This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Few fish are as tasty as fresh-caught yellow perch. And when the fish start biting, few species are as easy to catch.
And one of the best places to catch them is through the ice at Fish Lake.
The classic central Utah lake will host the second annual Fish Lake Perch Tournament January 30.
Prices include 10 firearms and $3,500 in additional prizes donated by Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife. Ten fish will be tagged with numbers that will a firearm, but the tagged fish must be caught on the day of the tournament in order to win.
Entry is free.
"Bring your fishing poles, tackle, bait, warm clothes and a 2-way radio, so you can keep in touch with your group if you split up," said Heather Talley, regional wildlife recreation coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources. "Also, if you're 12 years of age or older, you must have a valid Utah fishing or combination license to participate."
To register, log on to http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/perch-tournament.html.
Check in begins at 7 a.m. on January 3 at the the Twin Creeks, Lake Side or Joe Bush parking areas at Fish Lake. The tournament ends at 2 p.m. Tagged fish must be turned in before then.
There is no perch limit at Fish lake and a two-pole permit is no longer required to use two poles. Anglers are encouraged to keep all of the perch they can catch. By doing so, anglers can help make room for other fish in the lake.
Snow in the area is heavy. While parking lots are plowed, anglers are asked not to bring ATVs or snowmobiles to the event.
The DWR, Fish Lake Resorts, Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife, the Sevier Travel Council, the Fish Lake National Forest and the Utah Blue Ribbon Fisheries Advisory Council are among the sponsors.