Spring fishing is awakening, with Koocanusa excelling for rainbows and bulls, while Flathead Lake offers varied options. Scoop up lake trout at Swan Lake and explore deeper waters for success.

Northwest Montana waters are opening up fast. Chancy’s Fish Camp reports Echo Lake is fully open with early smallmouth showing, McGregor is producing lake trout and rainbows, Flathead Lake is fishing well for lakers, and Koocanusa is kicking out rainbows and bull trout. Plus: which Flathead River sloughs are open, a Thompson River update, and an ice-safety reminder.

From Chancy’s Fish Camp in Evergreen, MT: ice conditions are a mixed bag across NW Montana—some lakes still have decent ice, others are getting questionable, and a few are leaning into “boat season” vibes. Here’s what to watch for (including pressure ridges) and what anglers are targeting: perch, salmon through the ice, plus trolling for lake trout and rainbow trout.

The Murphy lake derby is canceled, but several others remain active. Ice conditions vary, with good fishing reported for perch, salmon, and pike across various lakes. Stay safe on the ice.