An ice fishing trip to Montana is on the bucket list of many an angler, and who could blame them? The wide open skies and abundance of glacial and non-glacial waters is as attractive to an outdoorsman as a glow hook is to certain species of fish.
If you are one of those anglers who is contemplating a Montana fishing trip this winter, here are a few things to consider:
Licensing
At some point in your trip planning you’ll need to go online and purchase both a conservation and fishing license. Of course, you could also opt to purchase the licenses in person through designated vendors upon your arrival. I always like to get mine in advance to save time. Furthermore, if you are aiming for bull trout or paddlefish, additional licensing regulations apply.
All told, you may expect to pay a minimum of $25 in licensing fees for two consecutive days of ice fishing in Montana, not counting special permits for paddlefish or bull trout. Once you have all your paperwork in order, it’ll be time to select an ice fishing destination. I have a few suggestions I can offer in that regard.
Destinations to Consider
The 3,000-acre Georgetown Lake is a wonderful place to go if you are in search of a variety of trout and salmon. I should mention that there are four public boat ramps on site that may be used during those warmer winter days. Glow hooks and live maggots are the preferred bait. The lake is accessible from the Pintler Scenic Byway. You may want to stay across the street from the lake at the Seven Gables Resort. There’s one caveat though. Rates vary and rooms go quick, so it’s wise to call ahead for the best deal.
The Fort Peck Lake Reservoir is a fine place to go ice fishing. With a depth of 220 feet and 1,520 miles of shoreline, it is considered one of the biggest bodies of water the state has to offer. You’ll find large and ample walleye as well as sauger, northern pike, perch, and crappie. Trout, paddlefish, and Chinook salmon are also abundant. Crank bait seems to work well. A good place to spend the night is the Lakeridge Motel in Fort Peck. While there, you can buy bait and other ice fishing supplies and grab a hearty meal across the street at the Gateway Restaurant and Lounge.
My family enjoys winter sports and has traveled extensively.
More from this contributor:
Top 10 Places to Go Skiing in Montana for Vertical Drops
Top 5 Places to Go Cross Country Skiing in Montana
Snowmobiling in Montana: A Trip Planning Guide
How to Clean, Gut, Skin and Fillet Fresh Flat Fish