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Utah => Ice Fishing Utah => Topic started by: dubob on Nov 21, 2017, 08:18 AM

Title: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: dubob on Nov 21, 2017, 08:18 AM: We did it last season in March and the snow depth was HUGE. Might be better early in the season, as in December. The Christmas/New Years break week has been suggested. I'm good with that. So, what say all y'all? Should we go for it?

I always prefer going on weekdays because I'm retired. A few others are as well. But many of you are still working and have to make weekends work. And some of you might just have that week 26 (Tue) - 29 (Fri) Dec scheduled off (or part of it). So, sound off and let me know what you think about a date. I'm good with anything y'all decide or can make work for the majority.

Let's do this. ;D
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: HardH20Fishin on Nov 21, 2017, 02:33 PM: Dec 26th thru Dec 30th works for me. Also have Jan 1st thru Jan 6th set aside for as much fishing time as I can get in...wherever I can find ice.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: muskyon46 on Nov 21, 2017, 11:17 PM: Don't count me as 100% quite yet but the break in between Christmas & new years would be best
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: BFTSkunkedAgain on Nov 22, 2017, 07:53 AM: I'd like to go as well, but have family up during that time frame so I may not be able to join in the fun... Later J
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: Utahguy on Nov 22, 2017, 11:29 AM: I am interested. Won't know for sure until it gets a little closer.

December 29th would work best for me I think, but can make almost anything work.

We thinking about Whitney again?
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: muskyon46 on Nov 22, 2017, 09:11 PM: Ok so I just ordered the 28in flighted extension for my nils 8in convertible. Maybe we should go in march again ;D
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: Utahguy on Nov 23, 2017, 05:20 PM: I agree, two trips ;D
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: dubob on Nov 24, 2017, 12:04 PM: Here are some lake choices along with pertinent data on them. All of them are above 9,000 feet MSL. The distance to them is about 15 miles max at the most. We didn’t catch a lot of fish at Whitney last season, but that could have been due to shortened fishing times from all the faux pas’ we had during that trip. I would vote for the Trial/Washington lakes for the December trip.

Alexander Lake would be the shortest trip at 10 miles with about 3.5 miles ungroomed. Has anybody ever fished it for the brook trout in there? Think about it and let me know what you think about these choices.

From the BR Lodge to Whitney Reservoir (9,260 ft MSL) is about 13 miles, with maybe 85% of it groomed trails. It is stocked with rainbow, tiger, and cutthroat trout.

From the Kamas side closure gate to Trial Lake (9,820 ft MSL) and/or Washington Lake (9,980 ft MSL) it is about 14 miles, with over 95% of it groomed trial. TL is stocked with cutthroat trout and grayling; WL is stocked with brook and cutthroat trout.

From the Kamas side closure gate to Alexander Lake (9,360 ft MSL) it is just under 10 miles with about 65% of it groomed trail. It is stocked with brook trout.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: prospector on Nov 24, 2017, 12:35 PM: Does Trial lake have Grayling in it? That might be a fun species to try and target as well as tiger trout. I would probably be a game in March, but December might break my budget this year.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: dubob on Nov 24, 2017, 01:44 PM: Would love to have you come join us Joe. Right now, I'm just trying to put something together on Dec 29, 2017. I'll work on a March trip sometime on February; stay tuned. ;D
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: Utahguy on Nov 25, 2017, 06:55 PM: Bob,
I’m good for any of them but prefer the ones that are easier to get to. (Trail)

