Northwest Reel Life March 2025 Volume 4 Issue 5 - Flipbook - Page 19
tip-ups to entice the trout,
with small jigs tipped with
worms or maggots being
particularly effective.
In addition to rainbow trout,
Georgetown Lake also
hosts a healthy population
of brook trout. These fish
are often found in shallower
waters and can be caught
using similar techniques
to those used for rainbow
trout.
Outside of trout, the
kokanee salmon bite makes
Georgetown an attractive
ice fishing location. There
is no limit on kokanee and
seeing some of the photos
others have taken, they do
not appear to be in short
supply. The lake's consistent
ice conditions and reliable
fish populations make
it a favorite among local
anglers.
3. CANYON FERRY LAKE
Canyon Ferry Lake, located
just outside of Helena,
is another top-notch
ice fishing destination
in Montana. This large
reservoir spans over 33,000
acres and is known for
its healthy populations of
walleye, yellow perch, and
rainbow trout.
One of the unique features
of Canyon Ferry Lake is its
relatively shallow depth,
which helps maintain stable
ice conditions throughout
the winter. The lake's
shallow waters also make it
an ideal habitat for walleye
and yellow perch, which are
the primary targets for ice
anglers.
Walleye can be found
throughout the lake, but
they often concentrate
around submerged
structures such as rock
piles and drop-offs. Anglers
typically use jigging
techniques with lures that
mimic small fish or insects
to attract walleye. Tip-ups
baited with live minnows
are also effective for
targeting these predatory
fish. A recent walleye
fishing trip with Mackenzie
River Pizza Co. saw us
bottom-bouncing for
several nice eater-sized fish.
It’s reasonable to assume
that ice fishing would
produce a similar yield.
Yellow perch are another
popular target at Canyon
Ferry Lake. These fish are
known for their schooling
behavior, and once a school
is located, anglers can
often catch multiple fish
in quick succession. Small
jigs tipped with worms or
maggots are the preferred
method for catching yellow
perch, and the use of
electronic fish finders can
help locate schools of fish
under the ice.
Canyon Ferry Lake's
proximity to Helena makes
it a convenient destination
for both local anglers
and visitors. The lake's
abundant fish populations
and reliable ice conditions
ensure a productive and
enjoyable ice fishing
experience.
4. LAKE MARY RONAN
For those seeking a quieter
and more secluded ice
fishing experience, Lake
Mary Ronan is an excellent
choice. Located west of
Flathead Lake, just outside
of Glacier National Park, this
smaller body of water offers
a peaceful setting. The lake
is known for its healthy
populations of kokanee
salmon and yellow perch.
Kokanee salmon are
the primary target for
ice anglers at Lake Mary
Ronan.
