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Learn about the new Harmon's Cheese Passport Program!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Free UEN Cheese Night February 23 meet Famous Vermont Cheesemaker
Samples and Fun await!
Learn about the new Harmon's Cheese Passport Program!
New State Park Pass for Utah's Veterans with Disabilities
Salt Lake City – The Board of Utah State Parks and Recreation approved a new discounted pass for Utah veterans with disabilities effective February 1, 2011. Veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or greater may purchase the Annual Pass for $35, which is more than 50% off the regular price. Qualified veterans are asked to complete an affidavit and attach appropriate documentation.
“We’re pleased to offer this opportunity to those who have given so much to our state and country,” said Utah State Parks Director Mary Tullius.
The Annual Pass provides day-use access to most of Utah’s 43 state parks for the pass holder and up to seven guests in the same private vehicle. Annual passes do not cover the Davis County Causeway Fee at Antelope Island, entrance fees at This Is The Place Heritage Park, and are good for one machine/rider at Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area.
As part of another Utah State Parks program, the agency places free Annual Passes in 84 libraries statewide. Any library patron may check out a pass with their library card and visit the parks of their choice through the Check It Out Program. For more information, visit http://www.stateparks.utah.gov/ or call 877-UT-PARKS.
Utah State Parks Events schedule
February 14 – 28 Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum - Fairfield
Money of the U.S. Civil War Exhibit: Before the war, a wide variety of coins were in circulation, but as the war progressed, copper, gold and silver coins were hoarded and money changed to meet demands of the divided nation. Explore different types of emergency money such as demand notes and greenbacks, encased postage stamps, fractional currency and Civil War tokens, plus the first U.S. coin to feature the motto “In God We Trust.” Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $2 per person or $6 per vehicle with up to eight occupants. 801-768-8932
February 17 Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum - Vernal
New Dinosaurs: Join us at 7 p.m. for a free lecture by Utah Museum of Natural History Paleontologist Mark A. Lowen on the newest discoveries of dinosaurs in Utah. 435-789-3799
February 18 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Full Moon Snowshoe Hike: Join Friends of Wasatch Mountain at 7 p.m. for their annual snowshoe hike under a full moon. Hikes for families with children, beginners, intermediate and advanced snowshoers are available. Cost is $5 per person. Snowshoe rentals are available for $5 a pair for non-members, and free for members of Friends of Wasatch. Registration is required by calling 435-654-1791.
February 18 Snow Canyon State Park - Ivins
Join park staff for a moonlit, one-mile hike beginning at 8 p.m. Enjoy the unique opportunity to see the canyon by moon-glow. Event is free and open to the public. Space is limited and registration required. 435-628-2255
February 19 Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum - Fairfield
Ladies of Camp Floyd Day Camp: Take a step back in time to learn about the life and times of women of Camp Floyd. Ladies of Camp Floyd Day Camp teaches everyday activities completed by women of Camp Floyd. Participants wear period dresses, meet costumed interpreters, play 19th century games, learn etiquette of the period, construct a rag doll, learn dances, and more. Reservations and a $15 fee per participant are required. 801-768-8932
February 19 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Snow Cave Building: Join us at 10 a.m. to learn the basics of building a snow cave. Knowing how to build a snow cave is not only fun, but can also be vital in any winter survival situation. Come dressed in layers with a waterproof outer layer. Meet at the Educational Yurt. 435-654-1791
February 19 Rock Cliff Nature Center/Jordanelle State Park - Francis
Moonlight Hike: Join us at 7 p.m. for a moonlight snowshoe hike. Registration is required and space is limited. Bring your own snowshoes or rent a pair from the park for $5. Event costs $5 per person or $7 per family. 435-782-3030
Building Zion Youth Camp at Territorial Statehouse in Fillmore
Fillmore -- Youth groups are invited to Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum to journey back in time and discover how early Utah settlers lived during the 1860s while accepting the call to build the Statehouse and Utah’s first capital city.
Learn about Utah’s pioneer history, sacrifices, and challenges through a three-day / two-night program with hands-on activities including cabin building, rope and candle making, weaving, and quilting. Enjoy recreational activities including pioneer dances and the game of Rounders, which is similar to baseball.
"Building Zion Youth Camp is a great way for museum visitors to actively learn Utah’s history and gain an appreciation of the pioneer settlers,” commented Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum Curator Carl Camp. “Today’s youth should experience life before cell phones and iPods.”
Participants receive Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum backpacks, water bottles, and tithing scripts redeemable in the gift shop. The cost is $30 per person and group leaders are free.
Tent and RV camping are available with facilities including restrooms, multipurpose building with small kitchen, refrigerators, picnic tables, showers, and use of the swimming pool.
Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum is located in Fillmore off I-15, approximately 148 miles south of Salt Lake City. For more information, available dates or to make a reservation, please call 435-743-5316.
Make Tracks and Find Tracks at Jordanelle State Park
Francis – Make tracks on a guided snowshoe hike at Jordanelle State Park’s Rock Cliff Recreation Area on Saturday morning, February 26. (Participants are given exact meeting place and time when they register.)
Hike with the park naturalist and learn about animals living in the park. Bring snowshoes or borrow a pair from the park. Learn how to identify animal tracks, and snowshoe through the park practicing the art of animal tracking. Pre-registration is required and the hike is limited to 25 participants. Registration for this activity is $10 per family or group with up to eight people. Sign up by calling 801-537-3123 or email rockin@utah.gov .
Rockin’ Utah creates opportunities for families to explore the outdoors and learn skills to build their own connections with nature.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Cisco Run now On!
Photo Courtesy Guy Perkins
There is no longer any ice on Bear Lake. The Utah State Park Marina has frozen over and you cannot launch boats at the marina. Boat launching is possible at the First Point ramp and Cisco Beach ramps. The courtesy docks have been removed at First Point and Cisco Beach due to icing problems. There are a few inches of snow along the east side at this time.
