Year-Round Angling at Ririe Has a Few Catches

Since the start of last year, new regulations have been in place at Ririe Reservoir to help anglers enjoy fishing opportunities. As long as there is no ice, anglers can fish anywhere. Once the ice has formed, it's back to the old regulations of only fishing through the ice within one mile of the dam. Special seasons were created in 1995 to ensure anglers didn't compromise important deer winter range. ATVs are allowed on the ice, but snow machines are not. According to the original agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, the area at the upper end of the reservoir is closed to protect critical winter habitat for deer and elk. No human activity - snow machines, ATVs, hiking, snowshoeing, skiing - is allowed within a quarter-mile buffer around the entire reservoir, except in the area open for ice fishing, which extends from the dam upstream for about one mile to the posted boundary. The road from State Highway 26 to the Juniper parking area is plowed to allow vehicle parking. While snow machines are not allowed on the ice, ATVs and other motorized vehicles are not prohibited as long as they abide by other related restrictions. Ice thickness and quality can vary greatly, so anglers need to use caution before heading onto the ice. Anglers heading out on foot or by skis need to be properly equipped to deal with an unexpected fall through the ice. Because ice fishing takes place in an environment that doesn't allow a margin for error, anglers should make sure ice is thick enough for safe travel. Always be prepared for changing weather conditions.