IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Montana => Ice Fishing Montana => Topic started by: Fortpeck1 on Feb 23, 2015, 10:00 PM
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Greenhornet, Did you get my PM?.
Here is the info.
Check with Clint on the pressure ridges.
Going east is no, 3-4 in of ice when we were there.
Going west was OK, look out for pressure ridges,
Fished around Peterson point and in the bay.
Best for walleyes about 3/4 mile on west side of bay from the marina,
Crappies and perch were at Boy Scout point.
Hope this helps and be safe.
Good luck
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Are you still planning a February trip? Ice does not look good.
Jim
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Yes we are.
The weather is going to get cold starting Wed.
Not the first time since fishing there that the Ice has been late
We will be there the 14th - 20th of Feb.
FP1
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Thanks
I am not sure.
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It's only supposed to get cold for about a week, then warm up into the high 30s for a few days. After that, it may get cold, but then again it may not. It's February, and very well could start to warm up. Then again, we could get another polar vortex. It takes a long time for Peck to freeze. And then, you still gotta be careful. Someone just died there on a UTV.
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The forecast has warmed up now for Glasgow. Lows in the 20s will not make safe ice at this point and with the Feb sun heating things up more not sure there will be a Hell Creek ice season sadly.
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The weather is going to be colder starting Saturday and for the next 3 Weeks.
The best weather station is WeatherBug for Jordan/ hell creek area.
The water temp is 34*, should freeze fast.
The temp hi 20-32, lo -11 to+11.
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Pulled the plug on our HC trip. Took advantage of cheap flight prices and heading to NE MN to chase walleyes instead.
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Sure hope FP1 is right. After getting excited last week about the extended forecast, less excited now that everything is bumped up 10 degrees and a warmup on the horizon. But totally agree, everything is cooled down pretty nice, just not ice! If we could get just one good cold snap...
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The weather is going to be colder starting Saturday and for the next 3 Weeks.
The best weather station is WeatherBug for Jordan/ hell creek area.
The water temp is 34*, should freeze fast.
The temp hi 20-32, lo -11 to+11.
You might be a tad optimistic. Lows are only forecast to be +10 above zero and Friday is back to near 50. Winds make a huge difference as well. My guess is that we might get a capping to five inches perhaps but that would only be in the bay. Hard to see safe ice much beyond Clint's. Even in the bay it might be sketchy with methane pockets.
Folks going through at Crooked this time of year is not a great indicator for the rest of the lake.
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Hopefully the weather will help us out at some point. Please be safe out there.
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From Clint on Facebook...
"Bring on the boats! The fishing has been great. Northern are at 6 to 12 feet. Drift a minnow or slow troll a crank. Walleye are being caught on the edge of the main lake at 20 to 25 feet, jigging minnows. Boat launch is open and rooms are available!"
I will be taking the boat up in a week or so I guess. At this point the Ironman Tourney will be like fishing in June!
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The bay at Hell Creek is capped[ 1/23/2021.
Cold for the next 5days and a slight warming trend then cold again.
Hell Creek here we come , Feb 14th-20th 2021
FP1
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FP1, encouraging report ! Definitely looking forward to the trip, it's one of my funnest trips of the year. Like to see all the people I've met over past yrs, the great food, and hopefully catch a fish or 2! Even if it's walk out only, still b a blast!
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Looking forward to it also.
There is fish there with our names on them.
Looking forward to seeing everyone also.
FP1
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Hell Creek is capped, has 2" of ice.
Possible walk on fishing by end of the week.
A few warmer days end of week and then colder again.
Ice is building.
WE will be there Feb 14th-20th.
FP1
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ice is growing, 5" to lucky point , 4" to Peterson.
Estimate 2 1/2" est on main.
Should be great when we get there mid February.
Here fishy, fishy, you can run but you can't hide.
FP1
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FP1, ice reports getting better, trip not too far away! Thanks!
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Lipripr,
I can see us now, sipping whiskey, eating brats and catching hogs.
What a life for a week.
