Ice has been slow this year. Many of our traditional hardwater haunts are still wet or unsafe to travel on. Looking for some hard water nearby can be harder!
This past year has been one of recovery for Montana Grant. Age, back surgery, and hamstring issues have slowed me down. Ice fishing is something that I look forward to. My recent Dr appointments have been encouraging.
Hyalite Lake near Bozeman has been a favorite place to go. There is no cell phone service there. I am worried that if I have an emergency, no one will be near to help. The access to the lake has been a challenge. Even though the city occasionally plows the road, it is slick and a challenge.
I tried fishing at my favorite lake last week. The ice is plenty thick enough but now the snow cover is significant. A Smitty Sled is suggested, A flat sled will just dig down in the snow. Fishing is slower with a thick snow cover. You will get a limit if patient but clear the snow away from your hole to allow some light to attract the fish. Few Icemen are on the lake. Some hardcore regulars are around but I saw fewer than 5 fishing fanatics’
The fish are the same. Small brooks near the shore and small cuts in 20 feet. I did not catch any cuts over 15 inches. Usually, I keep 20 inchers.
Smaller fish are great eaters. The brookie limit is 20 per day. 5 Cutties a day are nice, but you need to release a boatload before getting the bigger ones.
This winter has been unique. Since I moved to Montana in 1999, we have only had 2 winters with no snow at Christmas in Belgrade. This year was one of them.
Canyon Ferry should be frozen soon!
Montana Grant
