Ice fishing may not be on anybody’s mind in Montana, being that it is still July, but now is the time for FWP to get the upcoming ice fishing contests scheduled. If you have a contest you would like to add to the list below, check out information on how you can get yours posted.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on ice fishing contests proposed for the 2015-16 winter season.
Participants must comply with state fishing regulations, including daily and possession limits. Most contests require catch-and-release fishing and participants in these contests may not keep any fish.
Applications for contests may be approved, approved with conditions, or denied. Conditions placed on contests may help to minimize fish mortality, regulate harvest, reduce user conflicts, or require additional access site maintenance when needed.
Information on the proposed fishing contests can be found on FWP’s webpage at fwp.mt.gov; click “Fishing” then click “Fishing Contests“. Look for “2015-16 Proposed Ice Fishing Tournaments” at the bottom of the page.
Comments must be received by Aug. 20. Email comments to fwpfsh@mt.gov; or mail to FWP Fisheries Division; Attn: Fishing Contests; P.O. Box 200701; Helena, MT 59620-0701.
Proposed 2015-16 Ice Fishing Contests
Northwestern Montana, Region 1
| Dec. 12, 2015 |
Perch Assault – Smith Lake |
| Dec. 13 |
Ice Duels Montana – Smith Lake |
| Dec. 20 |
Perch Masters – Lower Stillwater Lake |
| Dec. 26 |
Sunriser Lions Smith Lake Family Fishing Derby – Smith Lake |
| Jan. 23-24, 2016 |
Bull Lake Ice Fishing Derby – Bull Lake |
| Jan. 30-31 |
Fisher River Valley Winter Fishing Derby – Thompson Lake, et al |
| Feb. 1-28 |
Perch Pounder, 13th Annual – All Region 1 Waterbodies |
| Feb. 6 |
Snappy’s Lake Mary Family Derby, 16th Annual – Lake Mary Ronan |
| Feb. 13 |
Ryan Wagner Memorial Ice Fishing Derby – Murphy Lake |
| Feb. 13-14 |
McGregor Lake Annual Fishing Derby – McGregor Lake |
| Feb. 20 |
Perch Assault – Middle Thompson Lake |
| Feb. 21 |
Ice Duels Montana – Echo Lake |
| Feb. 27 |
Canyon Kids Christmas Fund Derby – Lion Lake |
| March 5 |
Perch Assault – Lake Mary Ronan |
| March 12-13 |
Bitterroot Bash, 5th Annual – Bitterroot Lake |
South Central Montana, Region 3
| Jan. 17 |
Hebgen Lake NAIFC Qualifier – Hebgen Lake |
| Jan. 30 |
Stan Shafer Memorial Ice Fishing Derby – Clark Canyon Reservoir |
North Central Montana, Region 4
| Jan. 2 |
Scheels Ice Fishing Derby – Wadsworth Pond |
| Jan. 23 |
Western Bar Ice Fishing Derby – Willow Creek Reservoir |
| Jan. 23-24 |
Broadwater Lions Club Perch Derby – Canyon Ferry Reservoir |
Northeastern Montana, Region 6
| Jan. 30 |
Murph’s 10th Annual Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament – Nelson Reservoir |
| Jan. 30-31 |
Fresno Ice Derby, 5th Annual – Fresno Reservoir |
| Feb. 20 |
19th Annual Glasgow Chamber Ice Fishing Derby – Dredge Cut Trout Pond |
| Feb. 20 |
Hell Creek Ice Fishing Tournament – Fort Peck/Hell Creek Bay |