Washington sounds good. If anyone has any recommendations on where we would catch the most, that is what I am interested in.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: dubob on Nov 26, 2017, 08:07 AM: I will need some real intel from anybody who's fished any of these lakes through the ice in order to make an informed decision. I know a few have made the early trips in before snow prevented driving cars/trucks to the lakes. Do Trial/Washington lakes produce through the ice? And has anybody ever fished Alexander through the ice. Reports on Alexander are few and far between and the drive in via automobile is supposed to be tough (steep and rocky). Anybody ever been to Alexander in the winter season?
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: muskyon46 on Nov 26, 2017, 09:38 AM: Well I know for sure trial does, me and Icecutterion fished there the day before veterans day. Washington is just behind trial and there was a report on bft from a guy that didn't have the best luck there but was catching fish. So both those lake are good for hard deck.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: Crappielover89 on Nov 26, 2017, 02:09 PM: I've tried to get back up and see how the ice is since the recent 45+ temp days but couldn't get to the lakes because of the amount of snow on the roads. I did see one report on Facebook that the lakes are all slush covered and ice is iffy with all the snow on top weighing it down. This week will be very cold so it will freeze right back up.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: dubob on Dec 09, 2017, 05:31 PM: Just took a look at the camera up on top. There is very little snow up there and temps have been bitter up there, so we should be golden by the 29th.

So who's in for sure? Besides me.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: HardH20Fishin on Dec 09, 2017, 09:47 PM: I am still in for Dec 29th. Will likely be the first time running the snowmobile I picked up. Have we decided on the lake yet? The only one I have fished is Trial and we did great, but I am open to any of them.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: muskyon46 on Dec 09, 2017, 10:08 PM: Me and fishon1 will be going for another ride up Monte Cristo tomorrow morning to see how his sled does. We'll let you know asap for the 29th
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: dubob on Dec 10, 2017, 08:57 AM: Quote from: HardH20Fishin on Dec 09, 2017, 09:47 PM
Have we decided on the lake yet?
My plan is to ride in from the Kamas gate after breakfast in Kamas and go to Trial a/o Washington Lakes. They are close enough together that we can try both on the same trip if needed. We could have a couple of folks on each to start and compare success. Checking on eateries in Kamas, it looks like only 2 of them are open at 7 AM and one of them is pricey - breakfast with beverage will run about $13 or more. The other (Cutting Board at 54 N. Main) doesn't have a web site to check their menu/prices, but the reviews say the food is very good and the prices are reasonable. I would suggest we all gather there (the Cutting Board) at 7 AM for breakfast and go from there.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: Utahguy on Dec 10, 2017, 11:05 AM: I’m in, and may have the wife join us. I still need to test run the sleds, but have been waiting for more snow. Is Monty easily accessible now or do you still have to ride the side of the road?
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: muskyon46 on Dec 10, 2017, 11:36 AM: Click this link for the current view at the gate/parking lot. I wouldn't say it's the best but doable for now. I would recommend going asap as that snow is going quick. You can ride the road now. The packed down stuff on the road should hold out as alot have been riding on it. The places where people are peeling out will be melting to pavement. Can't guarantee what's around the corner and up out of the camera view but will put up a report when we get back. Heading up in about an hour

http://udottraffic.utah.gov/1_devices/sr-39-mp36.gif (http://udottraffic.utah.gov/1_devices/sr-39-mp36.gif)
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: dubob on Dec 20, 2017, 09:56 AM: Okay Guys & Gals; who's in? So far its me and Utahguy and maybe his bride. I'd like to get at least 4 sleds going to have some safety in numbers. The plan is to meet at The Cutting Board (54 N. Main St) in Kamas at 7AM for breakfast and then trailer to the gate on SR 150. Snowmobile the 14 miles to Trial Lake and fish. I need some names, so sound off. ;D
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: muskyon46 on Dec 20, 2017, 10:01 AM: Its looking like me and fishon1 are in. Better hope for more snow or its going to be wheelers only getting up in there. I can see plenty of snow on the cam at the top, but I'm pretty sure its all pavement at the gate and no telling how far up

(https://udottraffic.utah.gov/1_devices/Bald-Mountain.gif)
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: HardH20Fishin on Dec 20, 2017, 01:30 PM: I'm still in as long as there's enough snow for the snowmobile.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: Utahguy on Dec 20, 2017, 05:46 PM: I’m still in as long as we can use snowmobiles. I don’t own a wheeler...
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: dubob on Dec 20, 2017, 08:13 PM: That's 5 so we're a go. I'll take a drive up to the gate to check it out right after Christmas.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: muskyon46 on Dec 21, 2017, 07:33 AM: Sounds good Bob, looks like the back part of this storm might hit again up there again today. Of course the cam on top went down last night. If the kamas side looks like the wyoming side we should be good. Here's the cam from the wyo side

(http://udottraffic.utah.gov/1_devices/sr-150-mp-50.gif)
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: sorenson on Dec 21, 2017, 12:37 PM: Looks like a fun trip, but if it were me, I'd head a bit further east and hit Marsh. Was there Tuesday and could still get in via truck (possibly not able to now though). 10" ice and big rainbows available.
S.

