Montana

Why stop fishing just because it’s not flip-flops and t-shirt weather? The seasons may change, and the boat may be winterized and put away for storage, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop our fishing adventures. On the contrary, there is something to say about the hard water fishing experience when the temperatures drop. Here in Montana, ice fishing is just another part of the ebb and flow of the outdoor lifestyle many residents share and love. Candidly, I have not ice-fished on these bodies of water, yet. I have, however, fished most of them and we even have several episodes at a few of the mentioned locations with future plans to highlight the other fisheries! Without further ado, here's a detailed exploration of five fantastic ice-fishing spots in Montana. Let's dive into each location to understand why they're great choices for ice fishing enthusiasts.

1. Fort Peck Reservoir

Fort Peck Reservoir is a premier destination for ice fishing in Montana. This massive reservoir stretches across more than 245,000 acres, making it one of the largest bodies of water in the state. The reservoir's vast size provides a diverse habitat that supports a variety of fish species, including northern pike, walleye, lake trout, and smallmouth bass. You may recall a chinook salmon episode filmed in the late summer with the NWF crew and Shelby Ross of Ross Outdoor Adventures. While the chinook are certainly appealing, the ice fishing appears to be in its own class as well!

The reservoir's northern pike population is particularly noteworthy, with anglers regularly catching specimens of over 20 pounds. During the winter months, these fish are more accessible as they move into shallower waters under the ice. Ice fishing at Fort Peck requires careful planning due to its size and the potential for rapidly changing weather conditions. However, for those willing to brave the elements and the drive, the rewards can be substantial.

Local guides and outfitters offer ice fishing tours and equipment rentals, which can be particularly helpful for those unfamiliar with the area. The reservoir's remote location also means that anglers can enjoy a relatively undisturbed experience, surrounded by the stark beauty of Montana's winter landscape. The isolation is perhaps one of the major draws to the area - Circle, MT, just southeast of Fort Peck, is the farthest location away from a Starbucks in the contiguous United States.

2. Georgetown Lake

Georgetown Lake, located in the picturesque Anaconda-Pintler Range, is a popular ice fishing destination known for its abundant kokanee, rainbow, and brook trout populations. The lake sits at an elevation of over 6,000 feet, and its high altitude ensures solid ice cover during the winter months. Georgetown has been on my radar as a location to fish since picking up ice fishing - and for great reason.

One of the appealing aspects of Georgetown Lake is its accessibility. The lake is located near major highways, and there are several public access points with ample parking. This ease of access makes it a convenient option for both day trips and longer stays.

Rainbow trout are the primary target for ice anglers at Georgetown Lake. These fish can be found throughout the lake, but they often concentrate around the mouths of tributary streams where they feed on insects and other small organisms. Anglers typically use a combination of jigging and tip-ups to entice the trout, with small jigs tipped with worms or maggots being particularly effective.

In addition to rainbow trout, Georgetown Lake also hosts a healthy population of brook trout. These fish are often found in shallower waters and can be caught using similar techniques to those used for rainbow trout. 

Outside of trout, the kokanee salmon bite makes Georgetown an attractive ice fishing location. There is no limit on kokanee and seeing some of the photos others have taken, they do not appear to be in short supply. The lake's consistent ice conditions and reliable fish populations make it a favorite among local anglers.

3. Canyon Ferry Lake

Canyon Ferry Lake, located just outside of Helena, is another top-notch ice fishing destination in Montana. This large reservoir spans over 33,000 acres and is known for its healthy populations of walleye, yellow perch, and rainbow trout.

One of the unique features of Canyon Ferry Lake is its relatively shallow depth, which helps maintain stable ice conditions throughout the winter. The lake's shallow waters also make it an ideal habitat for walleye and yellow perch, which are the primary targets for ice anglers.

Walleye can be found throughout the lake, but they often concentrate around submerged structures such as rock piles and drop-offs. Anglers typically use jigging techniques with lures that mimic small fish or insects to attract walleye. Tip-ups baited with live minnows are also effective for targeting these predatory fish. A recent walleye fishing trip with Mackenzie River Pizza Co. saw us bottom-bouncing for several nice eater-sized fish. It’s reasonable to assume that ice fishing would produce a similar yield. 

