Summit County reservoirs draw winter anglers for tournament series

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Ice fishing enthusiasts in Summit County will have multiple opportunities to test their skills in competitive events throughout early 2025, with tournaments scheduled at East Canyon, Echo, and Rockport reservoirs.

East Canyon State Park will host two major events: the annual Fins & Fur derby on Feb. 8 and a leg of the new multi-location Quadfishathon on Jan. 19. The tournament series continues at Rockport State Park on Feb. 1, followed by Echo State Park on Feb. 2.

The East Canyon derby, running from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., will award cash prizes to anglers who catch the top four fish, with additional hourly prizes for the biggest catch. Registration is $50 per participant, not including the state park entrance fee.

The Quadfishathon offers anglers the choice to compete at individual locations for $50 per site or register for all four venues — including nearby Lost Creek State Park — for $150. State park entrance fees are included in the registration.

Tournament organizers emphasize that events may be canceled or postponed if warm temperatures create unsafe ice conditions. Participants are advised to monitor event websites and registration emails for updates.

For those new to ice fishing, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will offer an educational clinic on Jan. 11 in Price, covering basics including ice safety, equipment, and fishing techniques.

Additional ice fishing tournaments will be held throughout Utah, from Bear Lake to Flaming Gorge. A complete list of statewide events can be found on the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website.