The cisco have finally showed up along the shoreline at Cisco Beach. Today was the first day we have sighted any cisco, so the run should begin to improve over the next few days. The cisco fishermen who were at the beach at first light did not dip net any fish since the cisco came in along the shore around 8:30am. We did not see any cisco off the Utah State Park marina as of today. Anglers fishing from boats have been able to snag limits of cisco off the “rockpile” area in just over an hour. They are also catching some nice sized cutthroat and whitefish while fishing for cisco. Other anglers boat anglers will catch a limit of cisco over the rockpile and then move farther off shore into water that is 60-80 feet deep and use tube jigs tipped with cisco to target lake trout and cutthroat trout. Remember, the limit on cisco is 30 fish (daily and possession) so count your fish carefully. Also, remember that a person may not possess a multipoint hook with a weight permanently or rigidly attached directly to the shank (commonly called a snag hook) or a weight suspended below a multipoint hook unless the hook is on an unweighted dropper line that is at least three inches long.
Anglers (both boat and shore) have been doing excellent for cutthroat trout and a few lake trout off the east side near 2nd Point jigging and South Eden jigging and trolling. Try depths of 40-70 feet. Use 3/4 -1 ounce jigs tipped with cisco, sucker or carp meat when jigging. The trollers are using downriggers with small flatfish and rapala-style lures with rattles in them. You can fish from shore at the Utah State Park marina and anglers are picking up a few rainbow and cutthroat trout. Try powerbait or mealworms under a bobber or spoons and spinners casted from shore. There is currently about 8” of snow along the west side of the lake.
Three Easy Fried Cisco Recipes
Cisco are a popular Utah fish, caught only at Bear Lake for a short period of time. Although these fish are not known for having a lot of meat, they are fun to cook and easy to eat. The meat is typically very high in fat content -- to the point that you can almost squeeze the oil out. Cisco is a soft-boned fish and when you deep fry them, the meat is easily removed from the bone.
Although some people will drop the fish straight into the fry oil right after catching hem, provided is a recipe for an easy batter mix.
Clean & Skin the fish as you typically would any other fish
Cut off head and tail
Prepare the Batter mix with the following ingredients:
2 eggs
1 cup flour
A shot of Tabasco sauce, chili powder, or black pepper
Combine amounts until you reach consistency of pancake batter. Place fish in batter mix and flip it to cover both sides well.
With oil at 375 F, lay fish in deep skillet or shallow fry pot and cook until crust is golden brown.
Serve warm with lemon or lime juice.
Tip: If you want to store skinned Cisco for later, toss about a dozen in a milk jug.
Fill with water and freeze. Keep in mind that these can spoil quickly due to the high oil content.
Perkins Recipe
Son Chef soaked the thirty little fishes in a can of condensed milk and two cups regular cow. Using my wife’s new “Bullet Grinder” (warning: ask permission before turning the smoothie machine into a cracker grinder) He ground up a tube of Ritz Cracker and a cup of garlic croutons. A skillet he filled with enough oil that the fish could float and heated the oil to 375 degrees. Cook them until brown and then flip them.
Using a tablespoon of lemon juice, a couple gobs of mayo, use your color skills from the first grade and mix enough mustard and ketchup together until it is a light orange color. You now have Artic Circle’s secrete fry sauce.
Since it was Son Chef’s prepping and cooking choice he also prepared his favorite homemade Mac and Cheese.
Cisco Recipe #3
INGREDIENTS:
Approximately 1 Cup cornmeal
Approximatley 1 Cup flour
2 Tbp salt
Black Pepper to Taste (1/4- 1/2 tsp)
1 Cube butter
30 cisco fish
Directions:
Scale and gut your fish. Cisco are best when prepared fresh.
In a bowl mix all dry ingredients
Melt 1/4 of the butter in a large frying pan. Dip wet fish in flour mixture and put in hot butter. Add more butter as needed.
Cook on low heat until brown on outside and cooked through. You can eat bones, fins, and all, as they are small and tender from cooking.
Fishing Help Needed January 25 at Yuba Reservoir
We will plan on arriving at the Painted Rocks boat ramp (east side of Yuba south of Levan) at 8:30 am on Tuesday Jan. 25th. Please come and go as you would like. I will have a cooler there to collect any fish caught to meet our quota. I will provide drinks, hot choc. and snacks for anyone who comes to help. I recommend people bring whatever fishing equipment you feel is needed (primarily fishing for perch). We will have a power auger provide by the Strawberry biologists for anyone to use but again feel free to bring whatever you would like. We will plan on fishing until 2-3pm or until we collect enough fish whichever comes first but again feel free to come and stay as long as you would like.
Again, we would love to have as many participate as possible so please pass this email/information on to any of your contacts or people you think might have an interest in this fun outing, we would love the help! Please contact me if you have any questions and it would help me get an idea of how many people will be coming. Thanks in advance for you help with the DWR Tiger Muskie Program! Look forward to seeing you on the ice:)
The ice thickness currently sits at 5-7 inches. There have been very few people out fishing. I talked to a guy this morning at Painted Rocks who caught four good sized Perch in 4 hours. Another group yesterday caught 1 perch near Oasis Campground in about 4 hours. There have been a few who have been skunked. If you are going to do it I think the sooner the better. Its usually best the first few weeks we have ice.
Mike Slater
Regional Aquatic Program Manager
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
1115 N. Main
Springville, UT 84663
e-mail: michaelslater@utah.gov
801-491-5651
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wildlife Board approves more hunting permits for 2011
Salt Lake City -- By all indications, black bears in Utah are doing well. And that means hunters will have a few more chances to hunt bears in 2011.
On Jan. 4, the Utah Wildlife Board approved several bear hunting changes for Utah’s 2011 seasons. All of the changes the board approved will be available in the 2011 Utah Black Bear Guidebook. The free guidebook should be available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks during the week of Jan. 31.