FP1
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Thanks for the info. I scheduled a trip for Feb 19th. Might leave the ice shelter home. Will bring brats and beer. Hope to see you at Hell Creek.
Jim Parker
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What a life for a week.
FP1
It is a tough week, but I'm up for the challenge!
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Thinking about a trip to Hell Creek for Feb. 26-28!
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Pet,
Don't know if you have been there.
It is an awesome place to fish that's why we go for a week.
Great group that goes, 14 of us.
Stay safe and good luck.
FP1
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Be careful...supposed to be in the mid to upper fifties the next couple days before it gets properly cold.
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We will be there the 14th- 20th of Feb.
Ice should be really good by then.
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weather going into the toilet for at least 5 days, bellow zero lows and highs below freezing.
Hell creek here we come, see the gang there.
FP1 steve
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February and March are gonna be great! Little later than I prefer but worth the wait. I’m headed to Peck with a buddy next weekend. Cannot wait!
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what part of peck are you going to?
fp1
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weather going into the toilet for at least 5 days, bellow zero lows and highs below freezing.
Hell creek here we come, see the gang there.
FP1 steve
And not much snow to insulate the ice. It should be building a lot of ice! :icefish:
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The plan right now is Devil's Creek. That could change but as of right now that's what we're thinking.
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Who ever is fishing Fort Peck the next 8 days, be careful, the temps below zero and highs below freezing.
Have fun and stay safe.
The ice should really grow with little to no snow on top.
Steve
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Looking pretty good. Supposed to be 23 below tomorrow night and highs below zero for a couple days. Ditto on stay safe...no doubt pressure ridges will be forming as the main lake freezes. The bay should be safe and fishing well. Good luck guys!
We are planning to try Crooked in a couple weeks just because they have lots more ice and I have a hankering for some fresh crappie.
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Seems like the same crew as last year will be taking over Hell Creek! Good times. I cant get ahold of Clint to see what the minnow situation is like this trip? It's been a struggle the past few years....anyone know what he has for us?
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good supply of shiners and fatheads.
FP1
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This time next wk, tip ups will b fishing, possibly had a beer/drink or 2, ate a wonderful dinner and getting ready for a fun wk!
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And fish on the ice.
Will be a great week seeing old friends and making new ones.
I'm ready and it's only Sunday, come on next Sunday.
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This weather will really grow ice YEA.
Less than 2" of snow.
If the weather for cast is correct, we should have good weather while we are there, great ice also.
The fishing should be good with nobody fishing it hard yet.
See every one there .
Steve FP1
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This will be my first time hitting Peck this late in the season. Do the walleye tend to be more lethargic and tough to catch or do you usually do pretty good on them?
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This is the time I fish hell creek, we do pretty good.
Look for places that you don't expect them, back of bays 4"-15".
Shallow bars with slow drop off.
There a a few in deep water, 15"-30".
Most of what we catch are shallow.
The am and pm bites are best.
I have noticed at time if we are catching lakers shallow [3"-5"], the walleyes are at about the same depth, give or take a few feet.
What part of peck are you going to and when?.
FP1
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Headed to Devil's Creek this Friday and staying till Monday. I wonder if the west end of the reservoir fishes about the same? Even if it's way different half the fun is just trying to figure those buggers out. Thanks for the tips, I'll give those depths and structure a whirl and see what we get into
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Devils Creek and Crooked fish about the same, Hell Creek differently IMO. Firstly there are lots of crappie from Timber Creek west, few going east. Walleyes are closer at Devils than Hell Creek most of the year as the main channel is closer and by now they have started making the trek westward for the spawn. Pike are about the same everywhere. Catfish are in any bay but tons of them up the Musselshell arm.
Usually not too many pressure ridges around Devils, but there are some nasty methane pockets. We are always VERY cognizant of any dark or weird looking spots on the ice. Be careful driving into Devils especially the bit of road that drop right off. No room to get past folks on the bends.
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Good luck at devils creek.
I never fished it but it looks like it has some good structure.
