Bitterroot Lake is officially in play, and Margo’s March Madness Fishing Derby is shaping up to be a good one this weekend February 28–March 1, according to Patti Fleming.
Key Takeaways
- As of February 25, 2026, there’s no snow on the ice and visibility is mostly clear across the lake.
- Ice thickness is about 5 to 5.5 inches in most areas.
- The north-end county boat ramp is reporting about 8 inches.
- Even with fishable ice, late-season conditions mean watch for pressure ridges and cracks.
- Derby reminder: mandatory check-in at the Hilltop Hitching Post before your first day of fishing—no check-in, no derby bragging rights.
Bitterroot Lake Ice Conditions Report (Updated Feb. 25, 2026)
Here’s the ice report everyone’s been waiting for:
- Snow cover: None—clean ice.
- Visibility: Open visibility across most of the lake.
- Ice thickness: About 5 to 5.5 inches in most areas.
- Thicker area: About 8 inches at the county boat ramp on the north end.
So yes—it is fishable. But this isn’t the time to get careless. Anglers will still want to keep their heads on a swivel for pressure ridges and cracks. As always with late-season ice, conditions can change quickly, and smart anglers treat every step like it matters—because it does.
Derby Notes: Drilled-Hole Areas + Mandatory Check-In
The derby map (below) has circled areas showing where holes have already been drilled, giving folks a helpful starting point.
If you’re fishing the derby February 28 and March 1, don’t forget the most important first move: mandatory check-in before your first day of fishing at the Hilltop Hitching Post. No check-in, no derby bragging rights.
