Ice Report - 2/17/2012

[FWPFishTech]

Dear Iceshanty Anglers:

In an attempt to keep anglers informed on ice conditions I have begun to put an ice report together every week to ten days.  My reports come from anglers who either call in or who I know that have been fishing, fisheries biologist, and/or wardens.  My reports are word of mouth and extreme caution should still be used when heading out fishing (especially this winter).  I understand these reports can be subjective but for you or any angler it can at least be a starting point. Happy fishing!!!

Sorry it has taken me so long to get  you guys another ice report.  Its been a challenge to get ice reports when one of my sources is on vacation or is out fishing with no cell reception. I couldn't find anybody that had been to Tiber, Fresno, Willow Cr, or Nilan. But, I still hope this helps you guys out for the coming weekend!!!

Ice Report 2/17/2012

Tiber: No Report

Francis: Approx 12 inches of ice. Stay away from pressure ridge. Thickest near Lighthouse

Pishkun: Approx 12 inches in west lakes.  Ice still variable especially on the main lake.  There have been reports of open water on the main lake.

Bynum: 11-15 inches of ice. Ice still remains solid.

Nilan: No Report

Willow Cr: No Report

East Fork Res (Lewistown): 10-12 inches of ice

Newlan Cr. Res: 14 Inches of ice.

Fresno Res: No Report.

Beaver Cr. Res: 8 Inches of clear ice. But, the ice thickness is still variable.

Baileys: 12 Inches

Nelson Res: 12 inches. But, as always use extreme caution. VARIABLE Ice conditions on Nelson!!!

Crooked Creek (West Fort Peck): VARIABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ice in Bay but main lake is opening up.

***Be Cautious on Ice everywhere. Lots of variable ice conditions. Ice Fish at your own risk***

Brad Tribby
MT FWP
Fisheries Technician
4600 Giant Springs Rd
Great Falls, MT 59404
(406)-454-5854

[trappermike82]

Thanks for the reports.  They are great.  I was on Tiber last weekend at the VFW and there was easily 8-10" of solid ice.  I had a buddy that fished over by Miller's Slough and said the same thing.  I could see a pocket of open water to the west of the VFW about 3/4 of a mile up the lake that ducks and geese were landing in and my grandfather put the back end of his ranger through the ice at the goose pasture a week and a half ago.

[Robbi]

Great report.......thanks Brad

[PerchAssault]

Brad, you don't have to apologize...not like ANY of us do this for any reason other than to be helpful to fellow anglers.

Thanks for a great report!

[icing_perch]

Greatly appreciate the report.  I will keep everyone posted on results from fishing this week.

[rodrunner]

TRR has anywhere from 2 feet to 8 inches. Ice is getting a little soft. Edges are falling apart. Should be ok for awhile as long as it doesnt get warm again..Be safe.