Destination Spotlight

Buckle up, Northwest Fishing readers. You’re about to get a blend of the best of both worlds - a history lesson on this great country and one of its key transformative features that allowed for expansion, as well as a little bit of fishing knowledge for consideration when planning future trips. I’m a history buff, enjoy a little bit of windshield time, and of course, an avid fisherman. I’m sure there are quite a few of you out there that share a similar enjoyment as I do, and if you don’t, that’s fine too. I am almost certain you are here for the fishing information anyway! To those in the latter camp, continue to indulge me a little bit as we talk about one of the key interstate systems that connects the West Coast to the East Coast, spanning from Seattle, Washington, to Boston, Massachusetts. Being a Montanan, I’m going to give you a few stops along the way in this great state for you to think about as you make the nearly 3,100-mile trip along Interstate 90.

As noted, Interstate 90 (I-90) is just under 3,100 miles and is the longest highway in the U.S. Interstate System. Established under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, it was officially numbered in 1957 as the northernmost transcontinental route. My personal favorite president, Eisenhower, felt it was a necessary transportation need for the country that would strengthen the US defense and economic output after his experience with the autobahn during World War II. Its creation replaced earlier U.S. Highways and auto trails, unifying them into a modern, high-speed corridor designed for safer, more efficient long-distance travel. The project spanned over decades, with most of the remaining western segments between Seattle and South Dakota opened by 1987, completing the continuous coast-to-coast route.

As much as we may wish fishing access was the intent of the creation of the interstate, it was not. We, as anglers, however, gained convenient access to many tremendous waterways along the route. Let’s dig into those easily accessible bodies of water here in Big Sky Country, just a short jaunt off I-90, in no particular order.

1)  Yellowstone River - Many of you are familiar with a little place called Yellowstone National Park, I’m sure. The Yellowstone River, as you’d expect, flows through the park while heading northeast throughout the state. It weaves along I-90 in several areas starting in Livingston and through the northeast corner of the state, but unless you're an angler looking for a remote fishing experience (and maybe you are!), its I-90 journey ends in Billings. To those wanting to make the drive along I-90, these cities offer anglers amenities you’d expect when planning a fishing trip, while also being able to quickly get into big fish. Anglers can expect to find rainbows and brown trout, as well as cutthroat and mountain whitefish.
 

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2) Clark Fork River -  Sticking with accessible river fishing, Clark Fork is more than worthy of consideration if you plan to make a drive along the interstate. Many folks will talk about fishing in Montana on the Yellowstone River, and of course, the Missouri, but this river is as worthy of a day or two of fishing as any in the state, and certainly along the interstate. Perhaps because of the infamy of the other rivers, the Clark Fork can often be less crowded than other fly-fishing rivers in the state. Anglers can expect to catch similar species of trout, but may also find westslope cutthroat along with the native Mountain Whitefish that lurk in the river. Speaking of lurking, depending on how adventurous you want to be, you may even get into some pike if you’re looking to target something else while on the water.

3) Canyon Ferry Lake - Northwest Fishing fans may remember a combination pizza/walleye episode filmed on the lake, and while the lake doesn’t have the size of fish that some anglers may crave, it does offer plentiful limits and a variety of species to be caught. Its location, just a short drive off the interstate, gives it both convenience and aesthetics as it is tucked in the Rocky Mountains with the Big Belt Mountain Range looming over it. If for nothing else, the views surrounding the lake are worth it on their own, and the fishing is just an added bonus! It is a must-stop location with its scenic views, close but slightly out-of-the-way access, and an abundance of different fish to catch make it a worthwhile stop on your travels.

4) Georgetown Lake - Georgetown Lake is an ice fisherman’s paradise nestled in the western part of the state, sitting at nearly 6,500 feet. Kokanee are the prize here, and many consider Georgetown to be the destination for those looking to limit out. Like many kokanee, anglers can expect to catch fish in the 8-10 inch range, with some getting up to 15 inches. The limit on these kokanee? Not 10 daily, 15 or even 20. There is no daily or possession limit for the fish on the lake. To those looking to create a little kokanee candy, fire up the smoker and plan to spend some time at Georgetown and catch fish until eternity - or at least whenever the state decides to change the regulations.  
 

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5) Missouri Headwaters - We’ll end with a trifecta, actually, rather than one fishing spot. The Missouri Headwaters near Three Forks provides anglers with an opportunity to fish three distinct Montana rivers in one central location. The Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers all meet along the south-central side of the state, just minutes off the interstate. While some of the better fishing would be had elsewhere along any of those three rivers, the significance of the Missouri Headwaters cannot be overstated, as it was a pivotal point in the Lewis and Clark Expedition, is the starting point for the Missouri River, and also provides anglers with access to premium trout fishing anywhere in the country. The benefit of being situated just off of I-90 and close to a major city like Bozeman only adds to the allure of this historic and fishy spot.

Are you into ice fishing? Do you have a competitive edge? Then consider fishing one of three ice fishing events happening in North Central Washington this winter.