The following are some of the changes the board approved:
A total of 419 hunting permits. That’s 53 more than the 366 offered in 2010. About 40 percent of those who draw a bear-hunting permit end up taking a bear. The extra 53 permits should result in hunters taking about 180 bears in 2011. In 2010, hunters took 158 bears. Forty one of the 419 permits are premium-limited-entry permits.
If they don’t take a bear during the spring hunt, those who draw one of the 41 premium-limited-entry permits can hunt bears again during the fall hunt. The spring hunting season has been extended for one week on four additional bear hunting units in Utah. The South Slope, Yellowstone unit and the South Slope, Vernal, Diamond Mountain, Bonanza unit in northeastern Utah, and the Central Mountains, Manti-North unit in central Utah, are the three units where the spring season was extended at the request of biologists from the Division of Wildlife Resources.
The Wildlife Board also approved a request from the Southern Region Advisory Council to extend the season one week on the Boulder unit in southern Utah.
Adding the four units brings to 10 the total number of bear hunting units in Utah that have a spring hunting season that runs one week longer than the other units in the state.
The extended season starts April 9 and runs until June 5. Those who draw a fall spot-and-stalk permit for the Book Cliffs, Little Creek unit can hunt from August through November.
2010 was the first year a spot-and-stalk bear hunt was held on the unit. To avoid conflicts with big game hunters, bear hunters were not allowed to hunt on the unit in October. But very few deer hunters are allowed to hunt the unit, and the DWR is not aware of any conflicts that occurred between deer and bear hunters. For that reason, DWR biologists recommended that spot-and-stalk bear hunters be allowed to hunt on the unit in October too.
(Spot-and-stalk hunters may not use hounds to track and tree bears, and they may not use bait to try to lure bears in.)
The Book Cliffs, Little Creek unit is in the roadless area in the Book Cliffs.
For more information, call the nearest Division of Wildlife Resources office or the DWR’s Salt Lake City office at (801) 538-4700.
Cold Ice Means Hot Fishing
Photo Courtesy DWR
Winter is one of the best times to catch fish
Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean it’s time to put your fishing gear away. In fact, if you put your gear away now, you might miss some of the best fishing of the year.
That’s right—those “crazy” people standing on the ice at waters across Utah aren’t so crazy after all. They know a layer of cold ice means hot fishing in the water beneath the ice.
“You can set your watch by it,” says Drew Cushing, warm water sport fisheries coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. “When ice starts to form on a body of water, the fish under the ice get very active. And they’re eager to bite.”
And that eagerness to bite often continues through the winter.
A cheap and fun way to fish
Cushing says fishing on the ice provides anglers with several advantages:
If you’re willing to walk, you can reach any part of the reservoir you want to fish.
Cushing says ice is the great equalizer. “In the winter, you don’t need a boat or a float tube to reach certain parts of a reservoir,” he says. “If you have a rod and a reel, and you’re willing to walk, you can reach any part of the reservoir you want to fish.”
Catching fish in the winter doesn’t require the skill needed to catch fish during other times of the year. If you drop your bait in front of the fish, the fish will probably take it.
You don’t need a lot of expensive equipment. A short rod and reel; some line, hooks and wax worms or meal worms; and a digging bar or an ice auger are all you need to get started.
If you like to fish with lures, you may want to include a few ice flies and small jigs in your tackle box too.
Because you can dig two holes close together, ice fishing is a great way to double your fun by fishing with two poles. Just make sure you have a two-pole permit before you dip that second line in the water.
In addition to catching fish, you and those you’re fishing with can have fun visiting together. Just drill your holes close together and enjoy your visit. “Most ice anglers really look forward to the social side of ice fishing,” Cushing says.
That sounds great. But isn’t it hard to drill a hole through the ice?
One thing that surprises many first-time ice anglers is how easy it is to drill a hole through the ice.
Cushing says if you have a hand auger, you can drill through six to eight inches of ice in about a minute. “It’ll take a little longer if you use a digging bar,” he says, “but not much.”
Digging bars cost between $5 and $10. Manual ice augers cost about $50.
Great! But how can I have fun if I’m cold?
Temperatures can be cold during the ice-fishing season. But that doesn’t mean you have to be cold. You can stay warm simply by dressing for the conditions.
Cushing says one piece of equipment that anglers often forget is a pair of waterproof boots. As the day warms, slush can develop on top of the ice. “Having a pair of waterproof boots will keep your feet warm and dry,” he says.
Sounds good. But how do I know if the ice is safe to walk on?
Most anglers wait until the ice is at least 4 inches thick before walking on it.
Ice is usually thinnest near the shore. Before you walk out, Cushing says you should stay close to shore and dig or drill a test hole to see how thick the ice is. You may also want to dig or drill some additional holes as you walk out.
If you find that the ice in your test holes is at least four inches thick, you can be almost certain that the ice farther out is at least four inches thick, or thicker.
Two ice-related items that you may want to consider buying are ice cleats and ice spikes.
You can strap the ice cleats to the bottom of your boots. The cleats will give you better traction as you walk on the ice.
Ice spikes are two short pieces of metal. They’re often attached by a short cord that you can drape around the neck.
If you fall through the ice, you can pull yourself out by jabbing the spikes into the top of the ice near the edge of the hole.
Wyoming to Utah Sled Dog Race begins January 28
Eleven newcomers or rookies to the IPSSSDR will race this year. Eight teams come from outside the U.S., with teams from Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Northwest Territories, as well as Sweden and Jamaica. Five teams this year will be driven by women. The youngest musher is 19 and the oldest, 60.
Communities on the race route host various festivities to welcome mushers and dogs as they speed through town, offering Dutch oven dinners, flapjack frenzies and musher mania events that include a human sled dog race and snowshoe softball.