I will stick with Hell Creek, caught my best walleyes there.
Also have caught my biggest northerns there.
Small mouth are starting to make there presence known.
It's great fishing all over peck, to each his own.
Stay safe and have fun.
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hell creek
The ice is 8"-10" to Peterson, 7"-8" main lake west.
With this cold weather the ice is growing fast.
When we get there, I'm betting 10"+ on the main YA HO.
The weather will be good after sunday, bring on the fish and good time.
FP1
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Thanks FP1 and Wenger for the info and tips. Nothing like getting some feedback from a couple shanty legends. Best of luck FP1 and crew! Hope you guys do well on that end of the lake. Let us know how you do. Stay warm and tight lines!
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Saw a temperature this morning from a weather station near Crooked Creek and it was minus 37.
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-27* at hell creek this AM, Great ice building weather.
Hi today -11*.
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Main lake here we come!
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FP 1
Awesome! And a few more days just like that, right b4 we get there, then a little warmer. Perfect timing!
Beerdog
Looking forward to seeing u guys again! Always fun to meet and visit w new people out on the ice.
Is tomorrow only Thursday? 3 more days of hanging out and waiting? No problem doing it this yr, rather fish in above 0 temps vs below!
See everyone Sunday, safe travels!
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Hell Creek has Cabin #11 open Feb 14th-19th if anyone interested.
Come fish, the ice and weather will be good.
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The neighbors are decent people, and like to have fun!
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Hell Creek has Cabin #11 open Feb 14th-19th if anyone interested.
Come fish, the ice and weather will be good.
Interested
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Ribka,
Better hurry and call, rooms don't last long.
# 406-557-2345, if no answer leave a message, they will call back.
Steve aka FP1
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Good luck and have fun up there this week! Leave a few fish in the reservoir for us coming up later. Maybe train a few walleye how to properly hook up to a jig.
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Another trip in the book.
Fishing was good, 12#-17# northerns, 12"-21" walleyes, and a couple lakers 12#-16#.
Fishing was best PM and AM.
Had a great time with the crew, booked for next year already.
Ice is 16"-18" out 3/4 way and 12"-14" on the main, watch the pressure ridges, they are starting to open up.
Like to say thanks to Tim, Ryan, Pat, Josh, Jeff, great time again, great food ,drinks, looking forward to next year already.
Don't know how Beerdog finished, he is there another week.
The weather was great for fishing.
Take care and Tight lines.
Steve FP1
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Glad mother nature made it work! That said...35 below was no fun off the ice!
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And thank you Steve! So glad I inquired about ur opening 5 or 6 yrs ago. Been a blast meeting up with everyone ever since, doing some fishing and meeting more great people each year! Can't wait for next year.
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Gentlemen, Another great trip! Booked good ol' room 12 for 13-24th for next year. I decided against seeing how much tannerite it takes to get the side x side 20' into the air, and having coldsmoke wrench on it so its ready to roll next year. It got sloppy as hell after everyone left. I moved my spread in the morning, and when I came back from lunch there was one lonely Beverdam with a flag up and the rest of my tipups, markers and insulators were blown all over the lake. I managed to recover everything despite the 4-6" of water on the ice. Luckily a hammerhandle saved the sixth tip-up from exploring the rest of the lake without me. It truly looked like the whole lake was open.....whitecaps and all. That crew Clint kept telling to stop jumping the pressure ridges had a side x side go through one night, and their two quads take a bath the very next night. They tucked tail and cut their trip short. I realize the kettle is calling the pot black here, but some folks really shouldn't be over indulging on the ice after dark. GPS, Lightbar and slow speed folks! Geez. To anyone reading this-if you have ever considered going to hell creek, don't think about it and book a room for next year. You have a whole year to sort out the details, get everything together, give plenty of advance notification to the wife, boss and kids. It's a no brainer, and will be the best trip of your life (despite the picture painted above) . An amazing group of guys, great fishing and good times- and you should remember most of it. Till next year -Beerdog
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Can't fix drowned...