Yellow perch are another popular target at Canyon Ferry Lake. These fish are known for their schooling behavior, and once a school is located, anglers can often catch multiple fish in quick succession. Small jigs tipped with worms or maggots are the preferred method for catching yellow perch, and the use of electronic fish finders can help locate schools of fish under the ice.

Canyon Ferry Lake's proximity to Helena makes it a convenient destination for both local anglers and visitors. The lake's abundant fish populations and reliable ice conditions ensure a productive and enjoyable ice fishing experience.

4. Lake Mary Ronan

For those seeking a quieter and more secluded ice fishing experience, Lake Mary Ronan is an excellent choice. Located west of Flathead Lake, just outside of Glacier National Park, this smaller body of water offers a peaceful setting. The lake is known for its healthy populations of kokanee salmon and yellow perch.

Kokanee salmon are the primary target for ice anglers at Lake Mary Ronan. These landlocked sockeye salmon are prized for their fighting ability and, of course, delicious flavor. Kokanee can be found throughout the lake, but they often concentrate in deeper waters during the winter months. Anglers typically use small jigs or spoons tipped with maggots or corn to attract kokanee. Electronics such as fish finders can be particularly useful for locating schools of these fish under the ice.

Yellow perch are another popular target. These fish can be found in shallower waters and are often caught using small jigs tipped with worms or maggots. The lake's clear waters and abundant vegetation provide an ideal habitat for yellow perch, and anglers can expect consistent action throughout the winter.

Lake Mary Ronan's scenic surroundings and peaceful atmosphere make it a great destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of more popular ice fishing spots. The lake's relatively small size also makes it easy to navigate, ensuring a productive and enjoyable experience. An opportunity to combine ice fishing, a scenic view and a historic area make Lake Mary Ronan an ice fishing paradise.

5. Hebgen Lake

Sticking with the “lakes close to national parks” theme, Hebgen Lake, located near West Yellowstone, is a renowned ice fishing destination known for its populations of rainbow and brown trout. The lake's proximity to Yellowstone National Park adds to its appeal, offering stunning views and a unique winter fishing experience.

Hebgen Lake is one of the first bodies of water in the region to freeze over each winter, providing early ice fishing opportunities. The lake's large size and diverse habitat support healthy populations of both rainbow and brown trout, making it a favorite among local anglers.

Rainbow trout are the primary target for ice anglers at Hebgen Lake. These fish can be found throughout the lake, but they often concentrate around the mouths of tributary streams and areas with submerged vegetation. Anglers typically use jigging techniques with lures that mimic small fish or insects to attract rainbow trout. Tip-ups baited with live minnows or worms are also effective.

Brown trout are another popular target at Hebgen Lake. These fish are often found in deeper waters and can be caught using similar techniques to those used for rainbow trout. The use of electronics such as fish finders can help locate schools of brown trout under the ice.

Hebgen Lake's stunning winter scenery and reliable ice conditions make it a must-visit destination for ice fishing enthusiasts. The lake's proximity to Yellowstone National Park also provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and other winter recreational activities. The Madison River Fly Fishing episode with The Rainbow Valley Lodge from this past season was filmed just a few miles north of Hebgen Lake. Imagining those picturesque mountains in the winter season with fresh snow would instill a sense of the rugged west in anyone. 

It’s great when strangers become friends, those who are passionate about something can share that passion with others and the feeling of joyfulness can be had by all. That was certainly the case on one of our recent fishing adventures here in the great state of Montana. I’m in the not-so-unique position of being an avid fisherman and also someone who enjoys a good slice of pizza. I am in the unique position of having been able to fish with some fine folks from Mackenzie River Pizza Co. and blend the two joys.  Amanda Thompson, the general manager of the Helena, MT location, and Allison Collins, out of the Bozeman, MT location with some regional supervision duties, spent the day with Mike Carey and me on the picturesque Canyon Ferry Reservoir just south of Helena, MT. 

What I really enjoyed about the experience was the ability to share something I am passionate about with these two ladies who had never fished using the techniques we employed for the day. Allison had some experience with fly fishing (who hasn’t in Montana?) while Amanda was a little more green to the whole fishing experience. Both caught on tremendously quickly! Changing gear when needed or putting new bait on a hook quickly became an old hat for all of us. We trolled the southern portion of the reservoir for walleye using a combination of crankbaits and bottom bouncers. Each person picks out their lure of choice, which colors and patterns would hopefully work the best, and of course, goading the others for their poor choice of lure. After a little explanation and demonstration on how to ensure the weight had hit the bottom and the gear was set up properly, we were off and fishing.  