(https://s13.postimg.cc/nvok1jccj/Marsh_2017.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/nvok1jccj/)
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: muskyon46 on Dec 21, 2017, 01:10 PM: Hey sorenson thanks for the intel. How was the snow down by the gate? could one ride up from there on a sled? I'm guessing if you were still driving in there on tuesday the road below and down to the gate was probably down to black top or was it just snow packed from the trucks going up. Thanks
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: sorenson on Dec 22, 2017, 10:08 PM: It was all snow from the state line. Some packed, some just tracks.
No gate; just a cattle guard.
At the time there was also easy access to Stateline Reservoir and Bridger Lake.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: dubob on Dec 23, 2017, 05:55 AM: SR150 (Mirror Lake Highway) is officially closed which means it will not be plowed anymore. Grooming hasn't started yet and the last report from the Utah Snowmobile Assoc. was on Dec 13th. The forecast for Kamas is snow today through Monday (with a winter weather advisory in effect until 4PM today). I plan on driving up for a look at conditions on Wednesday. Stay tuned. I'm fairly certain, that with this forecast, we will have enough snow for snowmobiles from the normal trailer unloading area all the way to the top.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: muskyon46 on Dec 25, 2017, 10:52 PM: With these storms that hit we should be good to go for Friday. Weathers looking spectacular, better pack the sunscreen
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: PFIDude on Dec 25, 2017, 11:34 PM: Looks like wife, kids, and I are going to come with you guys Friday. I’ve got to get out and run the sleds this week still, but as long as they perform as expected...we are in.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: muskyon46 on Dec 25, 2017, 11:41 PM: Sounds good, look forward to sharing the ice with guys again. There's plenty of snow up Monte if your looking for a place to make a quick run
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: dubob on Dec 26, 2017, 07:34 AM: I'm heading up to the SR 150 Gate out of Kamas this morning to check it out. I'm also going to take a look at some of the reservoirs between Ogden and Kamas as well. I'll post the results and maybe some pics tonight.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: dubob on Dec 26, 2017, 09:05 PM: I made the trip up to the Soapstone snowmobile trail head 14 miles up SR 150 (Mirror Lake Hwy) from Kamas. When I got there about Noon, there were well over 50 trailers up there and they completely filled the small parking lot and were parked along the road coming out for about 1/2 a mile. On a tuesday no less. I talked to a couple of folks that were just loading their machines on their trailer to head home. They had gotten there about 9:30 and went all the way to Mirror Lake and back and said the trail was snow covered the entire way to the top. We are good to go for this Friday. They did caution against getting off the road/trail as there wasn't enough snow yet to cover up all the stumps and boulders. I told him that wouldn't be a problem as we were just going up for the fishing.

I was reminded on the way up when I passed the toll both at just past mile marker 6 that we will all have to have a day pass or annual pass displayed in our vehicles to be able to be there without getting a ticket. I have a life time Golden Access tag that covers me. For those that don't have one of those or a current annual pass, be sure to stop at the toll both and get yours on the way up.

I stopped at the Cutting Board restaurant in Kamas and got a picture of the store front and the menu. Here is the store front:
(https://s10.postimg.cc/p5rje1glx/20171226_122518.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/p5rje1glx/)

Here is a copy of the breakfast menu:
(https://s10.postimg.cc/p5rje2bh1/20171226_123204.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/p5rje2bh1/)
Hard to imagine they can stay in business at those low prices.

And here is a picture of the address info:
(https://s10.postimg.cc/w8zetoomd/20171226_123358.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/w8zetoomd/)

I did talk with the cook and when I said we would have about a dozen people there at 7 AM on Friday he almost choked. Seems like he is the only person there at that time of the morning and he thought he might better have some help on Friday. So, here is a list of who I have going so far:
1. Me
2. Muskyon46
3. Fishon1
4. Utahguy (wife ?)
5. HardH2OFishin
6. PFIDude (wife and kids - how many kids?)