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Beerdog, glad u were able to retrieve all ur gear! Got a little western after we left!
Looking forward to seeing the s x s next year! Running in top conditionsl and decked out to hold ur gear! Have a good spring, summer, and fall. May the winter temps come early and put down some safe early ice for all!
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Already excited for next year! Booked room #13 2/13/22 - 2/21/22, see you all soon!
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How quick do those rooms get booked up? I'm thinking about getting something lined up for Hell Creek next winter and not sure if I should be calling now or if I already missed the boat?
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all you peckers out there.never fished peck i am boatless now any place to shore fish for smallies?
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Better question- does anybody rent fishing boats on Ft. Peck? Was hoping for something around the dam, I'd be open to other options as well. Google isn't exactly being helpful on this, though.
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thanks R-K you may be right
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How quick do those rooms get booked up? I'm thinking about getting something lined up for Hell Creek next winter and not sure if I should be calling now or if I already missed the boat?
I've got a cabin in February booked and will be taking the machine with me - if anyone has any "tips/ideas/dont forgets" I am all ears.
Don't need specifics, but how far from the marina do guys typically go? Do most of the bays/fingers fish generally the same? This will be the first time on Peck in hardwater. Hoping we can get into some decent sized walleye and maybe a bonus pike or 2. Just trying to figure out a good gameplan (or 2 or 3) ahead of time. I understand protecting the fishery, so if you'd rather PM me thats cool too.
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Better question- does anybody rent fishing boats on Ft. Peck? Was hoping for something around the dam, I'd be open to other options as well. Google isn't exactly being helpful on this, though.
Clint has a couple he rents at Hell Creek.
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all you peckers out there.never fished peck i am boatless now any place to shore fish for smallies?
Yup. There are a few rock points in Hell Creek that hold them. Use Google Earth to find them and have fun.
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thank you sir!
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Hey all! Looking forward to seeing everyone again in February! Doing 11 days again. Thats the perfect amount of time for this guy as i don't feel rushed to get everything I want to get accomplished. Got a new side x side and will be sticking out the tipups as always, but i'm definitely going to be focusing on jigging for lakers in the day and walleye in the evening,. After the crew left last year and my side x side blew up I stayed in the bay and was really surprised by the walleye success I was getting myself into within 3 miles of the marina. Used a medium-light 36" Haat rod for the first time last season on the walleye, so I picked up a heavy 46" Haat rod for lakers. Looking forward to bending it on the ice. Hope everyone is having a great off season. -Cheers
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I'm excited and ready for out February Hell Creek trip, sure wish it was February now. The min. I leave Hell Creek I'm already dreaming about the following year of ice fishing. I'll def be joining you Beerdog on the jigging activity and I'm glad you have reliable transportation this year. I've definitely been spending the $ on new gear this year, haven't pulled the trigger on livescope yet, maybe next year. I've got a couple new guys coming with me this year.
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If anyone needs another body or a fill in for a Feb trip I am interested. We are in Lewistown but fish Hell Creek and surrounding waters all summer and Crooked most winters...but my fishing partner moved to Minnesota!!!! :'(
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Wondering what to expect road-wise in February? I've spent a bit of time in the area, but never driven down Hell Creek Rd north of Jordan. I know the roads can be bad, but just trying to gauge what to expect and bring. I'll be pulling a trailer - not sure if I need to invest in chains for the truck or not?
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Yes , invest in chains for truck.
Usually need them for the big hill.
Clint puts up chain up signs- pay attention to the signs.
Fp1
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Yes , invest in chains for truck.
Usually need them for the big hill.
Clint puts up chain up signs- pay attention to the signs.
Fp1
Thanks FP, good to know. Was planning on calling Clint when we head out, but just wanted to be prepared. I'll get a set ordered.
How often have you had to chain-up when going to/from the lake?
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-never had to. always carry them. Popped a tire on a trailer once. It's close to nothing. For some reason, I had a chainsaw, 4x4's and 2x6's to elevate the bottle jack to change the tire. For some strange reason I felt the need to throw them in the bed of the truck before I left. Glad I did. It was really cold! I'll be out there 1/11 -1/18 as well as the February trip. anyone else coming out on those earlier dates??