With its unique stage stop format, the IPSSSDR has become a popular mushing event attracting the world’s top competitors. Pedigree® Food for Dogs is the title sponsor of the IPSSSDR. The Pedigree® brand actively supports a wide range of programs that promote responsible pet ownership and highlight the contributions dogs make to society.
The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race was founded in 1996 by Frank Teasley to showcase the state of Wyoming and to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public. Each year the race makes a contribution to communities on the race route for childhood immunizations. For more information, visit the race website at http://www.wyomingstagestop.org/ ; contact the race via e-mail at bark@wyomingstagestop.org or telephone at 307.734.1163. The race is also active on Facebook under International Pedigree Stage Stop and on Twitter at @IPSSSDR.
Trapping Law Won’t Change
photo by Lynn Chamberlain, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Salt Lake City -- The amount of time between when a trapper sets a non-lethal trap, and when he has to check it again, won’t change in Utah.
On Jan. 4, the Utah Wildlife Board voted 4-2 to keep a requirement that trappers must check their non-lethal foothold traps within 48 hours of setting them.
The Division of Wildlife Resources opposed lengthening the time past 48 hours. And four of Utah’s five Regional Advisory Councils also voted against lengthening the time.
Plan will guide bear management until 2023
The plan is available at http://go.usa.gov/rkf . After clicking on http://go.usa.gov/rkf , scroll down to the “Black bear management plan” subhead to find a link to the plan.
The following are among the plan’s highlights:
Currently, most bear hunters in Utah use hounds to track and tree bears. A few use archery equipment and hunt over bait. But starting in 2012, some areas of the state will become spot-and-stalk-only areas.
Hunters may not use hounds or bait during spot-and-stalk hunts.
Utah will have its first harvest-objective bear hunting areas starting in 2012. Having harvest-objective areas will allow biologists to focus more hunters on bears that are killing livestock and raiding campgrounds.
Currently, all of Utah’s bear hunting areas are limited-entry areas. Only those who draw a permit for a limited-entry area can hunt on it.
Under the new plan, some of the limited-entry areas will become harvest-objective areas. The number of hunters who can hunt on a harvest-objective area isn’t limited, so switching an area to harvest objective will increase the number of people who can hunt the area. Letting more hunters hunt an area increases the chance that a set number of bears are taken.
As soon as the set number of bears is taken (called the area’s quota), the hunt on the area will end for the season.
Archery hunters can still use bait. Using bait allows archery hunters to lure bears in close enough so they can make a clean and effective shot.
Currently, three factors are used to determine the health of Utah’s bear population—the percentage of females taken by hunters, the average age of the bears taken and the number of adult bears that survive from year to year.
You won’t find these three factors in the new plan. In their place, the key factors are:
The number of females and the number of adult males that hunters take. (An adult male bear is a bear that’s five years of age or older.)
Justin Dolling, game mammals coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, says the number of females and adult males that hunters take gives important information about how a bear population is doing. “The number of females is important because females give birth to and care for the cubs,” Dolling says. “But the number of adult males hunters take is the best early indicator we have about the health of a bear population.”
Dolling says hunters usually find adult males because adult males wander more than the other age groups. “You know a bear population is in decline if the number of adult males hunters take is going down and the number of females is going up,” he says.
Results from two important bear studies will also be used to determine the health of Utah’s bear population.
One study involves snagging hair from bears at sites across Utah and then using DNA tests to determine how often bears are visiting the research sites. This study is helping biologists determine the total number of bears in Utah. It’s also helping them measure the growth rate of the state’s bear population.
The second study involves visiting bear dens in the winter to see how many cubs are in the dens and to assess the health of the cubs and their mothers. This study is giving biologists important information about the number of bears that are coming into Utah’s population each year.
A 10-member group called the Utah Black Bear Advisory Committee compiled the new plan. The committee’s members are listed at the start of the plan.
Map Revealed for Flaming Gorge Burbot Bash
Two state wildlife agencies and three chambers of commerce have teamed up to fight a finned invader in Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
Catching a burbot at this year's Burbot Bash could net you a cash prize. Their goal is to put some severe fishing pressure on burbot. To reach that goal, they've enhanced an annual event called the Burbot Bash.
Cash prizes
On Jan. 22, the Burbot Bash will become a formal fishing derby offering up to $10,000 in cash prizes. The event will also change from an event held on a weekend to an event that includes a full week of fishing.
A burbot with a tag on it could be worth up to $5,000. The longest burbot caught is worth $1,500. This year's event will also include a youth derby with its own set of prizes.
Helping biologists gather data
The two wildlife agencies—the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD)—have been marking burbot with small tags. Their goal is to tag 500 fish throughout Flaming Gorge Reservoir in northeastern Utah and southwestern Wyoming. Because the 91-mile-long reservoir crosses into both states, the biologists have too, working together as a team to catch burbot using nets and other methods.
When biologists catch a burbot, they record where the fish was caught and its length and weight. The fish is then tagged and released where it was caught. Hopefully, some of these fish will be caught by anglers during the Burbot Bash.
Because each tag is unique, the biologists can track any changes in individual fish that are recaptured during the Burbot Bash or later during the biologists' own surveys. Recapture data supplies biologists with vital information about the structure of the burbot population, movements of the fish, how long burbot in the reservoir are living and how much each fish has grown since it was first caught.
If this aspect of the Burbot Bash continues, the agencies will tag more fish, which will allow them to acquire more years of additional data.
Removing burbot is the ultimate goal
The ultimate goal of the agencies, however, is to remove as many burbot as possible. To help reach that goal, three chambers of commerce—Flaming Gorge, Green River and Rock Springs—have joined with the wildlife agencies to enhance this year's Burbot Bash.
The chambers have raised funds and are providing prizes, lodging discounts and other incentives to help attract anglers to the event.
