Ready to rest your legs from skiing and enjoy a day of reeling in bites instead? Book a morning or afternoon ice fishing excursion with Utah Ice Fishing Guides (435-487-9288, utahicefishing.com) for an unforgettable experience at local reservoirs. The pristine setting of these lower-altitude bodies of water provides prime opportunities for people of all ages to get out fishing in the middle of winter, with knowledgeable guides who understand the feeding behavior of all the fish under the surface. “It will get the entire family out for a day of fun, and it’s a lot warmer than being on the river in the winter,” says Jeff Harwin, owner of Utah Ice Fishing Guides and Park City Fly Fishing Company.

What to Expect

Guided ice fishing tours start at $325 and last about four hours. After setting up a base camp with portable tents, chairs, and heaters, guides use an auger to drill through the ice and set fishing rods with bait. This season, Harwin obtained a permit for Strawberry Reservoir, widely considered the best spot for ice fishing in Utah because of the size of the perch and trout.

What to Wear

Dress in moisture-wicking base layers, an insulating mid-layer, waterproof snow pants, and a waterproof shell. And don’t forget to properly accessorize: bring a warm hat, gloves, polarized sunglasses, and hand and feet warmers.

What to Bring

Rental packages include all of the essentials: a sled to transport gear, an Eskimo gas-powered ice auger, two ice fishing chairs, four ice fishing rods, tackle box/baits, an ice skimmer, a towel, and a snow shovel. Optional add-ons include a heater and the Eskimo QuickFish 3, a pop-up tent for extra warmth. Snacks and drinks (hot cocoa, anyone?) are also provided.