02-10-2004, 05:55 PM
Updated Tuesday, February 10, 2004. The Bear Lake is totally ice covered and the ice is anywhere from 10-12" thick. There is approximately 12" of snow around the shoreline and about 3-4" of snow on top the ice. Temperatures have been below zero at night and up into the 20's during the day. There have been snowmobiles and 4-wheelers on the ice, but please use caution since there are many springs in Bear Lake that can create thin spots and even open holes.
Ice fishing has been very good for whitefish and fair, but spotty for cutthroat and lake trout. For whitefish try fishing in 15-25 feet of water over weed beds on both the southeast and southwest sides of the lake. There are several pull-offs along the highway (SR-30) where you can park and have good access to the lake. Also, some good whitefish action has been reported in 20 feet of water off of Cisco Beach. Small castmasters or Swedish pimples (about ½" to ¾" long) tipped with waxworms or salmon eggs have been working the best. Also 1/16 ounce jigs or ice flys suspended below a castmaster have worked well. Try using 4" tube jigs tipped with cisco for cutthroat and lake trout. Some good spots to try are off Cisco Beach, 2nd Point, Val's Pump and the rockpile. Start fishing in about 60 feet of water and if the action is slow keep moving out deeper. Some fish are being taken as deep as 120 feet.
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Ice fishing has been very good for whitefish and fair, but spotty for cutthroat and lake trout. For whitefish try fishing in 15-25 feet of water over weed beds on both the southeast and southwest sides of the lake. There are several pull-offs along the highway (SR-30) where you can park and have good access to the lake. Also, some good whitefish action has been reported in 20 feet of water off of Cisco Beach. Small castmasters or Swedish pimples (about ½" to ¾" long) tipped with waxworms or salmon eggs have been working the best. Also 1/16 ounce jigs or ice flys suspended below a castmaster have worked well. Try using 4" tube jigs tipped with cisco for cutthroat and lake trout. Some good spots to try are off Cisco Beach, 2nd Point, Val's Pump and the rockpile. Start fishing in about 60 feet of water and if the action is slow keep moving out deeper. Some fish are being taken as deep as 120 feet.
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