Burbot Bash
The derby kicks off at the Buckboard Marina on Jan. 22 with an array of demonstrations and discussions about how to catch burbot and what to do with them after you've caught them. This part of the event is free. If you want to participate in the quest for prizes, you'll have to register and pay a fee.
After the Jan. 22 opener, anglers have a week to catch burbot and bring them to a checking station. (You need to follow all of the fishing regulations, so make sure you're familiar with the fishing regulations for the state in which you're fishing and have the proper licenses and permits.)
The final check will take place at the Manila Rodeo Grounds on Jan. 29. After the final check in, the prizes will be awarded.
Fishing regulations, and more information
You can learn more about the Burbot Bash and obtain registration forms at several locations, including www.flaminggorgeresort.com/attractions.php and http://www.daggettcounty.org/ .
Fishing regulations, guidebooks and licenses can be found and bought at many stores and shops in the Flaming Gorge area.
Regulations and licenses are also available at http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/ and http://www.gf.state.wy.us/
Bear Lake Cisco Update January 18, 2011
After a very warm weekend with high winds the last two days, there is no longer any ice on Bear Lake. In fact the Utah State Park Marina has thawed and boats can now be launched at the marina, First Point ramp and Cisco Beach ramp. There is no snow along the east side at this time. The courtesy docks have been removed at First Point and Cisco Beach due to icing problems on the docks.
Anglers (both boat and shore) have been doing excellent for cutthroat trout and a few lake trout. Best luck has been off 2nd Point jigging and off South Eden jigging and trolling. Try depths of 40-70 feet. Use 3/4 -1 ounce jigs tipped with cisco, sucker or carp meat when jigging. The trollers are using downriggers and doing well using small flatfish and rapala-style lures with rattles in them. You can fish from shore at the Utah State Park marina and anglers are picking up a few rainbow and cutthroat trout. Try powerbait or mealworms under a bobber or spoons and spinners casted from shore. There is currently about 6”” of snow along the west side of the lake.
No cisco have showed up along the shorelines at Cisco Beach or the marina as of today, but anglers fishing from boats have been able to snag limits of cisco off the “rockpile” area the last two days. They are also catching some nice sized cutthroat, some over 6lbs, off the rockpile area using tube jigs tipped with cisco and vertical jigging spoons such as castmasters. Anglers also reported catching some Bonneville whitefish using small vertical jigging spoons and ¼ ounce jig tipped with salmon eggs. Remember, the limit on cisco is 30 fish (daily and possession) so count your fish carefully. Also, remember that a person may not possess a multipoint hook with a weight permanently or rigidly attached directly to the shank (commonly called a snag hook) or a weight suspended below a multipoint hook unless the hook is on an unweighted dropper line that is at least three inches long.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Snowmobile Tip of the Week
Salt Lake City – Utah State Parks rangers encourage all snowmobilers to have a pre-plan in place before heading out for a ride. Let a responsible person know where you are going, when you plan to return, a written description of the snowmobiles and license plate number of your tow vehicle. This information helps search and rescue crews in the event of an emergency.
For more information and safety tips, visit http://www.stateparks.utah.gov/. To find the latest snowmobile grooming reports, visit www.snowut.org/groomingreports.htm or call 800-OHV-RIDE. Ride smart!
Take the Plunge at Hyrum State Park
Hyrum -- Hyrum State Park hosts the 2011 Polar Plunge Saturday, January 22 at noon to benefit the Utah Special Olympics. Participants donate $25 for the privilege of jumping into the icy water, all to benefit a great cause. Registration begins at 11 a.m.
More than 60 participants are currently registered, including a few Super Plungers who will jump every hour for 24 hours beginning at noon Friday, January 21. Dress in a costume or come as you are! For more information, please visit http://www.sout.org/ .
Finding winter food can be tough for wild Birds
Photo Courtesy Ron Stewart, DWR
During the late summer and fall, most birds leave Utah for warmer climes. Those that stay find a food supply that snow, long nights, below zero temperatures, storms and frost-forming inversion layers have severely reduced. Only birds capable of finding seeds, berries, dormant insects and other limited food sources can survive Utah's tough winters.
During the cold months of winter, birds need to eat regularly to maintain their body heat. And that’s where you come in. Unlike deer—which artificial feeding can actually harm—feeding stations can play a pivotal role in helping wild birds survive.
Bird feeding can also bring a host of small, colorful, fascinating characters right into your backyard.
Sound like fun? It is. But once you get started, you have to stay committed to providing food to your birds every day.
You have to stay committed
Most birds develop feeding patterns, moving from food source to food source along a regular daily route. The birds that visit your yard will start to rely on your feeding stations, especially during winter storms, cold snaps and other critical times. If you don’t feed the birds, the birds may not have time to find other sources to last them through the emergency.
If you start feeding birds, it’s very important that you feed them every day through the winter and well into the spring.
Feeding stations can be simple or complex.
Simply scattering food on the ground or hanging a bird feeder in a tree are examples of simple stations. Providing multiple feeders with different seeds, types of perches and different sized openings, and varying how high you place each feeder, is an example of a complex feeding station.
Different types of food attract different types of birds, so setting up a complex feeding station should increase the variety of birds you see.
Wild birds have the easiest time finding food when the food is placed in an area where the birds would naturally look for it. For example, a spotted towhee, which feeds on the ground, is more likely to find food if you leave the food on the ground. A goldfinch, on the other hand, will be looking for food higher up in a tree.
Four basic feeding locations will accommodate most of the birds that eat seeds: ground, tabletop, hanging and tree trunk.
Quail, juncos and most sparrows and towhees are ground-level feeders. Because they usually search for food in tree branches, chickadees, finches, grosbeaks, siskins and jays are quick to find food in tabletop and hanging feeders. Nuthatches, creepers and woodpeckers prefer tree trunk stations.
Types of food
Most winter birds like sunflower seeds. They especially like the little, black, oily type of sunflower seed and the grey-striped ones.