That makes 10 depending on how many kids PFI is bring and assuming Utahguys wife is in. If any body else is going to be there for breakfast at 7 AM in Kamas, I need to know buy Thursday AM (8 AM at the latest) so I can give the restaurant an accurate head count.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: muskyon46 on Dec 26, 2017, 09:50 PM: Me and fishon1 will be there. Did you happen to notice how much a day pass was? Would like to have exact amount. Hate having to leave a $10 bill for a $5 dollar day pass ect..... thanks for going up and scoping it out dubob
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: dubob on Dec 27, 2017, 08:41 AM: I got this from the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest website.
Quote
The following passes are available for purchase at the Kamas office, Evanston office, and the Bear River Ranger Station (open seasonally). Self-service fee tubes are located in various areas along the highway. Annual passes are not available at the self-service fee tubes.

1-3 Day -- $6.00
7-Day -- $12.00
Annual -- $45.00
Passes may also be purchased at these locations.

Samak Smokehouse
Mirror Lake Service (Chevron)
High Mountain Restaurant
Kamas Foodtown (grocery store)
Fees collected go to enhance recreation opportunities and visitor services in the Mirror Lake Highway Recreation Corridor.

America the Beautiful - Interagency Recreation Passes are honored.
We will be eating at The Cutting Board Restaurant which shares the building with High Mountain Restaurant which sells the day passes as well as the Chevron on the corner to the right of the Cutting Board as you face the front of the restaurant. Click on this picture to see the layout relationship of the buildings just mentioned. And you can plainly see a huge parking area (outlined in blue) behind these buildings that will accommodate our trailers. ;D

Coming from the Ogden area using I84/I80, I will be getting off at Wanship and going past Rockport and through Peoa and Oakly which will put The Cutting Board on my left coming into town. Turn into the parking area on the north side of the restaurant. See you there at 7 AM Friday.

(https://s17.postimg.cc/ldrv129y3/Kamas_Meeting_Place.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ldrv129y3/)
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: Utahguy on Dec 27, 2017, 09:56 AM: Thanks Bob. My wife is joining us, so add her to our count. See you Friday AM. We will have to leave around noon or so due to some afternoon commitments.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: PFIDude on Dec 27, 2017, 10:05 AM: Total of 4 with wife and 2 kids. Heading out early tomorrow morning to run the sleds since it’s the first chance I’ve had this week so hopefully all is well and we will see you Friday morn!
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: muskyon46 on Dec 27, 2017, 10:39 AM: Sounds good bob we'll just get the pass at which ever is open when we get there
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: HardH20Fishin on Dec 27, 2017, 11:18 AM: Thanks, Bob. Convenient to pick up the pass right there where we're parked for breakfast anyway.
See you Friday morning.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: muskyon46 on Dec 27, 2017, 12:58 PM: The chevron opens at 6am so getting the passes there will work for anyone arriving before the cutting board opens or after breakfast
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: wyoguy2 on Dec 27, 2017, 06:41 PM: Sorry I'm going to miss this trip, had alot of fun on the Whitney trip last spring. You guys be careful and have a good time! Gary
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: muskyon46 on Dec 27, 2017, 09:33 PM: Sorry you can't make it Gary, agreed last year was a blast
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: muskyon46 on Dec 28, 2017, 06:51 PM: Gears all loaded up and ready to go. See you all at the cutting board in the morning. Drive safe everybody
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: prospector on Dec 28, 2017, 07:35 PM: Quote from: muskyon46 on Dec 28, 2017, 06:51 PM
Gears all loaded up and ready to go. See you all at the cutting board in the morning. Drive safe everybody
You guys have fun! Take lots of pictures too.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: muskyon46 on Dec 28, 2017, 08:36 PM: Will do joe :thumbsup: although I'm sure there won't be many toads ;)
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: Hutbomber on Dec 28, 2017, 08:45 PM: Have fun and be safe. ;D
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: BFTSkunkedAgain on Dec 29, 2017, 07:21 AM: Good luck and wish I was going with you.... have fun... Later J
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: Backwoodsboy.50 on Dec 29, 2017, 11:02 AM: Good luck fellas tight lines!
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December?
Post by: muskyon46 on Dec 29, 2017, 11:02 PM: Great day up in the high country today. Everyone made it in and out with minimal probs along the way. Lots of fish caught. Bows, tigers and a few Brookies. Nothing to big but it is the Uintahs. There was plenty of snow on the road on the way up with around 15in of ice on trial and about 15-20in of snow on top of that. There was some good slush spots around the dam. I'll get some pics up tomorrow.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: muskyon46 on Dec 31, 2017, 12:55 AM: Great time in the Uintahs everyone, Thanks to Bob for getting it started just sorry you couldn't make it. Hope you kick that cold soon and get back at it

