Ice Fishing and Fly Fishing Reports in Montana

Ice Fishing & Fly Fishing Reports around Montana
By Hookemharry

Posted: February 28, 2011

Ice fishing in Montana and steelhead fishing reports from Idaho are good. “The water level is running at 4900 CFS on the North Fork of the Clearwater River in Idaho”, added Jim Johnson who planned on fishing this week, “that is perfect water for fishing with flies”.

Rainbow anglers are having continues success between Pond 4 and the Silos on Canyon Ferry reports Troy Humphrey from Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks. It seems to be an early morning bite with the anglers using black, yellow, or green woolly buggers and ice flies, tipped with maggots or worms. Perch fishing is slow. On Hauser rainbow action is good below Canyon Ferry Dam using egg sacks or worms. Ice anglers are picking up some rainbow trout in about 10 feet of water by Black Sandy. Walleye and perch fishing are slow. Trout fishing is also good on Holter Reservoir near the Holter Lake Ramp, Departure Point and Black Beach in 10 feet of water. Pink or green ice jigs tipped with a maggot seems to be working the best. Once again perch and walleye fishing are slow. Kokanee salmon fishing is fair on the Regulating Reservoir in the Helena Valley. Jigs and corn in 30-35 feet of water will be your best bet.

The 8th annual Perch Pounder concluded last Saturday. The awards ceremony and fish fry took place at the tournament headquarters in Kalispell, the Scoreboard Pub and Casino. “We had 191 anglers compete this year added Gene Fincher the tournament organizer, “it was by far the most successful derby to date”. The nearly month long perch derby was won by Jack Hagel with a 2.186 pound perch. “We also raised $726 for the Kids Hooked on Fishing program”, said Fincher.

This weekend the 2nd annual Bitterroot Bash at the Marion Grille, will take place the 5th and 6th. The contest will be held at Bitterroot Lake for salmon and rainbow trout. The total weight of the 5 salmon that are 14 inches or smaller caught by each participant will determine the winner and the largest rainbow trout will win the trout division. Call Fincher for more information 406-261-6445.

The annual NRA banquet will be held in Missoula this Friday night. “We had a great banquet last year and we are looking forward to another fun night”, added Todd Harrison one of the volunteers who is helping organize this year’s event, “we still have some seats for tomorrow night available so please give me a call for tickets”. You can reach Harrison at 214-1343 or just stop in the Les Schwab store on Brooks street in Missoula. The banquet will be held at the Double Tree Hotel and the cost of the ticket is $30.

Another reminder you now need your new 2011 Montana Fishing License. Last year’s license expired Monday February 28th. Also remember to get your new free Boat Validation decal, which is good till 2014. For more information contact FWP at 444-2535.

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