Ice conditions are changing rapidly with recent rain and wind. Smaller, shallow lakes are open, but larger deeper lakes still have some ice.
 
Ashley Lake
Most shoreline is gone, and rather large portion still has ice.
 
Bitterroot Lake
Shorelines are going quick with rotten top layer on ice sheet.    
 
Church Slough
Open water and water level is low, so launch is muddy. Reports of medium sized Pike.  

​Temps have cooled last couple of days and slowed the ice melting. Some lakes are thawing and opening up, while others are still holding ice. Conditions change daily so use caution!
 
Ashley Lake
Shoreline I still holding solid. Main body is still 12”+. Salmon bite is on fire using Hali’s and maggots 5-15’ below ice. Another setup is a Swedish Pimple with Rat Finke Dropper jig.
 
Bitterroot Lake
Ice and shoreline still intact, but with water on top of ice due to rain. Salmon bite has slowed. Reports of Rainbows on bottom in 15’ of water. 

We have been watching and waiting for Duke and Duchess to come back. Just last night we checked and nothing.... then this morning... still nothing. However at 8:45AM Duchess arrived!

We are off to another year with our Osprey. Can't wait to see what this year brings.

This is the time of year when ice conditions change rapidly, so use caution. Always bring safety equipment like ice picks, rope and spud bar. Most lakes have thick ice, but that ice is grey ice and rotting fast.
 
Ashley Lake
Ice is still holding and so is the Salmon bite. Use a Hali jig with pink maggots.  
 
Bitterroot Lake
Reports say ice is rotting, but still good enough to access. Good Salmon fishing throughout the lake. Use a Rattle Disaster and a glow hook dropper jig with Rod Bender corn bait.

​We have finally seen some warmer temps this past week and ice conditions can change rapidly. Always test shorelines as they are the first to go. Be safe out there!
Use caution when getting on the ice. What looks questionable is the early morning could mean trouble in the afternoon!  
 
Ashley Lake
Salmon bite is still doing well, but reports say sizes are getting smaller. Move and explore different areas and depths to find the bigger fish.  
 
Bitterroot Lake
Good reports about the salmon from North to South end and varied depths. Color combination is important and will land bigger fish. Shallow for Rainbows.   

​Ashley Lake
Salmon fishing is doing well. Fish off the boat launch on West End about 300yds out in 60’ of water. For best results, use a blue/white/pink Hali Jig tipped with maggots. Focus on 10-30’ below ice.  
 
Bitterroot Lake
Recent reports are saying Salmon are biting in various depths and areas of the lake. When fishing deep, use a #5 orange Swedish Pimple and a Rat Finke Dropper Jig. Downsize pimple when fishing shallower.   
 
Blanchard Lake
Concentrate efforts to locating thick weed bests in main body of lake for Perch. Jig slow and steady with Pete’s Sassy Stinger and a wax worm. Pike have been caught with smelt under a tip-up.

Temps are slowly rising causing snow and ice to melt. Use EXTREME CAUTION around shore lines and for methane pockets as these will open up first. Snow is predicted and will cover these openings.
 
Ashley Lake
The Salmon bite is still going well and should continue through the month. Use a white and pink Hali tipped with pink maggots for best results.  
 
Blanchard Lake
Find Crappie suspended about 6’ below the ice in 14-16’ of water. Try glow Demon jigs with wax worms early AM and late PM. Perch have been caught in 8’ of water on the bottom in thick weed beds. 

Reports are coming in from all area lakes of deep snow and slush/water mix on top of the ice. With these cold temps, its important to wear the proper clothing to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Avoid getting wet!
 
Ashley Lake
The Salmon bite is still doing great in many areas of the lake. Schools run from just below the ice all the way to the bottom. Some decent Perch are being caught along with a Rainbow or two.  
 
Blanchard Lake
Fishing has slowed for the Crappie so be on the move. Try downsizing your presentation to get a few more bites. 

​Fishing Licenses expire THURSDAY 02/28/2019, so pick up your new one for 2019 today! Always consult the regs for limits, size or other changes.
 
Ashley Lake
Salmon fishing is still good. Snow and slush conditions are tough but cold temps have set up most of it. The Prizm Stix with maggots are working well this week.
 
Bitterroot Lake
Snow and slush on top of 6-10” of ice. Salmon fishing is still great in ranges from 40’-180’. Use a number 5 Swedish Pimple as an attracter with a Rat Finke Dropper to get down faster. Decent Perch but illusive.