Fishing Report, January 7

December tested our ice fishing patience as unseasonably warm weather delayed the ice cap by a few weeks longer than usual. Thankfully, the recent deep freeze has finally arrived, quickly locking up our favorite local lakes and getting the hardwater season officially underway. We are now in full swing with solid ice conditions supporting foot traffic and providing access to some of the best early-season fishing we’ve seen. The bite has been incredibly aggressive, with healthy trout and perch making up for lost time across the Flathead Valley. It was a late start, but winter is finally here, and we are ready to get you out on the ice for an unforgettable 2025-2026 season.

Fishing Report, Whitefish

North of Whitefish: Jumbo Perch on the Hardwater

The ice fishing season north of Whitefish is officially in full swing, and it was well worth the wait. While the season took a few weeks longer than usual to lock up, the current cold snap has provided the solid cap we needed on lakes in the Stillwater corridor. The standout story this year is the quality of the Yellow Perch; anglers are consistently pulling up much larger fish than we typically see in these waters. These “jumbo” perch are aggressive and healthy, responding well to small tungsten jigs tipped with maggots or wax worms. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get the sleds out, the window is officially open.

Flathead River: Post-Blowout Recovery

The Flathead River is in absolutely fantastic shape right now, showing incredible resilience after the major atmospheric river and blowout we saw in mid-December. The water has stabilized and cleared beautifully, leaving the river in prime condition for winter angling. We are finding that the “reset” from the high water has rearranged some of the better holding water, but the fish are hungry and active in the slower seams. Streamer fishing remains solid for those looking for an aggressive strike, while nymphing with midges and small stonefly patterns is providing consistent action throughout the day. It’s some of the best post-blowout fishing we’ve seen in years.

Fishing Report, Kalispell

The ice fishing scene around Kalispell is making up for lost time after the slow start to winter. Local favorites like Smith Lake and the TCL are now in full swing, with ice thickness finally reaching safe levels for foot traffic. We are seeing an impressive run of “jumbo” perch this year, with many anglers reporting a significantly larger average size than in previous seasons. The bite has been fast and furious on small tungsten jigs, and with the recent cold front, more of our mid-sized lakes are capping over by the day.

Guided Trips

We offer year-round, expert-guided adventures on Montana’s premier waters, transitioning seamlessly between float trips and thrilling ice fishing excursions. On the river, our friendly guides handle all the rowing and gear while providing personal instruction to ensure anglers of every skill level hook into blue-ribbon trout from the comfort of the boat. For those seeking the hardwater experience, we are officially booking for the 2025-2026 ice season, targeting jumbo perch and trout across our newly frozen local lakes. Every trip is designed to be completely hassle-free, featuring top-tier customer service, high-quality gear, and a fantastic lunch provided right on the water. Whether you want to drift a scenic river or drill a hole in a frozen lake, call us anytime at 406-233-9001—our phone is on 24/7 to secure your next Montana adventure.