The bite was steady all day. No huge fish, the regulations actually state only one fish over 15 inches can be retained, but the anticipation of the catch with the thrill of the familiar walleye “tug, tug” on the other side of a bottom bouncing set up more than made up for any lull. That, in combination with an abundance of beautiful weather, gorgeous scenery, and light-hearted conversation made for a really great fishing experience. It was one of those days with the perfect blend of sun and shade from the clouds overhead. Just as you felt maybe it was getting a little warm, a cloud would provide just enough coverage to keep you comfortable.

To the east, the mountains within the Helena National Forest loomed over Canyon Ferry, a reminder of just how imposing but welcoming the mountains can be. And of course, the friendly banter amongst everyone on the boat helped pass the time when we would have a period of little to no fish. We talked about everything from of course fishing and pizza, to getting our own young children interested in fishing, and hockey, our backgrounds that led us to Big Sky country, our jobs and the people we work with, and too many other topics to mention. We spent the morning and early afternoon on the water catching fish, even with a bonus rainbow trout thrown in, and decided to call it a day with preparation for a delicious meal in the restaurant.

One last note on the trout (you couldn’t expect an article based in Montana without a reference to a nice rainbow, right?) - it was fortunate enough to escape what was presumably an attack by an eagle or osprey at some point. It had two noticeable gashes on the left side of its body. A reminder that nature is always moving and present even if we are locked into the towns and cities with which we live.

Our time in the restaurant was as enjoyable as the fishing. I’ve been to the Helena location plenty of times and really appreciate the atmosphere and fishing themes in the restaurant. Something I had not known before talking with Amanda and Allison, is that each restaurant has its own driftboat as a decorative piece in the building. It’s hard to miss a hanging boat in a restaurant and even harder to not appreciate the craftsmanship it took to build it. Fly fishing and Montana-themed decor are abundant in the dining room and bar area.

From the lodgepole-style wooden tables and chairs to the dry fly engraved decorative glass that separates the booths. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming feeling with a carved wooden bear greeting you and asking you to wait for your hostess to seat you. An immersive dining experience to all things adventure. And of course, how could I not highlight the food?

The offerings are right on point with the Montana and fishing themes you’d expect. I had to order my all-time favorite pizza, the Madison, named after the Madison River in southwest Montana. Bacon, mushrooms, and ricotta cheese? I should’ve ordered two. And to wash down the pizza, exclusive to Mackenzie River, the Drift Boat Amber Ale. A little earthy, a little sweet, it’s just a great-tasting beverage to sip on while you’re enjoying some food and maybe watching a game, taking in the scenery, or chatting with friends. My other go-to menu offerings include the lodgepoles with pesto, trout dip with crostini, the stockman pizza, their version of a meat lover’s pizza (with steak strips!), or the Flathead pizza, named after of course Flathead Lake near Glacier National Park. Perhaps I’ll get some of that on my next visit.

The fishing adventure concluded with new friends sitting around the table breaking bread, sorry, pizza, with one another. I am grateful for the experience out on the water and in the restaurant. It’s something I hope you get to share with people in your life on a regular basis - a blend of recreation and comradery. When you get the opportunity, I can’t recommend enough a day of fishing with others concluding with some quality food at one of the great restaurants in our area. Interested in experiencing it for yourself? Mackenzie River Pizza Co. has locations throughout the northwest and beyond, check them out and taste for yourself. Did I mention you should order the Madison?
https://www.mackenzieriverpizza.com/

Trade show season is here and calling all sportsmen and women. It is the time to ponder and think about what changes we will make to our game this year, and wonder at the opportunities to be had this coming season. Trade shows give us sportsmen an upfront and personal glance into new products, new technologies, current trends, seminars, show specials, fishing ponds, tackle talk, gear, guides, lodges, food, and even more. It’s worth getting out to a show near you. The NW is home to competitive sportsmen and women, and the NW Trade Show circuit comes out swinging, just like its sportsmen. This traveling circus changes from city to city, each attracting local vendors, manufacturers, NW brands, and national companies.

The NW trade shows are built upon this premise: To Educate, Equip, and Execute make the sportsman and the adventurer. The NW was built upon this premise. The shows encompass this. 

