NW Montana Fishing Reports by Snappy’s Sport Senter 1.15.20
By angelamontana

Posted: January 15, 2020

Colder temps and snow are finally here, and ice is forming on many waterways this week. Safety is of the utmost importance! Check ice & slush conditions as you cross any lake or slough. This will ensure a fun and safe outdoor adventure.

Ashley Lake
No recent reports of ice or fish activity.Blanchard
Sold 5-7in of ice. Fishing great for perch, crappie and pike. Snyder’s “Big Shakers” tipped with maggots are getting the perch and crappie. Jaw Jackers with Pete’s Tackle Cascade Wonder are catching nice fish as well.

Church Slough
3-6in of ice. Some areas are sketchy to fish on. A few pike and perch being caught but slow for crappie so far. Be careful on this slough!

Crystal Lake
4in of good ice. Salmon fishing good for 12in fish. Watch for springs and open areas when crossing.

Echo Lake
5-6in of good ice with snow cover. Fishing good for all species with nice smallmouth bass leading the way. Kastmaster spoons in gold and silver/blue colors have been hot!Flathead Lake
Few boats were out last week trolling PlugIt lures and FLC Tackle with some success. Freezing temps will limit access from now on.

Flathead River
Whitefish run has really tapered off. Time to go ice fishing!!

Lake Mary Ronan
6in of great ice with a couple inches of snow and slush on top. No 4wheelers on it yet but soon. Great for salmon in the 12-14in class, ½ to ¾ lb perch and 2-3lb rainbow being caught.

Little Bitterroot Lake
Open water on most of the lake. North end producing nice rainbows using Gitzit jigs & wax worms. Only 3-4in of ice on North end so use extreme caution!

Lower Stillwater
10-12in of good ice with knee deep snow/slush on top. Good fishing for perch. Tungsten jigs with Backwater Bait Company plastics are killing it!

Rodgers Lake
6in of good ice with snow cover. Big cutties and grayling being caught on Ratfinkee tipped with maggots.

Smith Lake
12in of great ice. Nice pike being caught using Jigging Jaw Jackers and Pete’s Tackle. Perch being caught on Pete’s Sassy Stingers and Cascade Wonders tipped with maggots.

Thompson Chain
Lower – 4-6in of ice with snow & slush on top. Fishing slow for pike & Perch.
Middle – Not safe. Open Water.
Upper – Great for large pike. Tip ups and Jaw Jackers are working great with smelt. 4-6in of ice with 6in of snow on top. Perch hitting Pete’s Tackle Sassy Glow Sunnys tipped with wax worms.

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