Ice Fishing (Casper, Gillette, Sheridan: dangerous, safe, places)

[jopes]

Is there ice fishing in Wyoming? specifically Casper - Gillette area. Is trout the main fish caught? I was reading the fishing regulations and seen other types of fish, but it seems like trout is king?

[ElkHunter]

Excellent ice fishing all over Wyoming. Gillette and Casper are both prime areas. Might have to drive a few miles one way or the other.

Up here in Sheridan our closest lake is dangerous because there's a lot of springs under it. But head West of town and there is excellent fishing.

[HighlandLady]

Originally Posted by jopes

Is there ice fishing in Wyoming? specifically Casper - Gillette area. Is trout the main fish caught? I was reading the fishing regulations and seen other types of fish, but it seems like trout is king?

We used to ice-fish at the Pathfinder and Seminole Reservoir. Not only trout, but perch as well out there.
Glendo Reservoir is great for walleye ice-fishing, if it has been cold enough to freeze.
All are a bit of a drive to get to, but worth it.

[jopes]

How often does Glendo freeze over?

[HighlandLady]

Glendo usually freezes every year...but whether or not it stays that way is up to Mother Nature. I think we've managed to fish out there once or twice in the past few years. We've just preferred Pathfinder or Seminole. Ice is thicker and generally aren't as many people out there.

[ElkHunter]

Weekend newspaper said, "Game and fish have ended Ice Fishing in South East Wyoming for this year. What the local paper didn't do was tell us what ponds and lakes were affected. Just South East Wyoming. haha

[jopes]

Originally Posted by ElkHunter

Weekend newspaper said, "Game and fish have ended Ice Fishing in South East Wyoming for this year. What the local paper didn't do was tell us what ponds and lakes were affected. Just South East Wyoming. haha

so in Wyoming fish and game actually say when you can and cannot ice fish?

[HighlandLady]

They can if the lakes/ponds are thawed or too dangerous to ice fish on.

[ElkHunter]

Originally Posted by jopes

so in Wyoming fish and game actually say when you can and cannot ice fish?

Yes they do. They go out and measure ice thickness and determine when you can start and stop each year.

[jopes]

what do they consider safe ice and unsafe ice? I used to ice fish in upstate NY and 2 inches was good for some places, but I personelly like 4 inches to walk on.