What to expect:

The Big Horn Show in Spokane is my favorite, and not just because it’s close to home. The Big Horn Show gets its name from its origin over 60 years ago, starting off as a competition for big game trophies using Boone and Crockett. It still brings in champion trophies, but alongside totes seminars, music, and some of the NW’s finest vendors and manufacturers. It’s a small city in a big town! Fly in! It's just a pond hop away. Proceeds go to INWC a 5013c.

Boise is home to Kyrptek. Making a presence with their camo apparel sale tent out front, Boise wears Kryptek proudly. They support the military and their local community. It’s Boy-see, not Boise, folks! Wear your boots! Buy a belt! It is also a pond hop away. Great access to the airport and nice hotels makes this a great weekend getaway. Buy luggage here to bring home your goods.

Tri Cities is sponsored by Griggs Ace Hardware! It’s a smaller show, but has all the fixings a show could offer.

Yakima! It’s not a big show and you will get to know people by the time you are through. It is a strong community. People here enjoy learning about new things going on in the industry, and I love that. The rifle range and the stories are prominent. The SunDome is fun, the people are friendly, and the tacos are muy bien. Bring the kids!

The Puyallup is a large show and brings in people far and wide: from Alaska to Nebraska, you will find it here. Stryker Rods comes in from Oregon, so pick up your NW manufactured rod while you have the chance. Buy an RV. Buy a boat. They have it in Puyallup. Book your hotel early for this one! Do the Puyallup!

Portland is the show that never ends. It goes on and on, my friends. Wear your Danner’s or your Nikes: you will get your steps in here. There is no sales tax in Oregon, so save 9% on top of the bargains already being offered. The beer flows in Portland, so be safe! Have fun! I wear my knife.

Wenatchee is home to Mack’s Lure. Go out and meet the legendary Bob Loomis and his younger self, Britton. Tell them Hillary sent you, and take a selfie! #NWFishing #MacksLure

The Big Sky Montana Sportsman’s Expo is here to stay. Can’t find their website? No worries! Check out their social media @montanasportsmansexpo. Big toys, big furniture, big EVERYTHING is in Montana. Bring a trailer. It’s worth the haul!

The BC Sportsman Show is just an hour and 45 minutes away from Everett. A lot is to be had in BC. Find a lodge and fisher’s package. Connect with hunters and outdoor adventurers. Meet manufacturers. Friends are to be made in BC and friends are to be kept, AYE? Buy a BOOT! Or a boat, it will be swell either way! Book a fishing charter for sure.

Redmond, Oregon. Don’t get this confused with Building 45 and the floating bridge. This is South. The traffic is much better, so hit the road and make the drive. Many people like to save on the sales tax in Oregon. The experience from vendors and guests is always the same, they say it is a great time. I have never been, but I trust Ed Iman, King of Walleye, when he tells me so.

If I missed any of your shows, please excuse me. I haven’t heard from you and can’t always be everywhere at one time. I would love to see what you are doing. Email NW Fishing! 

Check your dates and pick your shows. Attending more than one is part of the fun! It’s a family and, like families, some family members won’t go to certain shows. You’ll see them at the next show, I bet.

Maybe I’ll see you there? Safe travels!

NW Trade Show Schedule

• Jan 27-29 Tri Cities Sportsmen’s Show-Pasco, WA
• Feb 1-5 Washington Sportsmen’s Show-Puyallup, WA
• Feb 15^th-19^th PNW Sportsmen’s Show- Portland OR
• Feb 24^th -26^th Wenatchee Valley Sportsmen’s show- Wenatchee, WA
• Feb 24^th -26^th Central Washington Sportsmen’s Show- Yakima WA
• Feb 24^th-26^th Montana Sportsman’s Expo-Kalispel MT
• March 2-5^th Idaho Sportsmen’s Show- Boise, ID
• March 3^rd-5^th BC Sportsman’s Show-Abbotsford, BC
• March 9^th-12^th Central Oregon Sportsman’s Show- Redmond Oregon
• March 16-19^th Big Horn Show- Spokane, WA

When we first start angling, we take baby steps, buying our first rod and reel and other gear. It most likely was something we found at Walmart and figured “That should work”. And it does, to a point. If the fishing bug infects us though, we soon begin to show further signs of our illness. One rod and reel soon morph into twelve, because, well, different types of fishing require different setups. From there your illness moves in the direction of not only quantity and function but also quality. Suddenly, that Walmart special is being replaced by rods and reels found in legitimate tackle stores. Knockoff brands turn into name brands. Prices go up and you find yourself entering the realm of “guest rods”. Those old rods are given to friends who are casual anglers fishing a day here or there with you. Because watching a beginner rear back on a delicate fishing rod can bring new levels of anxiety to fishing!

