Sun rises over lone ice fishing hut on Saratoga Lake Tuesday. - Photo by Tom Dixon

Despite warm days, Saratoga Lake ice is thick enough for the 29th annual Saratoga Ice Fishing Derby this weekend.

The derby runs from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday.

Wyoming Game and Fish Warden Biff Burton hasn’t measured the ice, but, through word-of-mouth, he believes the ice to be thick enough.

Mike Patterson, of Hack’s Tackle, said fishermen are reporting 12 to 14 inches of ice.
Burton said low nighttime temperatures will help thicken the ice. Burton said the ice often melts from the bottom and changes from day to day, so driving is not advisable.

As early as Jan. 1, there was open water at Saratoga Lake.

“Thank goodness we got some cold weather,” Burton said.

The lake was stocked with fish about two weeks ago, Burton said.

“There are plenty of big ones out there though and you can now keep more than one 20-inch fish, according to the new regulations,” Burton said.

There is still no live bait (minnows) allowed in waters south of Interstate 80.

Anglers can have two lines in the water at once, but fishermen must supervise their pole(s).

“You need to know when there is a fish on the line,” Burton said, “so when you go to have your catch-of-the-hour weighed, you need to remove your line (from the water).”

Burton said waters upstate have designated ice fishing rules, but they do not apply to Saratoga Lake.

For instance, at Seminoe six lines are allowed, Burton said. “It is a common violation, because people think it applies everywhere.”

The Chamber gives away a $2,000 first prize for the largest fish and $100 for the largest fish of the hour.

Stacy Crimmins, executive director at the Saratoga Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce, said $6,000 in cash prizes will be handed out this year over the two-day derby.

Small fry, under 14-years-old, can enter for a chance to win the grand prize of a $200 savings bond and a merchandise package. Other prizes for small fry include $20 for the largest fish each hour.

Also be sure to decorate your fishing hut for the “Best Hut” contest and earn bragging rights next year.

For more bragging opportunities, share your best fishing story with the chamber. Head to the Derby Tent, or catch up with a board member to have your story recorded and placed on the Chamber’s website.

Burton extends his best wishes to all fishermen.

“Fishing has been good, lots of nice 18- and 19-inch fish,” Burton said.

Fishermen should make sure there is enough ventilation in their ice hut to prevent carbon monoxide from building up inside.

Anglers should also keep an eye on their neighbors, even if they are strangers.

“If you don’t see any activity, go over and make sure they are okay,” Burton said.

Food and beverage concessions will be offered during the derby, but anglers are encouraged to eat in one of the many restaurants in the Platte Valley after they are done fishing.

Registration at Saratoga Lake begins at 6 a.m. on Saturday. Early birds can pre-register at any local retail store that sells fishing licenses in Saratoga and Riverside.

The Chamber office will be open until 8 p.m. Friday to take early registrations. The Chamber is located at 210 West Elm in Saratoga.