There’s a whole lot more to West Yellowstone, Montana than an awesome ice fishing tournament on Hebgen Lake—and this week’s Montana Outdoor Podcast proves it.
Your host Downrigger Dale sits down with Garrett Ostler, the director of the 14th annual Hebgen Lake Ice Fishing Tournament. With a total prize purse of likely $10,000 (or maybe even higher), it’s one of the richest—and for sure one of the most fun—ice fishing tournaments in Montana.
Hebgen Lake Ice Fishing Tournament: dates, details & how to join
Hebgen Lake is a beautiful lake near West Yellowstone, Montana. In the podcast, Garrett goes over the details of the event, including the schedule:
- Friday the 16th of this month: pre-fishing and rules meeting
- Saturday the 17th: tournament day
Watch the podcast: Click here to watch
Listen to the podcast: Click here to listen
More than a tournament: West Yellowstone Kids ‘N’ Snow
This tournament doesn’t just pay out money to contestants—it also raises money for an incredible program for kids who want to learn how to:
- Ice fish
- Ride snowmobiles
- Cross country ski
- And much more through the West Yellowstone Kids ‘N’ Snow Program
During the podcast, you’ll also see a heartwarming video showing a ton of things kids get to do and learn about for free.
Why this episode might cost you a weekend (and it’s worth it)
There’s even way more in this episode than the fishing. When you watch or listen, you’ll also learn how West Yellowstone has evolved into the capital of wintertime fun in Montana, with:
- Seemingly endless snowmobile trails
- Stunning wintertime tours of Yellowstone National Park
- Cross country skiing and snowshoeing
- Dogsledding
- Ice skating and sledding
- The Grizzley & Wolf Discovery Center
- And of course, ice fishing (and the list goes on and on)
We’re pretty darn sure that once you watch this podcast, you’ll be doing two things next:
- You’ll want to register your two-person team to compete in the Hebgen Lake Ice Fishing Tournament.
- You’ll be packing up the whole family to take part in everything this podcast shows you about this for real winter wonderland.
Click here now: Watch / Listen
Links & resources mentioned
- To learn more about and to register to compete in the Hebgen Lake Ice Fishing Tournament, click here.
- To learn more about the Kids ‘N’ Snow Programs at West Yellowstone, click here.
- Click here to learn more about the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center.
- To learn more about winter activities (and summer ones too) in West Yellowstone, click here.
Bonus: knifeless fish cleaning (viewer discretion advised)
During the podcast, Garrett mentions his video about knifeless fish cleaning that he made after he broke his arm. Click here to see that, if you dare—this one is for sure not for those of you who have a weak stomach.
Questions?
- Questions for Garrett? Click here to send him an email.
- Questions or comments for Rigger? Click here to send him an email.
CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO WATCH