(https://i.imgur.com/SRjhqJhl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/naX1qzXl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/nFbBj74l.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Xfe5lqil.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Wv2IEwVl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/EK2B5Qzl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/nMLR275l.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ZOryicgl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ZJjc28tl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/9YZEFQIl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/OVfT99al.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/0bHEWgrl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/eRjojlQl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/J0FS8zfh.jpg)
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: dubob on Dec 31, 2017, 07:09 AM: You have no idea about how much I wanted to make that trip. But one of my grandsons gave me his cold as a Christmas present on Christmas Eve. Still coughing and making effective use of the Kleenex box, but starting to feel almost human. It looks like it was a gorgeous day to be up there and it is great to see all those smiles. Thanks for all the great pics Matt. I'm hoping to be well enough to get out this coming week.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: Hutbomber on Dec 31, 2017, 07:52 AM: Thanks Matt for the pictures. Judging by the smiles looks like everyone had a great time. Looked like you couldn't have picked better weather. Sorry Bob you didn't get to go after all your efforts. Hope you get feeling better soon..
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: Utahguy on Dec 31, 2017, 09:06 AM: Thanks to all and I had a great time. Beautiful weather and the the fishing was HOT!

Bob, looks like we will have to do it again so you can go ;D
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: fishonone on Dec 31, 2017, 02:30 PM: What a great trip besides my sled over heating it was a blast sorry you couldn't make it Bob hopefully we will meet up at Cascade
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: HardH20Fishin on Jan 01, 2018, 01:31 PM: Sorry you couldn't make up with us Bob. But, we managed to catch your allotment of fish for you....you're welcome. :)
We'll have to pull together another trip up there.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: liv2hunt on Jan 01, 2018, 02:35 PM: Looks like a fun trip! I guess i need to get a sled. Glad the trip went well and all had a good time!!
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: BFTSkunkedAgain on Jan 02, 2018, 09:35 AM: Looks like a great time, glad you all had a fun and safe trip with minimal damages... Kind of a challenge to go that far in to fish, but looks like the weather rewarded ya well... Hopefully next time I can tag along as well... Later J
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: Ghansen on Jan 05, 2018, 09:54 PM: That looks like a lot of fun. I might have to figure out how to join you guys next year.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: Utahguy on Jan 14, 2018, 02:57 PM: With the lack of good ice, is it time to start planning another high trip?
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: BFTSkunkedAgain on Jan 23, 2018, 04:54 PM: Got an idea of a pond that supposedly has some nice brookies, will develop the idea a bit... Been talking with Matt today and if it looks possible will pass around some details, but would be a sled trip... More later but good idea... Later J
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: dubob on Jan 26, 2018, 10:34 AM: If I'm here (home), I'm in for sure. ;D
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: BFTSkunkedAgain on Jan 30, 2018, 03:51 PM: Let's look at Stateline Reservoir and surrounding area for a mobile trip... Leave from Fort Bridger/Mountainview or down the road a ways as far as we can drive and still turn around... I think it will be about a 12 mile sled ride in... Lots of snowmobiling in the area so I think the trails should be good. Would February 10th be too soon to pull this together? Anyone have some info about the area? Added info is greatly appreciated... Later J
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: dubob on Jan 30, 2018, 04:30 PM: I would think that a sled ride of 5 miles or less would be a much better idea. A couple come to mind that, depending on snow fall between now and then, would be a much easier trip on both man and machine. Woodruff Reservoir (maybe 3 miles from the first field off the farmers plowed road) or Birch Creek (yes, there is a two track that goes up and around from the parking lot below the dam and comes out north and just west of the top of the dam). And of course, Soldier Creek would be an easy drive in from the highway. Most everybody seems to like to launch from the Strawberry Marina, so Soldier Creek should be less crowded. Plus, the drive to the launch areas would be less than going clear to Mountain View.
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: muskyon46 on Jan 30, 2018, 10:34 PM: I can offer this advice on birch creek, that two track is a pretty steep climb to the top and then very steep again going down to the ice. Been doing that road since high school in a truck and would not recommend it on a sled. To much risk of getting stuck/flipping, not to mention pulling a sled full of gear behind you. Now Woodruff would be good depending on snow on the road going in. These temps might make a mess of it and that Woodruf clay is nasty stuff. I think somewhere that had a groomed trail would be nice, then atleast even with warmer temps the packed snow should hold out longer. I'm good with a 5-30 mile round trip ride, I am up for anything. Just don't think I can swing feb 10th past the wife with being at the gorge all weekend in a few days ???
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: Utahguy on Feb 01, 2018, 09:07 AM: I don’t think I can swing any trips this month. I am thinking of a day trip this Saturday to strawberry (probably soldier creek area) as I would like to find a good spot before I have some friends flying in for the 16-18 Feb holiday weekend for some strawberry ice fishing that we will try to fish soldier creek area...