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You boys should have lots of ice! Looking like it’s going to be FRIGID there next week
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I'm Excited!! I'm doing a solo trip in January, so I hope to make some new friends while i'm out there. I'll be in a black and white side x side. I don't bite, so don't be a stranger. I always have a warm up for a new face on the ice! Fingers crossed we can get to the main in January but i wont hold my breath.
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I'm Excited!! I'm doing a solo trip in January, so I hope to make some new friends while i'm out there. I'll be in a black and white side x side. I don't bite, so don't be a stranger. I always have a warm up for a new face on the ice! Fingers crossed we can get to the main in January but i wont hold my breath.
With the temps they're having up there the next 8 days or more, it seems to be looking good for January!
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=48.0044&lon=-106.4489
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Crazy it was over 70 degrees there a few weeks ago!
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Thanks FP, good to know. Was planning on calling Clint when we head out, but just wanted to be prepared. I'll get a set ordered.
How often have you had to chain-up when going to/from the lake?
The problem spot is the big hill leading down to the State Park and the smaller hills near the park.
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Is anyone from the Kalispell area going?
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Looks like we will miss the group coming in on the 14th - we will be there 11th-14th. Hoping for some good fishing, looks like there should be plenty of ice by then
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To the crew that goes out in the mid-February trip.....Not looking good folks. Chatting with Iceflippin, already discussing back up plans, because Clint mentioned possible walk on only for the tournament on the 12th. Anyone have any thoughts on the matter? You guys still going? Plan B? Is the weatherman that far off?? Party at beerdog's place for 7 days?? **censored**?
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Ugh.... That forecast is junk!!
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Seen that info also, and was wondering the same thing. Visited w the other 2 from here, (still willing to go, if decent ice and shoreline. Not too thrilled about walk on only. But I do understand why). Both up for plan B, whatever that may be!? Also talked w other room, they r going to discuss it. Should hear from them in next day or so.
Sure would b nice to see the forecast change a little. Hate to miss out on a fun week of fishing!
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Talking Canyon Ferry for Plan B. We found a spot where we have a reliable flash bite for about an hour in the evening for some eyes. Open to additional ideas. Love to see the crew every year, but I almost took a swim in peck a number of years ago, and this year is looking a lot warmer. Once you talk to the other guys, let us know what you come up with! (lets blame Steve....its the first trip to peck in 30 something years he's not going....I don't believe in coincidence )
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Just talked w FP1. He said to call Clint on the 9th, c how shoreline is. Like u mentioned, doesn't sound good. I hear ya, seen some strange changes in ice conditions w/in a wk of fishing there.
I like the CF idea! Will keep in touch
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Was planning on calling Clint Wednesday for a report on the ice conditions/road - we are supposed to head up Friday but it’s not looking great. From negatives to a straight heatwave….Steve its your fault? Haha fingers crossed but we might have to make alternate plans.
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Sorry Steve...Just being a smarty. Yeah, Just talked to Coldsmoke and Iceflippin, we're pretty sure we're not heading out there. We have a 8-9 hour drive and it would really be a bummer to get out there and be turned away (or worse). I bet you guys have seen the facebook post about more than likely they should have atv travel for the tournament on the 12th, but that's not a lot of assurance. Looking like its going to be a high of 60 and blowing on Thursday. Looking at the webcam looks like the ice isn't nice and clear like it was in January. Going back to CF. Bummer.
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Fort peck to canyon ferry. That’s the most depressing part about it lol
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Fort peck to canyon ferry. That’s the most depressing part about it lol
CF will be in the same shape if things dont change soon.
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yup....ill give a report. A few of us are spending 6 loong days out there, a few are going for 3 then play it by ear. At this point i think were just getting some of our Hell Creek crew back together and talk about how much we love Fort Peck over some drinks. Going to be good to see everyone!