Mid-March is Montana’s most dangerous stretch for ice fishing. Here’s what local guides, marina operators, and FWP officials are seeing on Canyon Ferry, Holter, Fort Peck, and Flathead—plus late-season safety gear, best practices, and when to switch to open water.

Ice shelves near shores are dangerous and unstable. Stepping onto them can be life-threatening, as highlighted by the Lake Michigan incident. Always prioritize safety and avoid such risks.

If we get ice again in Montana, this is a reminder to be careful out there…

Ice can be deadly….do everything you can to keep yourself alive!

This is the shot you don't want to take…

Before driving on the ice, make sure it’s thick enough to support your ride—safety first, or you might just end up as part of the lake..

When ice goes from solid to sinking, skipping that thickness check could leave you with a freaky, truck-sized problem..