White and red proso millet, canary seed and thistle or niger seeds are good for attracting smaller birds such as finches, sparrows, chickadees and siskins.
Suet and fruit will also attract birds. Suet, which is another name for fat, is a rich source of energy that some birds can use. Simply stuffing the suet into cracks in the bark of a tree can turn that tree into a good suet feeder.
Fortunately, birds are more interested in the food than the cost of your feeder or the look of it. Feeders made at home or bought in a store can both work equally well. Just make sure your feeder keeps the seeds in it dry and has enough openings so the birds can reach the food.
Feeder placement
As you set up your feeding station, keep two things in mind—variety and safety.
Providing a variety of foods and feeders, placed a different heights, will attract a greater variety of birds.
Spread your feeders out to avoid concentrating a large number of birds in one area, and find or create areas where it’s easy to clean up spilled seeds and other messes. This will help control the spread of disease and food poisoning from moldy or spoiled seeds.
In addition to a constant, reliable source of food, the birds you attract need something else—a safe, protected place to perch.
A natural setting that birds normally use is a great place to put a feeder. These natural settings not only block the wind and the weather, they also offer escape cover from housecats and other predators.
Another good place to put a feeder is in a protected yard. If you place a feeder in a protected yard, place the feeder in the open, away from any cover that cats might use to sneak up on feeding birds.
Also, remember to place your feeders where you can easily see them. A good place is near a window, a balcony or another place where you can see the birds without disturbing them. Placing a feeder close to a window will actually cut down on birds flying into the window because, after leaving the feeder, the birds don’t have time to build up much speed.
Everyone wins
Bird feeding can supply hours of entertainment and enjoyment to people of all ages. It can also help supplement resources the birds need in an era when natural habitats are dwindling.
Fast and Furious Fishing for Stripers
Wayne Gustaveson, lead aquatic biologist for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources at Lake Powell, says fishing for striped bass is hot in the Bullfrog portion of the lake right now. For example, an angler Gustaveson knows and that angler’s friend caught 100 stripers in the 2- to 3-pound range during the first week in January.
How to catch them
To find the stripers, Gustaveson recommends motoring into the back of a canyon until your fish finder shows a school of fish at a bottom depth of about 60 feet. Most stripers are now holding in that magic 60-foot depth range. Graph that zone in the back of any canyon in the Bullfrog area, and you’ll likely find a school of hungry stripers.
Once you find a school, drop a 1- to 1.5-ounce silver or shad-colored jigging spoon to the bottom. Gustaveson says the best spoon choices are Hopkins, CC Spoon or Cabelas Real Image.
If jigging doesn’t produce action, chum the water with cut anchovies. Then fix a piece of bait on a size 2 bait hook, and drop it into the school. When fish start hitting your bait and moving toward the surface, start jigging again to double your catch rate.
For more information and to stay updated on this winter’s striper bite, visit http://www.wayneswords.com/ .
Ice Fishing: Basic Equipment Equals Fish and Fun
Photo courtesy DWR
Catching fish through the ice doesn’t require a lot of fancy equipment. A short fishing rod and reel, a package of worms and a few hooks are about all you need.
In fact, if you just want to give ice fishing a try, you don’t even need an ice auger.
Drew Cushing, warm water sport fisheries coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, says you’ll usually find plenty of predrilled holes on the ice fishing waters you visit. “If anglers drilled the holes just a day or two before,” he says, “they’ll have only an inch or two of ice in them. Just break that thin ice and you’re in business.”
If you want to drill your own holes, though, you’ll need an ice auger or a digging bar. A way to create a hole—and the most basic fishing equipment you can imagine—are all you need to catch lots of fish and have lots of fun.
Simple and affordable
In addition to warm clothes and waterproof boots, Cushing says the following gear is all you need to catch fish through the ice in the winter:
A short fishing rod and a small reel.
Fishing line.
A package of wax worms or meal worms, and some small hooks.
“Don’t use nightcrawlers,” Cushing says. “In the winter, use wax worms or meal worms. You can catch any species of fish through the ice using these worms. They’re the best baits to use in the winter.”
Cushing says wax worms and meal worms are easy to keep alive in the winter, and they’ll last longer on your hook.
If you like to fish with lures, buy some small ice flies or small jigs. Cushing says these flies and jigs come in a variety of colors.
“Make sure you buy a variety of colors,” Cushing says. “That way, you’ll have the color the fish want on any given day.”
A digging bar or an ice auger. A manual ice auger (one you turn by hand) costs about $50. You can pick up a digging bar for as little as $5 to $10.
Cushing says some anglers use gas-powered augers. But he says a gas-powered auger usually isn’t needed.
“If you have a hand auger,” he says, “you can drill through six to eight inches of ice in about a minute. Unless you’re trying to drill through two feet of ice, a gas-powered auger usually isn’t needed.”
Because fish bite softly in the winter, you may also want to buy attachments that will help you detect the subtle bites of the fish. Spring bobbers, tip-ups and various floats are among the items that will help you know you have a fish on the end of your line.
Videos and audio interview
More ice fishing basics are available in two videos produced by the DWR and in the first part of an audio interview Cushing recently did.
You can see the videos at www.youtube.com/UDWR . The audio interview is available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/dwr/multimedia/podcasts.html .
Friday, January 14, 2011
$10,000 in prizes at the Burbot Bash
Division of Wildlife Resources Photo
Catching a burbot at this year's Burbot Bash could net you a cash prize. Their goal is to put some severe fishing pressure on burbot. To reach that goal, they've enhanced an annual event called the Burbot Bash.
Cash prizes
On Jan. 22, the Burbot Bash will become a formal fishing derby offering up to $10,000 in cash prizes. The event will also change from an event held on a weekend to an event that includes a full week of fishing.
