Ice Fishing

Ice fishing on one of our several lakes during the winter can be a great way to experience the outdoors, all while itching that fishing itch.

Our ice fishing season varies yearly based on mother nature, but historically, we can get on the ice in mid-December through early March.

A full-day trip starts with meeting the guide early in the morning in a convenient location for you and the guide. This could include the guide picking you up at your hotel in Bozeman. On some occasions, you may meet your guide at the lake or reservoir, typically if there are more than three anglers and we need you to drive to the ice fishing location. If you choose to meet the guide at the lake or reservoir, you can sleep in a little longer while the guide sets up on the ice for your arrival. However, if you want to help with setting up the portable warming tents and help auger several holes, we highly encourage this as it is all part of the experience. Once you are at the lake or reservoir, your day typically lasts 4-6 hours, depending on the bite.

We mostly target trout when ice fishing; however, sometimes, we can’t control what takes the bait. Depending on the body of water/ice, other species you may catch include perch, walleye, northern pike, carp, and kokanee salmon.

We practice catch and release.  However, at times, a fish is caught in the gills and will not survive, and if legal, we are happy to let you keep that fish that will most likely not survive. We do follow current Montana FWP fishing regulations if we end up having to keep any fish.

The guides will choose the best location the night before your trip based on the weather and ice conditions.

Here is a list of a few lakes and reservoirs that we offer trips on:

1. Hebgen Lake, near West Yellowstone, MT.
2. Harrison Lake, near Harrison, MT (approximately 45 minutes from downtown Bozeman).
3. Ennis Lake, near Ennis, MT (approximately 45 minutes from downtown Bozeman)
4. Canyon Ferry Reservoir, near Townsend, MT (approximately 1 hour from downtown Bozeman)
5. Hauser Reservoir, 15 minutes north of Helena, MT. (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from downtown Bozeman)
6. Georgetown Lake near Philipsburg, MT. (approximately 2 hours from downtown Bozeman)

Safety is of utmost importance for your time on the ice. We will not take you on the ice if it is not a safe thickness.

Guide Service

We are not a brick-and-mortar fly shop. Upon booking trips with Trout On The Fly, we will make suitable arrangements to pick you up at your vacation rental, lodge, hotel, campsite, or the airport. If your place of lodging is out of the way, we will ask you to meet your guide at a convenient location for your day(s) on the water. This applies regardless of where you are staying – Bozeman, Ennis, Cameron, Helena, Livingston, West Yellowstone, or Fort Smith, Montana.

Extra Costs

• Montana Fishing License – To save time we recommend all anglers purchase a license(s) online before your trip at the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks website. Any angler 12 years of age and older must have a Conservation License ($10-nonresident) plus a Fishing License ($14 for 1 day, $56 for 5 consecutive days or $100 for season-nonresident), plus an Angler AIS Prevention Pass (AISPP) ($7.50 nonresident). No license is required for angler’s age 11 years and younger IF accompanied by an adult who holds a valid Montana fishing license. Click here to buy a Montana Fishing License Online
• Guide Gratuity – Gratuity is not mandatory, but is well appreciated to help with the guide’s fuel, flies lost on the trip, and reflects the hard work of the guide. Average gratuity is 20-25% of the price of the trip. However, if you feel the guide deserves more or less, please adjust the amount according to your experience.
• Transaction Fee – All credit and debit card payments add 4% to the total amount.
• Extra Angler Rate – We can handle up to 6 people per guide on the ice fishing trips. $100.00 per person over 2 anglers.

Deposit & Cancellation Policy

• A 50% deposit is required at the time of reserving your fishing guide. The remaining balance will be due 60 days before your scheduled trip(s)
• Cancellations made 61 days or more from your scheduled trip will be refunded the full amount.
• Cancellations made between 60 and 31 days before your scheduled trip will forfeit $100 of the trip amount.
• Cancellations made 30 or fewer days prior to your scheduled trip will forfeit 100% of the trip amount.
• Requests to move a scheduled trip date are the same as canceling and re-booking

Please understand that these trips are difficult to re-book on short notice, and that our focus is on providing the best fishing experience possible. If you have any concerns about attending your booked trip, please look into trip insurance.