Fishing Report 04-01-2019

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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.

​Blanchard Lake
No current ice reports.
 
Church Slough
Ice is going fast. Reports of winter kill are coming in.
 
Foys Lake
Shorelines are opening up.   
 
Flathead Lake
Mac Day anglers are seeing more water opening up. Known accesses open are Sportsman’s Bridge, Woods Bay, Blue Bay and Yellow Bay. More opening soon.
 
Flathead River
A few nice Cuttbows reported and Whitefish. Hot flies right now are Price Nymphs, Hairs Ear and Copper Jon’s.
 
Lake Mary Ronan
Ice is still decent enough to fish, but always check before going on the ice. Perch have been slow so downsize lure and jig right on bottom.
 
Lower Stillwater
Ice is still holding throughout the lake but use caution near the dam and access. Use Pete’s Sassy Stinger for the larger Perch.  
 
McGregor Lake
Shorelines have spots that are decaying rapidly so use caution.
 
Smith Lake
Ice is starting to decay around the shore but plenty of ice on the main body. Pike fishing has been slow, as well as Perch. Jig small and slow or even dead stick.
 
Swan River
Reports of anglers having success with Pike in the lower part. Try a hanging Pike rig under a bobber or spinner baits.
 
Thompson Chain
There is still fishable ice through the chain. The top layer is showing signs of decay. Perch have been biting in deep water and suspended. Use a Hali with wax worms.
 
Whitefish Lake
No recent reports of ice conditions.