A burbot with a tag on it could be worth up to $5,000. The longest burbot caught is worth $1,500.
This year's event will also include a youth derby with its own set of prizes.
Helping biologists gather data
The two wildlife agencies—the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD)—have been marking burbot with small tags. Their goal is to tag 500 fish throughout Flaming Gorge Reservoir in northeastern Utah and southwestern Wyoming. Because the 91-mile-long reservoir crosses into both states, the biologists have too, working together as a team to catch burbot using nets and other methods.
When biologists catch a burbot, they record where the fish was caught and its length and weight. The fish is then tagged and released where it was caught. Hopefully, some of these fish will be caught by anglers during the Burbot Bash.
Because each tag is unique, the biologists can track any changes in individual fish that are recaptured during the Burbot Bash or later during the biologists' own surveys. Recapture data supplies biologists with vital information about the structure of the burbot population, movements of the fish, how long burbot in the reservoir are living and how much each fish has grown since it was first caught.
If this aspect of the Burbot Bash continues, the agencies will tag more fish, which will allow them to acquire more years of additional data.
Removing burbot is the ultimate goal
The ultimate goal of the agencies, however, is to remove as many burbot as possible. To help reach that goal, three chambers of commerce—Flaming Gorge, Green River and Rock Springs—have joined with the wildlife agencies to enhance this year's Burbot Bash.
The chambers have raised funds and are providing prizes, lodging discounts and other incentives to help attract anglers to the event.
Burbot Bash
The derby kicks off at the Buckboard Marina on Jan. 22 with an array of demonstrations and discussions about how to catch burbot and what to do with them after you've caught them. This part of the event is free. If you want to participate in the quest for prizes, you'll have to register and pay a fee.
After the Jan. 22 opener, anglers have a week to catch burbot and bring them to a checking station. (You need to follow all of the fishing regulations, so make sure you're familiar with the fishing regulations for the state in which you're fishing and have the proper licenses and permits.)
The final check will take place at the Manila Rodeo Grounds on Jan. 29. After the final check in, the prizes will be awarded.
Fishing regulations, and more information
You can learn more about the Burbot Bash and obtain registration forms at several locations, including www.flaminggorgeresort.com/attractions.php and http://www.daggettcounty.org/ .
Fishing regulations, guidebooks and licenses can be found and bought at many stores and shops in the Flaming Gorge area.
Regulations and licenses are also available at http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/ and http://www.gf.state.wy.us/ .
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Free Full Moon Snowshoe Outings in a Winter Wonderland!
Clear skies or cloudy, nothing beats snowshoeing under a full moon with fresh snow in the mountains. Join the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation for a free evening, learn about the nocturnal residents of the mountains in winter. This is a great way to spend a night wandering around on snowshoes!
Upcoming scheduled dates include--
•January 21st, Friday 2011 7:00PM Spruces Campground, Big Cottonwood Canyon
•February 18th, Friday 2011 7:00PM Alta
•March 19th, Saturday 2011 8:00PM Spruces Campground, Big Cottonwood Canyon
•April 16th, Saturday 2011 8:00PM Alta
How to make a reservation:
•To make a free reservation, call (801) 466-6411
•Reservations can be made up to 2 weeks in advance
•We can take reservations for groups up to 6 people
Outings will be cancelled in case of inclement weather.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Cisco Disco and Monster Plunge at Bear Lake State Park scheduled
Garden City – Do the Cisco Disco at Cisco Beach on the east side of Bear Lake Saturday, January 22 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Dip a net into the water and catch your share of these small whitefish that make their annual run through Bear Lake.
After the Cisco Disco, drive to Garden City on the west side of Bear Lake for a variety of events. At 10 a.m., register to take an icy swim during the Bear Lake Monster Plunge at Bear Lake State Park Marina. Plunging begins at noon and benefits Primary Children’s Medical Center. Enjoy all day ice skating at the city office building (bring your own skates). Warm cocoa and snacks will be served. For additional information, visit http://www.bearlakechamber.com/ , http://www.bearlake.org/ or call 800-448-BEAR (2327).
Free Entrance Days in the National Parks.
NPS/Dan Ng
Yosemite Falls is visible from numerous places around Yosemite Valley, especially around Yosemite Village and Yosemite Lodge. A one-mile loop trail leads to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall.
America's Best Idea – the national parks – gets even better with several fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees.*
Mark your calendar for these fee-free days in 2011:
January 15-17 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday weekend)
April 16-24 (National Park Week)
June 21 (First day of summer)
September 24 (Public Lands Day)
November 11-13 (Veterans Day weekend)
Making the fun even more affordable, many national park concessioners are joining the National Park Service in welcoming visitors with their own special offers.
Here’s a tip – many of your 394 national parks NEVER charge an entrance fee. So start Planning Your Visit!
*Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.
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Friday, January 7, 2011
Winter Trails Day scheduled January 8th, 2011
Free Skate Clinic
Free Ice Skating Clinic for all ages Jan. 8 from 2-4pm. Ice skating, lessons, prizes, and a fun ice skating exhibition starring our own local CHRC skaters--- all free. Bring all your friends and family to this exciting event.
Quick Stats
Date: Jan. 8 Time: 2-4pm
Free Cross Country and Snowshoeing
2002 Soldier Hollow Lane
Midway, UT 84049
(435) 654-2002
info@soldierhollow.com
http://www.soldierhollow.com/
Date: 1/8/11 Time: 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Soldier Hollow will be offering free trail passes, equipment, and mini lessons to all first time skiers.