MOLSON ICE FISHING DERBY – SIDLEY LAKE – January 17 – 8 am to 1 PM 

This is an annual event strongly supported by members of this small community just south of the border of Canada. Last year, 200 anglers participated, including 25 youth anglers.
Things kick off at the Molson Grange with a pancake breakfast for $12 from 7 to 10 AM. Sitzmark provides lunch in the grange in the early afternoon. Raffles take place for ice fishing gear and 25 different baskets with donated items and gift certificates. 
Prizes for the biggest fish, smallest fish, and for the participant who traveled the furthest are awarded here. The biggest fish is worth $500 cash and a $500 gift card to Country Store. Registration costs $15 for youth up to 12 years of age and $30 for adults. You can also add an extra $20 and win at least $300 for the heaviest weight of up to five rainbow trout. Register online at the Oroville Chamber of Commerce website.  www.orovillewachamber.com/events

BONAPARTE ICE FISHING DERBY – BONAPARTE LAKE RESORT – January 24 

This is another popular annual derby, and this will be the fourth year the event is being held.  Last year, 280 participants and another 120 lookers-on were there. There are three divisions of fish. They include the Adult Biggest Fish and an Adult Multi-species. There is also a category for the biggest fish caught by youth anglers. 

There are six species of fish in the lake (tiger trout, rainbows, brook trout, kokanee, lake trout, and smallmouth bass). The angler who weighs the biggest weight of 3 to 6 fish wins. There is a combination of ice fishing gear and cash given to winners. Last year, an ice auger was given to the biggest fish winner, and a one-man ice fishing shelter to the adult multiple species winner. Register through the Bonaparte Lake Resort Facebook page.
In addition to the resort restaurant that will be open, there will also be a number of other vendors on site. Last year, there was one vendor who was grilling up reindeer sausage for customers. There are no cabins available (they sell out a year in advance), but there are potentially some RV spots available.

CATCHING FREEDOM - OPERATION HARDWATER – BONAPARTE LAKE RESORT – January 31

Operation Catching Freedom is a non-profit that gets veterans, active-duty soldiers, and their families out for no-cost fishing trips. This will be an inaugural event and different in that there are no registration fees and no cash prizes awarded for the biggest fish, smallest fish, or any other category.
Tony Warren, the President of Operation Catching Freedom, said that he just wants veterans and the community at large to come out and go fishing. 

There is an in-person registration from 8 to 10 AM. Fishing takes place from 8 AM to 2 PM, and raffle prizes will be given away throughout the day. The event is taking place at Bonaparte Lake Resort, and there will be a BBQ for all attending between 11 AM and 1 PM. You can find further details at the Operation Catch Freedom Facebook Page.

HOW TO CATCH THEM 

Want some advice on how to catch these fish? Eric Magnuson, a well-known ice fishing angler and pro-staffer for Mack’s Lure, says, “Just like open water fishing, it’s all about forage and matching the hatch.” Magnuson continued saying, “If I notice the fish are after gorging more on bugs, I’ll tie on a 3mm or 4mm tungsten jig and tip it with plastic or a couple of maggots.  If I notice they are in more of a minnow feeding pattern, I might up my profile to a Swedish Pimple or Mack’s Sonic Baitfish spoon.”
And if that does not work, you can always tip a jig with a worm or nightcrawler, which will catch about anything. The bottom line is this: whether you just want to fish and have fun, or win cash or prizes, three great opportunities are waiting for you at North Central Washington’s Sidley Lake and Lake Bonaparte this winter.
Editor’s Note: Check out Eric Magnuson’s article on ice fishing for burbot at night on page xxx

John Kruse – www.northwesternoutdoors.com and www.americaoutdoorsradio.com 
 

We are a Destination RV Resort on the shores of Potholes Reservoir, 15 minutes South of I-90 at the Moses Lake exit. Potholes Reservoir is a 28,000-acre lake held back by a 3.5-mile earthen-filled dam, the longest such dam in the US. There is a boat launch at the resort as well as 3 others on the lake.

We are a 3^rd generation family resort. The senior Mesebergs bought the resort in 1972, moving from Seattle to MarDon. Now their grandchildren, Levi and Annie manage the resort. Our motto is From our family to yours!

Over the last 10 years, our family has added big rig RV sites and remodeled existing RV sites in the park.  We have replaced both old motels with 10 cottages and 5 beautifully appointed lake houses.  We also have rental homes and camper cabins sprinkled throughout the resort.  Once you are here and settled in the lodging or your RV, you can explore the resort and lake shoreline.  Come evening, enjoy a meal in our Beach House at MarDon Restaurant and lounge.  Or catch the sunset while you relax in a lawn chair on the marina while wetting a line. The marina boasts crappie, perch, bluegill, bass, trout, and the occasional walleye bite. And if you didn’t bring the right tackle or nightcrawlers the MarDon Tackle and Gift Shop is the place for you. 

And don’t forget to leave time to try our 18-hole mini golf course, $5 or $10 (kid/senior or adult).  It is challenging, fun, and a good way to work up a competitive banter amongst your group.  Or spend the day on the beach while the kids build sand castles and frolic in the lake. For the older kids, there is a dock to swim to.

The resort offers seasonal rates. Summer RV is $40-$85, $40 being a weekday water and light hookup, while the $85 is a big rig pull-through full hookup site with a concrete slab. The spring/fall range is $30-$70. Summer lodging is $165 - $410. All units are for 4, 6 or 8-person families. The $165 is a camper cabin, Cottages are $240-$335, Lake Houses are $290-330, and the large rental homes are $410. The Spring/Fall range is $120 - $315.

Nearby is a beautiful 18-hole course 1 mile from the resort, The Legacy Golf Resort.  Pro Touch rents jet skis (1 mile away but they will deliver to our beach).  MarDon Resort rents pontoon boats for families of 8 or less and 14’ fishing boats with a 15 hp motor for 2-4 people.  There are 70+ small lakes below the dam to explore,  www.columbianationalwildliferefuge.com

In other words, you will find more to do than you have time for. We have big skies, big water, and the best sunsets that I have ever seen (and I have been to Hawaii!).

https://mardonresort.com