What the Cisco Disco is and when it happens

The Bear Lake Cisco Disco is a winter fishing festival held on Bear Lake in northern Utah, where anglers gather to fish for cisco — small, silvery fish that spawn under the ice in late winter. The event typically takes place in February, though the exact dates shift year to year depending on ice conditions and water temperature. It draws hundreds of people to the frozen lake for a day of fishing, food, and community.

Cisco fishing on Bear Lake is a winter tradition that has grown into a organized event with vendor booths, local food, live music, and family activities alongside the fishing itself. The festival celebrates both the fish and the people who fish for them, mixing serious anglers with families new to ice fishing.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cisco Disco happens in February on frozen Bear Lake and requires no special permit beyond a standard Utah fishing license.
  • Cisco are caught through holes in the ice using small jigs, and the fish are excellent eating — mild, flaky, and versatile in the kitchen.
  • The event includes vendor booths, food trucks, live music, and activities for children, making it accessible to people who have never ice fished before.
  • You can fish from shore or rent an ice shanty on the lake, and the festival provides a social atmosphere rather than a competitive tournament.

What you need to fish the Cisco Disco

A valid Utah fishing license is required. You can buy a one-day license or an annual license through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website or at sporting goods retailers around Bear Lake. No special cisco permit exists — the standard license covers all freshwater fishing in the state.

For gear, you need an ice auger (hand-crank or powered) to drill a hole through the ice, a short ice fishing rod, small jigs tipped with maggots or other live bait, and a bucket or container to hold your catch. Many people bring a shelter or ice shanty for warmth, though some fish in the open. Dress in layers — Bear Lake in February is cold, and wind off the water makes it colder still. Bring hand warmers, insulated boots, and a hat that covers your ears.

If you do not own ice fishing gear, several outfitters near Bear Lake rent equipment by the day, including augers, rods, and shanties. Asking at your lodging or a local tackle shop will point you to current rental options.

How to fish for cisco during the event

Cisco spawn in deep water under the ice in late winter, but they move into shallower areas to feed. Most Cisco Disco fishing happens in 20 to 40 feet of water, though some fish are caught shallower. Drill your hole with an auger, drop a small jig (usually 1/32 to 1/16 ounce) tipped with a maggot or waxworm, and work it gently near the bottom. Cisco bite with a light touch — watch for a subtle tap rather than a hard strike.

The fishing is often slow, which is part of the event's appeal: you are there as much for the company and the day on the ice as for the catch. Many people catch a few fish; some catch dozens. Cisco are small (usually 8 to 12 inches) and numerous, so the focus is on the experience rather than trophy size.

If you are new to ice fishing, arrive early and watch others, or ask questions — the community at the Cisco Disco is welcoming to beginners. Local anglers often share tips about depth, bait, and technique.

Cooking and eating your cisco catch

Cisco are excellent eating and worth the effort of fishing for them. The flesh is white, mild, and flaky, with a delicate flavor that does not taste "fishy" to people who are hesitant about fish. They are small enough to cook whole, which is the most common preparation — scaled, gutted, and pan-fried in butter until the skin crisps and the meat flakes from the bones.

You can also fillet them if you prefer boneless meat, though the bones are soft and edible when the fish is cooked whole. Cisco work well smoked, baked, or fried. A simple preparation — whole fish seasoned with salt and pepper, cooked in a hot skillet with butter and a squeeze of lemon — lets the delicate flavor shine. Many families who fish the Cisco Disco bring their catch home and cook it that evening as part of the celebration.

What to expect at the festival itself

The Cisco Disco is not a tournament or a competitive event — it is a community gathering on the ice. The festival includes vendor booths selling fishing gear, local crafts, and food; food trucks serving hot meals and drinks; live music or entertainment; and activities for children. Some years feature raffles, prizes for the day's catch, or educational booths about Bear Lake and its fish.

The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly. People fish, eat, listen to music, and socialize. You can stay for an hour or the whole day. The event is free to attend; you pay only for your fishing license, any gear you rent, and food you buy.

Getting to Bear Lake and where to stay

Bear Lake sits on the Utah-Idaho border in the northern part of the state, about 40 miles north of Logan and 90 miles south of Pocatello, Idaho. The main access point for the Cisco Disco is typically the west side of the lake, near the town of Garden City, Utah. From Logan, take US-89 north; from Salt Lake City, drive north on I-15 and then east on US-89.

Lodging options include hotels and motels in Garden City and nearby towns, vacation rentals, and campgrounds (though camping in February is cold and not common). Many people make it a day trip from Logan or other nearby towns. Check current road and weather conditions before you go — winter storms can close mountain passes or make driving hazardous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need ice fishing experience to go to the Cisco Disco?

No. The event welcomes beginners, and many people fish it for the first time. Arrive early, watch others, and ask questions — experienced anglers are usually happy to help. You can also rent gear and get advice from outfitters near the lake.

What if the ice is not thick enough or the event is cancelled?

Ice thickness and water temperature determine the event date each year. Check with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources or local Bear Lake tourism websites in early February for confirmation of the date. If conditions are unsafe, the event will be postponed or rescheduled.

Can I keep all the cisco I catch?

Utah has no daily limit on cisco, so you can keep as many as you catch. However, most people keep only what they plan to cook and eat. Cisco are small and numerous, so a few fish make a good meal.

Is the Cisco Disco the same every year?

The core event — fishing for cisco on Bear Lake in February — stays the same, but vendors, entertainment, and activities vary year to year. Contact the Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau or check their website for details about the current year's festival.