Soldier Hollow is named one of the top four Nordic ski resorts in America, by Outside Magazine, and features premier cross country facilities including the award winning Olympic Lodge. Soldier Hollow will be offering free trail passes, equipment, and mini lessons to all first time skiers. You will have the opportunity to ski on 33 kilometers of groomed trails that offer every skier ample choices. As Outside Magazine said” You’ll find trails for everyone…” A first time skier will have a great time peacefully gliding right from the lodge to our beginner trail “City Slicker”. After cruising the trails one can settle in at the lodge for hot cocoa and a warm fireplace. Soldier Hollow will also be offering free snowshoeing on marked and mapped trails that are gentle and exhilarating. Schedule: 12:30- 4:00 Cross Country Ski Lessons: 1:00-3:30, starting every half hour on the half hour. (example: 1:00, 1:30, ect.)
Snowbasin Resort
Huntsville, UT 84317
(801) 620-1000
info@snowbasin.com
http://www.snowbasin.com/
Date: 1/8/11
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
This is a day devoted to introducing adults and children to the sports of Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Come try our trails and use our rental equipment at no cost.
This is a day devoted to introducing adults and children to the sports of Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Come try our trails and use our rental equipment at no cost.
Mountain Dell Golf Course
Looking to try out snowshoes for the first time? Want some instruction on how to kick and glide on Nordic skis? Fascinated by winter ecology? Winter Trails Day at Mountain Dell is your chance to get out there with some help from the experts! If you are a beginner or first timer on snow, come join the staff of REI, the cross country ski experts from the Utah Nordic Alliance and the knowledgeable guides from Cottonwood Canyons Foundation. This day of guided snowshoeing, cross country & skate ski instruction and outdoor interpretation is not to be missed! Already know how to ski or snowshoe? Come try out the latest and greatest gear. Demo equipment will be provided at no charge by local retailer Wild Rose, plus the top brands in the snow sports industry. Activities include hour long snowshoe interpretive tours, 40 minute introductory classes to cross country skiing and beginning skate ski lessons. Best of all, it’s FREE!
Guided Snowshoe Hikes!
Join us for a peek into the winter wonderland of the Wasatch Mountains! The Cottonwood Canyons Foundation will provide basic snowshoeing instruction and insight into winter ecology and watersheds. A beginner and family friendly event! FREE snowshoe rentals for each participant. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Introduction to Cross Country Skiing
This is a great way to experience cross country skiing for the first time and to get instruction while exploring Mountain Dells's beautiful groomed track. Taught by the experts from REI and the Utah Nordic Alliance.FREE rental gear is included. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Introduction to Skate Skiing
You've always admired those skiers who wiz by on skinny skis-now is your chance to enjoy the fun. Take an introductory skate ski lesson with the instructors from REI and the Utah Nordic Alliance. FREE rental gear is included. Classes are limited to 25 participants. Recommended for ages 14 and up.
Gear Demo
Try out the newest in snowshoes, Nordic skis boots & poles from the leading manufacturers of snow sport technology. Tubbs, MSR, Atomic, Rossignol, & Swix will be on hand with the latest & greatest all day long. Sponsored by retailer Wild Rose.
Schedule
Activities begin at 10am and will run through 2pm on Saturday, January 8th 2011. Lessons & hikes generally begin on the hour & half hour. The last tour leaves at 1PM. Participants will be served on a first come first served basis. No advance registration is required. Please allow ample time for registration and equipment fitting.
Directions
Mountain Dell Golf course is located in lower Parley’s Canyon on I-80 east of Salt Lake City at exit 134 (6.5 miles from the mouth of the canyon).
Disclaimer: Participants must be at least 10 years of age and in good physical health. All participants must sign a waiver before participating in any activity or using demo gear. Any participants under the age of 18 must have a parent/legal guardian present. Mountain Dell is located in a protected watershed area. Sorry, dogs or other pets are not permitted by law.
Monte Cristo Open Air Demo and Safety Fair next Weekend
Huntsville – Join Utah State Parks and local snowmobile dealers for the Monte Cristo Snowmobile Open Air Demo and Safety Fair Saturday, January 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Monte Cristo Trailhead. Test ride new sleds, hone your beacon/probing skills, and check out snowmobile merchandise. Cost is $5 per vehicle or free with the Monte Cristo annual parking pass.
To reach Monte Cristo, take Highway 89 north from Ogden to Highway 39. Follow Highway 39 east to Huntsville until you reach the trailhead, which is about 17 miles from Huntsville.
For more information, call 435-734-9494 or 800-OHV-RIDE.
Helmets focus of Snowmobile Safety Week
Salt Lake City - Utah State Parks and Recreation is stressing helmets, safety and education as part of Utah Snowmobile Safety Week, January 16 through 22 and throughout the snowmobile season. Two snowmobilers have lost their lives this season, and snowmobile program managers want to prevent additional fatalities and injuries.
“We want everyone to be prepared before heading into the backcountry by knowing laws and rules, riding safely, respecting avalanche dangers, and wearing safety gear,” said Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Education Specialist Ann Evans.
Utah law requires youth eight to 15 to complete the Utah State Parks Know Before You Go! online snowmobile education course before operating on public lands, roads or trails. Anyone 16 or older must have a valid Utah driver’s license or a safety certificate to operate a snowmobile on public land. It is illegal for any child under age eight to operate an OHV on public land. The snowmobile course is available at www.stateparks.utah.gov/ohv.
All youth under age 18 are required by law to wear a properly-fitted and fastened helmet. Utah State Parks strongly recommends that all riders wear helmets.
Evans offers these following safety tips:
- Never ride alone. Always ride with a companion and let others know your plan.
- Check weather reports and avalanche advisories at utahavalanchecenter.org. Be prepared by wearing an avalanche beacon, and carrying a shovel and probe.
- Dress for changing weather conditions. Wear layered clothing to adjust for changing conditions.
- Know basic maintenance procedures. Carry spark plugs, drive belts, a tool kit, and a survival kit that contains a map, compass, flashlight, extra food, extra clothing, sunglasses, first aid kit, pocket knife, waterproof matches, and candles or fire starters.
For more information, visit www.stateparks.utah.gov/ohv . Stay on the trail!
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