In short, fishing rods can very quickly become an addiction.

Early on I told myself that I would never spend the vast amounts of money that some of the higher-end fishing rods can cost. The key was to find a happy medium between quality and cost. Enter a new source of fishing rods, the small business rod builder.

I first met Dave Calhoun many years ago at Ed Iman’s Fish Camp, a yearly gathering of Pacific Northwest outdoor gear manufacturers, guides, and media representatives. Dave was there promoting his small business, NWRods, which he started in 2004. His passion and enthusiasm for the sport were evident as he excitedly talked about the rods he was building, sharing their features and quality of build. I ended up getting a beautiful float rod from him that year, which I used over the following years to catch numerous steelhead and salmon. I really enjoyed that fishing rod and it performed flawlessly. It had a real attention to detail, and I’d not owned a rod of such quality before.

Fast forward to this year’s Big Horn Sportsman Show in Spokane, Washington. We had our media booth at the show, and as I was taking in the sights of all the vendors a familiar voice boomed out “Hey Mike, how’s it going?”. Turning my head I saw Dave and his NWRods booth. Walking over to say hi, we of course caught up on our favorite topic, fishing, and fishing rods.

“I heard you moved to Montana, Mike, how’s that been going for you?”

“Great”, I replied, “Although I’m now doing more fly fishing and no longer fish salmon or steelhead in rivers.”

“You know I’ve completed my move to Blanchard, Idaho. I’ve set up my shop and started focusing on fly rods”, Dave said.

My curiosity was raised. “Really? I’m looking for a nice 4-5 wt fly rod for small to medium-sized rivers. As you may know, Montana has a few trophy trout streams. What do you have?”

Dave pulled out one of his nine-foot, two-piece, 4-5 wt rods that he has been producing. Handing it over to me, I could see the familiar craftsmanship that impressed me so many years ago with his float rod. A carbon handle provided the solid base for attaching my fly reel, and the rod came with _____ guides, each flawlessly wrapped and of a stealthy dark green color. The graphite rod action itself felt “just right” with a nice flex but still enough backbone to make solid casts. Its two-piece construction is made to provide extra strength and durability.

A word on fishing rods, in particular fly rods. They can range from starter sets that will cost you $75 bucks up to a thousand dollars and beyond. The rods that Dave makes fall in the range of above-budget rods but well below rods that will make you cry when they break. In this case, his fly rods start in the $350 range. For me, that would be my upper limit on what I would pay for a rod. That said, I do appreciate quality and workmanship, so it after a brief internal debate I said “yes” to the rod. As a bonus, Dave threw in a tee-shirt.

Dave told me that with his move to Idaho he plans to focus more on fly rods, and he has started a new website where you can see his current lineup, www.nwfly.com. I suspect in the years to come I’m going to see a few of his fly rods making the rounds on the Missouri, Blackfoot, Madison, and other trophy trout streams in Montana.

As I was about to leave, Dave showed me his kokanee rods which he is blowing out at $99 a rod. Eye-catching black with bright green threads on the eyes, these rods are fiberglass and a real steal at this price. Of course, I promptly blew my budget and bought four.

Dave ships rods throughout the Pacific Northwest. His original website, nwrods.com, has a full lineup of salmon, steelhead, and kokanee rods. Check them out if you’re in the market for a quality rod that won’t break the bank.

Just don’t break your budget as you feed your addiction.

If you’d like to see a video of me catching a steelhead on the float rod I mentioned earlier, here is the YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AESq3Yg_6fs

By Mike Carey

Having moved recently from Washington to Montana, I find myself revisiting methods of getting on the water that I first learned when I moved to the Pacific Northwest. With less lakes close to me that lend themselves to launching my twenty-foot Thunderjet, I find myself going full circle back to my early roots.

When I moved out to Washington from Wisconsin, I lived in Spokane for a year, and during that time I took up the sport of fly fishing. The Spokane area has a wealth of smaller lakes and ponds well-suited to casting a fly for trout.

