ice out will happen early this year.

So, what do you do? Get ready for the best trip of the year. Strawberry has some monster rainbows and mean cutthroat. Though a 5-weight, 9-foot rod will handle most of your needs, in this case a 6-weight would be better. Most of the fish you encounter will be larger than you may be used to, and a 6-weight is better suited for windy conditions. A fly reel with a good disk drag is highly recommended. Bring a variety of fly lines; a full floating or an intermediate line is best for most situations, but having a sink tip and full sink is also a very good idea. Conditions change rapidly at this time of year, so be prepared for any water condition.

At ice out, fly pattern choice doesn't seem to be as critical as you might think. Most patterns that represent minnows or leeches will catch fish, though the right flies will increase your catch: chartreuse or white glimmer leeches; crystal killers in browns, purples or reds; bead head crystal buggers in black, olive or brown; black or white zonkers; mohair, crystal, bunny, and lawyer fly (egg-sucking) leeches. Stick with #10s through #4s and make sure you have more than one of everything.

Even more critical than fly pattern is presentation. With leech imitations, make a cast toward the ice and let it sink slowly, twitching or stripping the line with short motions every 5 to 10 seconds the entire way. With patterns representing minnows, cast the fly to the edge of the ice, then let it fall for 10 to 15 seconds. Pay attention to the line as it falls-fish often take the bait when you're not watching. Retrieve with short, erratic strips for a more realistic presentation, keeping the tip of your rod in the water all the while-that will put you in direct contact with your flies and your fish.

Strawberry is a popular destination. With a little exploring and trekking, you may experience some of the best fishing Utah has to offer.