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.

Macman’s latest Flathead-area fishing report: Browns Lake is around 10 inches of ice and Upper Thompson about 6, but no ice is truly safe. Lake Mary Ronan and Flathead River sloughs are in good shape, colder temps should help, and McGregor Lake hosts a combo ice/open-water tournament next weekend. For open water, Yellow Bay has been productive past 200 feet—avoid Rocky Point due to gill netting.