Ling are pretty uncommon here in NW Montana, but we have one pond fairly close that is known to have a few in it. I made it my winter goal to get one on the ice, and finally (after 8 trips) got it done. Nothing big like some of you are catching, but at least I finally "broke the ice". My catch was only 17", but one of the old guys that frequently fishes the pond showed me pics of a 30" fish he caught this year. The pond is only 8ac w/ a max depth of 40', but it seems to have pretty good fish numbers. FWP stocks it w/ fingerling rainbows and some brood stock. Other than that, it's got a lot of crawdads, small suckers, and a few bull heads, so I'm sure the bigger ling have plenty to chow on.
Just wanted to stop by and say "thanks" for all the good info on this board. Sorry to see a slump in activity on the Eelpout section..hopefully it picks up around here so I can learn more about my new obsession.