Need Help - Near Missoula

[Big Bro]

Hey all - pretty near here. I'm a Missoulian who has ice fished off and on for a few years with minimal luck. I'm writing because I'm a big brother in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and my lil' bro loves fishing. I have the gear to take him, but need some advice on lakes, bait, etc...  With the warm temps we've been having I'm looking for somewhere safe - and close - for this weekend. Beavertail?  Upsata?  Frenchtown Pond? Harpers?  Any suggestions or tips on jigs/bait would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[missoulafish]

If you just want action, you guys can catch perch all day at Harpers. You may catch a couple trout as well. Odds are the perch won't be big enough to fillet though.

[Big Bro]

Thanks MissoulaFish - any word if Harpers is safe right now?

[JohnMcN1]

Beavertail is a good bet as well as Harpers. Lots of perch. Some really nice trout in there as well. And super close to Missoula with roads plowed all the way. Last time I drove by, people were out on Beavertail. So I'm assuming the ice is still good. Good luck with your lil bro!

[Big Bro]

Thanks, JohnMcN1 - I'll check it out.  Bait or jig suggestions? 

[i c]

a group of us are thinking of going saturday morning at 8 if you would like to come havent decided on which lake yet were thinking upsata but it gets some serious slush when it gets warm.. so might be beavertail or possibly nevada creek.. we are meeting at bonner. i could give you my cell number if you are interested..

[missoulafish]

BB- Nevada cr is a good option too, little bigger fish if you guys decide you want to keep some.  Generous offer IC:)

[vicster]

If you do beavertail, stay away from the front area near the boat lanuch, there are springs there and if it's not open it will be very thin.  the bay on the east side should have good ice.  Hang a worm or ball of power bait 3-4 ft under the ice for trout, and Jig a Hali tipped with a spike anywhere deeper than about 8 ft and you will be into perch all day long.  They are small and can be tough to hook on a lot of set ups but the hali's get hookups.  Really any lake like harpers, upsata, or nevada creek the hali should get it done in numbers.

[Lon]

My experience with little guys is that one should strive for continuous action (bites).
The size of the fish is absolutely irrelevant.
So, any good small perch lake, maybe Upsata?

[missoulafish]

Bigbro- Upsata is a good option but the slush may take the fun out of the day real fast. Hard to move around and no one wants wet feet all day.

[Big Bro]

You guys are great. Thanks for all the tips and offers. A friend and fellow Big Brother contacted me and offered to take us to Nine Pipes - so that's where we'll be. I'll post some pics next week.  Thanks again.

[missoulafish]

Just an FYI, you and the kids will needs special licensing to fish there (depending on their age).

[coldcreekchris]

 I am sure its the same everywhere..but if you fish nine pipes make sure you have some cleats/yak traxs.. just got back and it was slicker than snot...