We can happily announce that we finally have an egg in our nest this year. We noticed it first thing on 05/21/2020. At the same time a couple sharp-eye watchers also reached out to let us know that they also saw the egg.

The egg appears to be a bit late this year. Usually we had been seeing them first week of May. We are not sure exactly what has contributed to the delay. This year has been cooler. We have not had any smaller fish stocked in the pond although we have received some larger fish. With the larger fish in our pond the Osprey have been fishing out of the river / sloughs as they cannot carry the lunkers that currently are calling our pond home.

We are working with the local hatcheries to coordinate some of the smaller fish, which the Osprey seem to prefer. All in all, we are just excited to see an egg! We are hoping for another great year for Duke and Duchess. Tune in 24/7 on www.ospreymontana.com to watch Snappy's Osprey Cam.

We apologize for not updating the fishing report posted on our website. We are currently working with short staff and have had to prioritize some of our offerings. As things return to normal, we will be updating this soon.

Thanks for your patience. In the mean time our call in report is being updated you can access this 24/7 by calling 406-756-BAIT (2248). 

Ashley Lake
Still has 6-8in of ice. Salmon fishing is decent on the West side of the lake.
 
Bitterroot Lake
South end still has good ice – 6-8in. Salmon fishing good in deep water around 200-250ft for the big fish in the 14-18in range. For smaller fish try your shallower water. North end off Blue Grouse access is still ok. Off Lion Camp there is open water. Be sure to check your regs.
 
Smith Lake
Starting to open up. The ice is NOT Safe.

Use EXTREME caution on all water in our region!! The cold front moving in this weekend may help tighten up ice for next week’s fishing.

Reminder: Come in to Snappy’s for your 2020 Fishing Licenses and all your fishing gear!! Check new regulations for changes before heading out to your favorite fishing hole.

Ashley Lake
6-8in of ice main lake, but edges may be much less. Check conditions and use spud bar to make sure it is safe. Fishing good for 9-12in salmon. Use pink Swedish Pimples and glow/pink Ratt Finkees for best results.
 
Blanchard Lake
5-7in of ice on main body, but edges are starting to lose ice. Pete’s Tackle Sassy Stingers and Cascade Wonders are catching nice perch & crappie.

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Some great ice out there and good reports. Be sure to USE CAUTION in upcoming weeks with the “Spring Like” temps forecasted.
 
Ashley Lake
6-8in of ice on most of the lake. Middle of the lake may be sketchy. Use extreme caution! Green and pink Ratt Finkees working well for Salmon.
 
Blanchard Lake
8-10in of good ice. Pete’s Tackle Sassy Stingers, Venom Glow Jigs and glow Ratt Finkees are getting nice perch and crappie.
 
Bitterroot Lake
North end of the lake has 6-8in of ice with a few rainbows, salmon and perch being caught on Swedish Pimples with Mack’s Glow Hooks, Hali’s and Zimmer pink/orange Wanna B jigs. South end of the lake is finally capped with ice and hope to be fishing it by the weekend. Use extreme caution!
 
Church Slough
Not safe last week, but with colder temps it may have gotten better. Use caution just in case!

Thank You to all the 250+ participants in the 21st Annual Snappy's LMR/Teena Frank Memorial Ice Fishing Derby. We had some great weather and a wonderful turn out. It was a great fun and safe day out on Lake Mary Ronan. Thank you to Mountain Meadows for hosting us once again as well as our sponsors and volunteers that helped out.
SPONSORED BY:
SNAPPY’S 
WALLEYE’S UNLIMITED (FLATHEAD CHAPTER)
MOUNTAIN MEADOWS
PETE’S TACKLE
FLATHEAD BAIT​

Here are the Results and some photos from the event.

Use Caution on all water in our region!

​Don’t Forget: 21st Annual Snappy’s / Teena Frank Memorial Ice Fishing Derby is this Saturday (02/15) from daylight to 1pm. Sign Up for this FREE Family derby by Friday at Snappy’s.
MORE INFO

​Ashley Lake
Some ice in bays but very sketch elsewhere. Not ready yet so use extreme caution on this lake!
 
Blanchard
6-8in of good ice. Pete’s Sassy Stingers and Venom glow jigs are getting nice perch and crappie. A few nice pike being caught on smelt using Jaw Jackers and tip-ups.
 
Bitterroot Lake
North end of lake has 5in of ice in the bay with a few rainbows, salmon and perch being caught on Swedish Pimples, Hali’s and Zimmer pink/orange Wanna B jigs. Still no safe ice on the main body of water (dang it!)
 
Church Slough
Not safe as of 02/11/2020. Ice has deteriorated rapidly.

With all of the mild weather, Ice Reports are changing constantly. Please use EXTREME caution these upcoming days. Always check the ice for yourself and take precautions!

The Fish Bite hasn't changed much so we are linking back to last weeks report HERE. Please note the ice reports ARE NOT CURRENT as they have changed drastically with our mild weather.

SPONSORED BY:

• SNAPPY’S 
• WALLEYE’S UNLIMITED (FLATHEAD CHAPTER)
• MOUNTAIN MEADOWS
• PETE’S TACKLE
• FLATHEAD BAIT