Because I was a renter, I wanted a way to get on the water that fit my lifestyle. Having a boat and trailer was not an option for me. I did the research and decided a float tube would be a good solution to getting on the water. It offered simplicity, ease of storage, and wouldn’t break the bank.

Back in the eighties the choices of float tubes were just starting to explode. Today, anglers have a huge selection of brands, styles, and price points to choose from.

Anglers that chose to access bodies of water in a float tube open up a world of possibilities to explore. And while most people think of fly fishing when it comes to float tubes, they are well-suited to be used for other species of fish.

Bass Angling

Bass angling from a float tube is a blast and tubes are an excellent choice for exploring waters that bass boats can’t go in. Tubes can even be used in saltwater angling, so long as an angler keeps safety in the forefront.

Certain rivers also lend themselves to float tubes, again with the caveat of the angler keeping safety first and foremost in mind.

Whatever type of fish you like to pursue, fishing from a float tube requires certain gear and set-ups to work. Let’s break down what you’ll need to get started.

First, let’s talk about the float tube itself. There are basically two shapes that you’ll see when you go shopping. The first is literally a round tube. The second is a u-shaped tube, open on one side. Across the top, connecting the two sides you’ll generally have a casting apron. A round tube will have this as well. 

The novice would be understandably confused when confronted with these choices. Both will get you on the water, so which is the right rig for you? I’ve fished out of both.

The pros and cons of each in my mind are as follows:

Round Tube Style

General less expensive, easier to breakdown and store, less prone to blowing around, lighter and easier to maneuverer. On the con side- smaller, so less storage capacity, harder to see on the water, less safe (generally 1-2 air chambers vs. 2-3 chambers).

U-shaped style

More storage for gear, more stable, tracks well, better visibility for boaters, safer (usually three air chambers), tend to be able to sit up higher for easier casting. On the con side- longer to set up, more storage space needed, more expensive.

For me the choice is easy, u-tube style all the way. What I like most about my rig is the ability to bring multiple rods, higher sitting posture, and overall safety. If I were hiking and wanted to do float fishing though, I would for sure pick a round style for weight considerations and ease of packing.

OK, you’ve settled on the type and pored through all the various brands, looking at specific features that you'd like to have on your tube. Some of the things I focused on were storage pockets, height and seat adjustment, ease of entry, three tubes for safety, and overall fit and finish.

Is the stitching tight and neat? Does the material seem of good quality? How about user reviews? YouTube is an excellent source of reviews that allow you to see what others have to say about the tube you’re considering.

Next on the agenda are the accessories you will need to purchase. Buying a tube is more than just hopping in and off you go. There are essential items you will need to have.

Fins

These are what you use to propel yourself through the water. Your legs will be in the water as you sit on the suspended seat. Kicking the fins will move you in the opposite direction of where you are facing and kicking one fin in one direction and the other in the other direction will cause you to turn.

It’s something that is easy to figure out and you’ll get the hang of it pretty quick.

Waders

Unless the water is very warm, you’ll want to wear chest waders, as from the waist down you’ll be wet. Waders can be neoprene or slip over clothes, whatever your preference. I like the pull-on type myself.

Water Shoes

You’ll want shoes on as they will provide better support for your fins. I get them one size larger to fit over my waders.

Life Jacket

Absolutely required in my opinion. I upgraded to the CO2 self-inflating style for comfort. The first time you get in the water and kickoff I can guarantee you’ll feel a bit apprehensive. It’s different from being in a solid boat. The life jacket gives me an extra level of reassurance and peace of mind.

Net

Hand-held style with a shock cord and clip to attach to your float tube is recommended.

Safety flag

If you’re fishing waters that have power boats, you want to do everything you can to be seen. An orange flag on a three-foot pole will help boaters see you better.

That said, if you’re fishing water that has power boats on it, I would urge you to stay close to the shoreline. Float tubes do not move fast, and you will not be able to get out of the way of a power boat bearing down on you.

Fishing on a small pond, whether for trout, bass, crappie, or whatever you pursue, is one of the most peaceful ways of fishing you can have.

The simplicity of the experience, not having to deal with all the issues that come with trailering a boat, and the quiet make for a relaxing day of fishing, not to mention, opens yourself up to new places to explore and enjoy!