VOL. 14 · NO. 25 June 17, 2026 · Bozeman, MT LIVE · 6 RIVERS TRACKED · TOURNAMENTS THIS WEEK
THE WIRE
FISHINGExperience Montana’s Free Fishing Days This Father’s DayJun 17 FISHINGMastering Fly Selection: The Rock Method for Trout FishingJun 17 HUNTINGCan Arkansas Hunters Really Prepare for a Montana Spring Bear Hunt? Deadhaul…Jun 17 CONSERVATIONBeavers Rewilded 12,000 Montana Wetland Acres Better Than Anyone ExpectedJun 17 HUNTINGWildlife Policy Battle: Sportsmen Defend Hunting TraditionsJun 17
Fwp — FWP AIS LEADERBOARD

March Melt: Hebgen Lake Goes Ice-Free Early

Hebgen Lake is largely ice-free as of March 30, 2026, signaling an early spring. Unlike some years with ongoing ice fishing, only bar ice cubes remain frozen, hinting at warm weather and potential paddleboarding soon.

Well, it looks like Hebgen Lake didn’t get the memo that it’s still March. It looks like the lake has already decided to shed its winter coat, for the most part. It is definitely mostly ice-free, according to a video clip posted by Happy Hour Bar in West Yellowstone yesterday, March 30, 2026. Some years, people are still drilling holes for ice fishing this time of year, but today the only thing “frozen” around there are the ice cubes in the bar’s freezer. If the water gets any more eager, we’ll be seeing paddleboards where the snowmobiles were by the end of the week!

Photo credit: Screenshot from above video


Bretz RV Below Post