We finally have fishable ice! Always check conditions for yourself before going out as some spots may be unsafe. Use a spud bar to probe for thin spots and ALWAYS carry ice picks. Come see our Ice Expo this Saturday (Dec 7th) starting at 9AM!
Ashley Lake
No recent reports as of yet.
Blanchard
Entire lake is capped over with 3-5in of ice. Use cation going through the channel as ice maybe thin around reeds and cattails.
Church Slough
Ice is starting to form on most of the lake. Not safe to fish yet.
Echo Lake
Reports of some ice forming in shallow bays along shore, but not safe to fish.
Flathead Lake
Lake trout action has still been good for the die-hard anglers. Some are trolling with an 8in flasher and a Lyman plug. While others are jigging between 80 and 140ft of water with Zimmer Tackle and cut bait.
Flathead River
Whitefish are still producing, but not consistent. One day they hit crawdad patterns and the next day they hit tubes. Always carry a variety of lures for best success. A few rainbows and lakers mixed in as well.
Lake Five
Reports say there is 4-5in of black ice. Look for salmon suspended or close to the bottom in 60ft of water. Halis and pink maggots work well.
Lake Mary Ronan
Some ice should be forming in shallow water. But nothing safe as of yet.
Little Bitterroot
Anglers that are dedicated are catching a few nice rainbows in the double digits. Troll with planer boards and Plug It lures. No reports of salmon.
Loon Lake (Ferndale)
Reports of 2-3in of solid ice. Use caution out near the center!
Lower Stillwater
Last reports say ice is solid and 5-7in thick. The perch were biting well using Backwater Bait Stickman. Sounds like larger perch are a touch deeper in 14-16ft on the bottom. No pike reports yet.
Lynch Lake
5in of solid ice. Reports of a few pike being caught along with a few perch.
Island Lake
3in of ice in front of boat lunch. Not sure on main body.
Rodgers Lake
Reports say 5in of solid ice. A few nice cutthroat and grayling using Clam Leech spoons.
Smith Lake
Reports of up to 9in of solid black ice. Also, no anglers reported on the north end. Lots of pike out front of the boat launch and a few decent perch using Pete’s Sassy Stingers and maggots.
Thompson Lake
Lower – Ice has capped the lake, but middle may still be open. Check for yourself before venturing out.
Middle – Open Water
Upper – Upper and Lower lobes are froze over and middle lobe has some open water. No reports of ice thickness so use EXTREME CAUTION.
