NW Montana Ice & Fishing Report by Snappy’s 1.9.18
By angelamontana

Posted: January 10, 2018
Please be very careful! Ice conditions can change daily this time of year. Bring your ice picks, safety rope, ice cleats and your fishing buddy. Remember 4” of GOOD SOLID ice is best for adult, 6-8” for and ATV and at least 12” for larger ATV/UTV and Trucks!

Ice Reports:

Lake Mary Ronan:
4-5” of ice with quite a bit of slush on top. 4-6” slush & snow. Be careful using machines as the ice is still marginal for ATV. Hearing some decent Perch action near Camp Tuffit – about 20’ of water.Bitterroot Lake:
​Northwest end at Blue Grouse access is fishing for some Salmon and Trout4-5” ice on the main lake. No Reports recently. Probably not safe.

​Lower Thompson:
4-6” of ice with snow and slush on top. Some good Perch in 25’ water depths. Also Rainbows and Brookies are hitting on the far East end.
Lake Five:Good Salmon action. Lots of small fish in the 6-10” rage. Few Rainbowsand Perch mixed in.Middle Thompson:
1-1/2 – 4” of ice. BE CAREFUL. Few people are fishing near the shore line.

Blanchard Lake:
5-7” of ice. Slushy on top. Few good CrappiesSunfish and Pike. Check your regs on Pike and Bass

Lower Stillwater:
6-8” of ice. Lots of snow/slush. Good Perch action on the West end in 10-15’ water. Try Pete’s Slab Slayers.

Church Slough:
Some good Pike in the 12-20’ depths. Use large dead fish for bait. Some good Crappie action in the early mornings and late evenings.

Echo Lake:
3-5” of ice. But less in spots where the Perch and Whitefish hang out. BE CAREFUL!

Ashley Lake:
We have no reports on any ice depth.

Whitefish Lake:
No reports on ice yet from Whitefish Lake either.

Swan Lake:
South end of the lake is frozen. No reports on depth. You may be able to fish the boat launch bay.

Foy’s Lake:
4-6” of ice. Good number of Rainbows 12-20”. Just watch out for soft spots in the ice.

Little McGregor:
4-6” of ice. Lots of small Perch.

Smith Lake:
6-8” of good ice. Lots of small Pike between 16-24”/ Try small Twister Tails or Spoons with cut bait.

Flathead Reservation:
Ninepies: Open- Good Perch and Bass
Pablo: Perch and Bass are doing well here also.

For more information, visit Snappy’s Sport Senter by clicking here and visit 406-756-BAIT (2248) | 756BAIT.com.

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