Experience the World of Ice Fishing

I had the pleasure of interviewing Kevin Uncapher for Experiences You Should Have Podcast. He hails from Burrell, PA but now lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. He's an avid outdoorsman and loves finding obsessions to immerse himself in. He climbs, hunts, is a tri-athlete, loves whitewater, and he loves ice fishing. Sit back and listen to the podcast episode above on Ice Fishing or read through so you can start planning your own ice fishing trip.

Where to Go Ice Fishing?

If you are looking to go on an epic ice fishing trip, you need to find a place that's good for ice fishing. Anywhere with lakes, reservoirs and ponds that freeze over. In Utah, there are many different reservoirs that are great for ice fishing including:

* East Canyon* Echo* Prineview* Scofield* Utah Lake* Strawberry Reservoir* Flaming Gorge

When is the Best Time of Year to Go Ice Fishing?

The best time of year is ideally when the reservoir has at least 4 inches of clear black ice (is what they recommend). Individual anglers do go out on early season ice which could be 2-3 inches (though not recommended). If you are knowledgeable and have proper safety equipment, falling through the ice really could be quite a normal thing for early ice hard water anglers.

It all will just depend on how cold it gets where you live. Broadly speaking, late December to early March are great times to go ice fishing. The best time to go ice fishing is targeted around the pre and post-spawn, which can also be a great time to plan your ice fishing trip.

Best Time of Day to Go Ice Fishing

The early morning before the sun comes up is the best time to go ice fishing right up until 10-11am. Sunset is also a great time for ice fishing. It may be wise to check the barometric pressure as a high barometric pressure tends to slow the bite down. You could probably still catch a fish, but the fish are less active on high pressure days.

What Do You Need to Go Ice Fishing?

* Waterproof and Windproof warm clothes* Thermals and Layers* Fishing Permit for the state you are fishing in* Ice Fishing Rods with a clear or braided line (depending on what fish you're going after)* Bait* 5 Gallon Bucket* Axe* Auger (drill bit or hand crank)* Ice Fishing Shelter

How Can You Stay Warm Ice Fishing?

If you get an ice shelter it helps keep your feet warm and insulated. If you really want to keep the heat in, Kevin recommends getting foam puzzle piece gym mats on the ice. Also, a heater for the inside of the tent is nice to have.

Eskimo ice fishing tent

Accessible Ice Fishing

If you are looking for accessible ice fishing, scout out lakes with a boat ramp that you can drive right up to. There's a great wheelchair accessible ice fishing house in Wisconsin that is worth checking out.

Tip for Catching Fish

If you fish all year round, you can use a fish finder to track hot spots of fish to use in the winter. Utilize Google Maps on your phone  to help you find a spot to fish as well.

Related Episode: Crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay