sstephenson@wyomingnews.com

CHEYENNE - It's that time of year where the days are short and the boredom is endless.

Most hunting seasons are over and the wind chill is a little nippy to say the least. The rivers and lakes have iced up for the most part, and while there still might be an urge to drop in a line and pull out a few trout, it's hard to venture into something new.

But there's a first time for everything. Why not try the sport designed for the icy blast of Wyoming's winters: Ice Fishing.

You're going to need some warm clothes, a little bit of gear and some common sense.

Let's hit the ice.

Safety

Like most outdoor activities, safety must come first. In this case, it's even more important than usual.

With the variable temperatures of the west, ice formation can be, well, variable. It is not uncommon in some places to have open water clear into December.

Mike Snigg, Laramie regional fisheries supervisor for the Wyoming Game and Fish, says unlike the upper Midwest states, ice conditions can change daily in Wyoming.

"Once winter settles in (in the upper Midwest) they get winter, period," he says. "We'll get January thaws or Chinook type winds."

Snigg recommended anglers keep a length of rope or a ladder in their vehicle incase someone falls through the ice. He also recommends float coats, U.S. Coast guard approved coats that inflate with the help of a CO2 cartridge.

"A lot of these are designed to look and function like fishing vests," Snigg says.

In a news release put out in early December, Bob Lanka, spokesman for the Wyoming Game and Fish, outlines a few other tips.

"Be aware of areas where underwater springs, strong currents, inlets or high winds retard ice development," Lanka says in the release.

Other tips include:

Beware of early and late season fishing as ice can be hazardous

Never fish alone

Blue ice is stronger than cloudy ice

Don't go out on the ice unless there is at least four inches of clear blue ice

Never drive ATVs snow machines or other vehicles on late season ice

Snigg says if someone does fall through to remain calm, even if it's difficult.

"The more thrashing around, the more ice you break," he says.

Snigg also recommends drilling holes in a progressive manner, starting close to shore and working your way out.

Clothing

This could be one of the most important tools in your kit.

Choosing the proper clothing could mean the difference between an enjoyable experience and a miserable day. It also goes without saying that it could save fingers, toes and maybe even your life.

While it doesn't take a genius to figure out how to pick warm clothing, some items are better than others.

Noel Vick, author of "Fishing on Ice, a complete guide to gear, fish and fun," writes that when it comes to ice fishing, the most important piece of clothing you will own will be your gloves.

"You need a good feel to detect strikes and nimbleness for tying on itty-bitty flies, both of which you lose when your hands go numb," he writes.

He recommends heavy duty mittens that slip on and off easily or a deep pair of pockets you can stick your hands in. Vick says to check with military surplus gear as the military cold weather specifications are pretty stringent.

Another type of glove he recommends is neoprene.

Neoprene gloves will keep hands warm even if the fabric gets wet.

"The thinness, combined with an overall elasticity, gives neoprene gloves their dexterity," Vick writes.

He says to look for a snug fit with neoprene to get the maximum dexterity and warmth.

Location

Location can have a significant impact on your success.

"Don't wait until the ice is on to figure out where you want to go," Snigg says. "Figure out where there might be fish likely to be hanging out during open water season."

It can be difficult to locate these areas.

"There's not a whole lot of structure (in local lakes)," Snigg says.

He says structure simply means things such as submerged boulders, trees, material along the face of a dam.

"Something that is out of the ordinary in comparison to the rest of the lake," he says.

Most lakes in southeastern Wyoming contain the primary species of trout: rainbow, brook, brown and cutthroat. Some lakes will turn up walleye and occasionally some smallmouth bass, channel catfish and yellow perch

Gear

Dennis White, assistant manager at the West Laramie Fly Store, has been ordering ice fishing gear for almost 20 years.

He says getting started is relatively simple and inexpensive when compared to other outdoor hobbies.

First look for a rod and a stand to rest it in. Rods can be found in light, medium or heavy action. Most local anglers prefer the medium action, but some will choose the light action, especially for perch.

To punch holes in the ice you will need an ice auger. The augers come in a variety of styles: hand crank or with a motor. They also come in a variety of sizes.

Next you will need bait. Live bait can include meal worms or wax worms. White prefers the meal worm because the texture of the body helps keep the worm on the hook.

Or use an artificial lure. Lures can be found in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. The design of the lure indicates how it will move in the water. Many mimic worms or minnows.

Other miscellaneous gear includes a ladle to scoop ice out of the hole and ice cleats to keep from falling on slippery surfaces.

White also recommended ice spikes - a small set of spikes connected by a cord that can be worn around the neck. White says if you fall through the ice, lay your arms out on top of the ice, jab the spikes into the ground and pull yourself out.

Technique

While the technique for ice fishing might not be as complicated as something like fly fishing, White says it does come down to timing.

He recommends you jig the lure - raise it up - two times and then let the lure float back down.

Most fish will strike on the downward movement he says.

Once you've got one on the hook the question becomes what to do with it?

If you plan to keep it, reel it in and place it in a cooler or on the ice.

If catch and release is your goal, Snigg says it's best to use a net and gloves to help reduce wear and tear on the mucus layer on the fish.

He says handling isn't as important in the winter as it is in the summer.

"The colder the water, the more stress a fish can handle," he says.

Upcoming ice fishing derbies

Lake John, Cowdrey Lake

When: Jan. 12-13

Where: Lake John, Cowdrey Lake, North Park, Colo.

Cost: $30 for adults and $5 for youth

Prizes: $750 for first place and $75 for largest fish taken hourly during designated hours.

For more info: (970) 723-4600

Saratoga Ice fishing derby

When: Jan. 19-20

Where: Saratoga Lake

Time: Scales open Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cost: Registration is $30 for adults and $10 for children under 14. You can register at local businesses that sell fishing licenses or at the Chamber of Commerce office, 106 N. 1st St or at the lake on Saturday.

Prizes: More than $6,000 cash prices with hourly awards of $100 for the largest fish that hour. First prize is worth $2000.

For more info: http://www.saratogachamber.info/Fishing%20Derby.htm

Wild West Winter Carnival

When: Jan. 25-27

Where: Boysen Reservoir

Time: Cutoff time is 3 p.m. Sunday

For more info: www.wildwestwintercarnival.com

Delaney Butte Lakes

When: Feb. 9

Where: North, South and East Delaney Butte Lakes, North Park Colo.

Time: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: $30 for adults $5 for youth

Prizes: $750 for first place, $75 hourly for largest fish

For more info: (970) 723-4600

The Hawg

When: Feb. 9-10

Where: Pathfinder Reservoir

Time: Scales open Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost: $25 to enter. You can purchase tickets up to noon on Saturday at Sportsman's Warehouse and Wyoming Discount Sports in Casper or Sloans store in Alcova. Tickets can also be purchased at the lake starting Friday.

Prizes: Cash prizes will be given away hourly for the biggest trout and walleye. Those will then be eligible for the grand prize. Four ice augers and additional door prizes will also be given away.

For more info: Contact Dick Fields with the Pathfinder Boat Club at (307) 436-9712 or Bill Ellmore (307) 262-6598.

Evanston Lion's Club Annual Ice Fishing Derby

When: Feb 9-10

Where: Sulphur Creek Reservoir

Time: Scales open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Cost: $50 to enter. Go to www.evanstonlions.com/html/registration.html to download a registration form.

Prizes: $25,000 for "Old Al," the tagged fish. $1,000 for overall longest fish and $200 for hourly longest fish in addition to prizes for other categories.

For more info: www.evanstonlions.com.

Check your regs

For a printed copy of the 2008 fishing regulations visit your local Wyoming Game and Fish office. Regulations will be posted online at http://gf.state.wy.us in the near future. Anglers must have a current fishing license and conservation stamp. Check the special winter ice fishing provisions to see if the body of water you are fishing has special rules. Some lakes will allow additional poles.