Ice Reports

[Guest]

Currently, i am attending college at MSU in Bozeman and was wondering how the ice fishing is in Montana. Although I am originally from Minnesota, I am now a resident in Montana. I know a lot of people hate the out of staters, but can anyone tell me how to fish for trout through the ice? I have done a lot of ice fishing back in Minnesota, but have not really gotten into ice fishing until this year in Montana. Ennis Lake? I hear that there are a lot of nice fish in Ennis lake, but like I said I have not had a chance to fish it yet. Any information would be great. Thanks in advance and be carful on the early ice. Good luck and thanks in advance. Paul

[Pauly B]

I forgot to log in when I posted above. Anyway, thatnks for the help.

[Braley]

Hyalite reservoir is supposedly good for trout, however this last storm I hear makes it only accessable by snow machine. Over the hill and south of Livingston is Daily Lake, which has trout, walleye and perch. Up 287 from Three Forks is Canyon Ferry, with the same offerings as Daily lake,

I haven't heard the ice depths yet, but with the cold weather we just went through, I'm sure ice is building.

[Pauly B]

Braley thanks for the info. In the past I have heard of these lakes and the fish that they hold. How big do the walleyes and perch get in these area? Any help would be great and I really do appreciate it. I don't know if you have ever fished ennis lake, but the ice is about 4 inches thick from what my friend said. He was on the Northwest end, just out from the road. Anyway, tha nks again and good luck.

[Braley]

Daily has good size trout, small to medium size walleyes and small perch compared to Jumbos. I don't know about Hyalite for size. Canyon Ferry perch fishery is hurting and it won't be long before the walleye may crash. Trout size is good, there are some big ones in there. I work with several guys in Belgrade who also ice fish, I'll ask them for more ideas and info too.

[Guest]

I wouldn't worry too much about being an out of stater, the whole town of Bozeman is from somewhere else. I used to fish Hyalite regularly, during both hard and soft water seasons. I would start on the south end if you can get there, otherwise head out from the access and give it a try. I've used many different baits, but I found a large tear drop with a waxie works the best.