Fishing Report, January 16

🧊 Ice Conditions & Fishing Report

Despite the warmer daytime temperatures, those frigid nights have been the “secret sauce” for our ice development. Most of our early-season lakes are now sitting on a very respectable 9–10 inches of solid, clear ice. The fishing has been equally impressive; with the late start, the fish are aggressive and the bite has been consistently good across the valley. Whether you are targeting jumbo perch or early-season trout, the conditions are currently some of the best we’ve seen all year.

🌊 Flathead River Update

If you prefer open water, the Flathead River has been a fantastic alternative over the last few weeks. The unusual combination of high flows and sunny days has made for some very “happy” trout. The fish are active in the water column, taking advantage of the increased drift, and the clear skies have provided excellent visibility for both the anglers and the fish. It’s a rare treat to have both the ice and the river fishing this well at the same time.

Fishing Report, Whitefish

While the common theme lately has been “Where is winter?”, the unusually mild weather and sunny days have created some spectacular conditions on the water. The Flathead River is currently flowing at 10,500 CFS, which is more than double our normal volume for this time of year. This influx of water has the river acting incredibly “happy,” with active, healthy trout spread throughout the system taking full advantage of the high flows.

Nymphing has been exceptionally productive lately. We are finding the most success in the traditional slow inside seams, though on the sunnier days, the fish haven’t been afraid to move into the quicker water to feed. Stoneflies and scuds have been the standout patterns, consistently putting fish in the net.

If you prefer the tug of a streamer, that game has been very solid as well. The results vary by the day—some days we are hunting for that one big trophy, while other days we’re seeing high-volume action with 20 to 30 medium-sized fish brought to the boat. Regardless of the count, the river is in prime shape and fishing better than we’ve seen in years for mid-winter.

Fishing Report, Kalispell

The recent weather pattern has been a unique gift for our local lakes, as crisp, clear nights have more than compensated for the unseasonably mild days. This consistent overnight freezing has successfully locked in a sturdy base, with many of our favorite spots now boasting 9 to 10 inches of high-quality, solid ice. It’s a reliable setup that provides a safe and stable platform for anglers to trek out and reach the deep-water structures where the big fish are holding.

The fishing action is arguably the best we’ve seen all winter, with a notable surge in “jumbo” perch sizes across the valley. These fish are staying active and aggressive, responding well to a variety of vertical presentations and small tungsten jigs. From the first drop of the day to the last, the bite remains steady, making every trip a high-energy experience for both seasoned veterans and those new to the hardwater.

Guided Trips

Our top-notch customer service is the backbone of every outing, as our patient, professional guides provide all the high-end gear and one-on-one instruction needed to ensure you’re consistently on the fish. Whether you want to secure a winter ice date or a prime river float in the summer, we are here to handle the logistics and the lunch while you enjoy the scenery. Call us anytime at 406-233-9001—our phone is on 24/7 to help you plan your next Montana adventure!