Feb 10 is my birthday and I think my wife will have plans for us already...
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: dubob on Feb 01, 2018, 10:48 AM: Quote from: Utahguy on Feb 01, 2018, 09:07 AM
I don’t think I can swing any trips this month. I am thinking of a day trip this Saturday to strawberry (probably soldier creek area) as I would like to find a good spot before I have some friends flying in for the 16-18 Feb holiday weekend for some strawberry ice fishing that we will try to fish soldier creek area...

Feb 10 is my birthday and I think my wife will have plans for us already...
Utahguy, me thinks you don't understand the intent of this 'Trip.' It will be a one day affair - not a multiple day trip like Cascade, ID or Henry's Lake, ID. We will probably meet somewhere for breakfast, have a nice day ride into some remote lake/reservoir, and return that same day to your home of residence. The 'trip' part involves a snowmobile ride of several miles into the lake/reservoir and several miles back out to the trailhead. Just another fun filled day with like minded ice fishing folk. Still think you can't swing that? ;D
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: PACKFAN-UT on Feb 01, 2018, 05:28 PM: Just got back from goose hunting, looks like I should have stayed a couple more days with the warm weather predicted. Haven't had the sled on the ice yet this season. :unsure:
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: BFTSkunkedAgain on Feb 05, 2018, 01:05 PM: Sounded like the 10th might be too close to the gorge trip and several may not be able to swing it and with the crazy summer weather, I'm not sure how much longer we will be able to delay a trip... What are everyone thinking for this Saturday? I can pull my sled and gear together for the day trip, but I didn't do the trip last week so I'm not a good one to set time lines... As far as locations go, I'm into Strawberry or the Mountainview trip... got hopes of a big brookie up there... How's the ice at the berry? Everything up north is turning to liquid really fast... Later J
Title: Re: Who's up for Uintas trip in December? PICS ADDED 12-30-17
Post by: dubob on Feb 05, 2018, 02:02 PM: The latest intel direct from Strawberry Bay Marina store is that the road in and parking lot are snow & ice free. The lake has about 10" of ice on it which is plenty safe for sleds. Problem - NO snow on the ice. Scratchers on your sled would be mandatory. Cooling could be a problem if your coolant system radiator is up in the track channel (like mine is) as very few ice chips will get up in their to cool the radiator system coolant. Quads would probably be a better bet under current conditions as there is zero forecast of snow in the next 10 days. Damn it!