Ice, Ice, Baby
Hard-water fishing tactics, for beginners.
Does ice fishing have the same appeal as a warm summer evening float on the upper Madison, with caddis fluttering on the water’s surface? Not quite. However, it has its own, rugged charm. The camaraderie that comes from a day on a frozen lake is tough to beat, not to mention the ability to fish areas otherwise inaccessible without a boat. For those new to the activity, here’s a rundown of the basics.
Where to Go
Opportunities abound within a few hours of Bozeman. Hyalite Reservoir, about 30 minutes from town, is a popular option loaded with small brook and cutthroat trout. For bigger fish, look to Canyon Ferry or Clark Canyon reservoirs, both of which have good populations of sizeable rainbows. Clark Canyon is also known for its large brown trout.
The ice-fishing season typically runs through the end of march or into April depending on weather conditions.
Other options include Newlan Reservoir near White Sulphur Springs and Georgetown Lake near Philipsburg. Both have unique opportunities for ice anglers. Newlan harbors a population of burbot, which are nocturnal and commonly targeted at night; and Georgetown contains a landlocked salmon known as kokanee.
When to Go
The beginning of ice-fishing season varies from year to year. Typically, smaller lakes like Hyalite ice up around mid-December, while larger reservoirs like Canyon Ferry take until mid-January to freeze. There are some years when the larger reservoirs never freeze entirely, and anglers must fish back-bays and other areas that hold ice. The season typically runs through the end of march or into April depending on weather conditions.
Gear
General spinning tackle works for hard-water fishing, but most anglers use special ice-fishing rods between 26 and 36 inches long. These smaller rods allow anglers to stand closer to their holes, affording them more control and making it easier to land fish.
Speaking of holes, you’ll need to be prepared to drill one—how else will you get your line in the water? A six- or eight-inch hand auger will do the trick. Drilling holes can also help you stay warm throughout the day. Some fisherman upgrade to gas or electric augers. You’ll also need a metal or plastic ice scoop—essentially a pasta strainer with a handle—for removing slush and skim-ice from the hole.
For terminal tackle, four-pound monofilament and a handful of jigs and spoons are all you’ll need. Small, 1/8-ounce tube jigs are popular for trout anglers, as are 1/4-ounce Kastmasters and 1/8-ounce lead teardrop jigs. On waters where bait is legal, tip your hooks with nightcrawlers, wax worms, or meal worms for added scent.
Work the entire water column systematically with your jig by dropping your bait to the bottom, then slowly reeling back up to the ice, jigging as you go.
To take things up a notch, a fish-finder can be a productive addition to your setup. Fish-finders for ice fishing, from brands like Vexilar, Marcum, or Humminbird, display the water column vertically beneath your hole, so you can systematically raise or lower your jig depending on where you’re seeing fish.
Finally, a pop-up shelter and portable propane heater can improve the overall experience, especially on cold days. In shallow water, setting up a shelter and closing all the windows allows an angler to sight-fish through his hole. Watching a trout inhale a jig is tough to beat.
Tactics
When selecting a spot, look for underwater structure such as ledges, ridges, and saddles that will attract fish. Bathometric maps of most large reservoirs are available online at fishing-app.gpsnauticalcharts.com. Consider stopping by a local tackle shop for advice on where to fish.
When targeting trout, don’t be afraid to fish shallow water in the mornings and evenings. It’s not uncommon to catch rainbows and browns in four or six feet of water. Midday, move out to deeper water, around ten to 20 feet in depth.
If you don’t have a fish-finder, work the entire water column systematically with your jig by dropping your bait to the bottom, then slowly reeling back up to the ice, jigging as you go. Drill a series of holes perpendicular to the shoreline and spend a few minutes in each hole until you find a depth or contour that appears to be productive. Don’t be afraid to pack up and find a new spot if you’re not getting into fish.
Safety
It takes about four inches of ice to safely support a human. During early season, proceed cautiously onto the lake, testing the ice with a large chisel or ice auger every couple of feet. Carry a pair of ice picks around your neck, which are used to grip the ice and claw your way out should you fall through. Wear ice cleats on your boots for traction if there’s no snow on the ice. In addition, dress warmly and bring plenty of hot drinks in a thermos.
With proper preparation, and a little bit of specialized gear, ice fishing can be a great way to glide through a Montana winter, and maybe even catch a couple of fresh, tasty trout in the process.
