The ice fishing season is getting started and the Division of Wildlife Resources wants Uintah Basin anglers to consider their impacts when catch-and-release ice fishing. Freezing weather can be hard on fish as the water temperature they are living in is often warmer than the temperatures they are exposed to when coming out of the water. It’s best to minimize the air exposure time for the fish. The water left on the eyes and gills can begin to freeze, ultimately causing new damage to the fish. Only handle fish with bare hands. “[Using gloves] can leave fish more susceptible to various skin issues, such as fungal diseases,” Oplinger said. “I know that it is tough to take gloves off while ice fishing because it’s cold, but handling fish with your bare hands is best. Once the fish have been safely released, then you can put your gloves back on.” Also, before recreating on water bodies in northeastern Utah, always check and be sure the ice is safe to be on.
