Our Strawberry Ice-Off Day Trip happened over two days, April 21st & 22nd. Eighteen fishers from both Bonneville Fly Fishers and High Country Fly Fishers attended the outing on one or both of these days. Ice conditions were absolutely perfect, thanks to Pat’s extensive research and numerous scouting trips. Best of all, the big cutts were right under the edge of the ice and ready to play … if you happened to be standing in the right place at the right time.
The group communicated on the group text to share locations and catches. People were more than willing to share the spots that were fishing well with others, whether the others came from the other side of the reservoir or just moved 10’ closer.
We met at Strawberry Bay Marina both mornings at 11:30, tagged up into small groups, discussed locations with the best ice and spread out around the reservoir. Locations as the day warmed and the ice pulled back further from the bank, opening up some excellent options.
Many thanks to those who brought treats to share. Thanks to those of you who offered to help anyone who asked to fish with a more experienced fisherman; I believe everyone who requested a helper found fish, including Joe who landed the big fish of the outing at 22”. Also, a huge thank you to the BFF and HCFF tyers who tied up the preferred mid-night fire bugger on Monday night to share with the Tuesday attendees. That was absolutely the fly of choice for this trip.
By Friday, the ice was largely gone OR piled up against the banks. The fish were no longer hanging under the edge of the ice and were much harder to find. So glad attendees got to see exactly what perfect ice conditions look like.
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Bonneville Fly Fishers is a 501(c) non-profit organization. Salt Lake City, Ut.