Start the ice fishing season at Sunriser tourney

Yes, in spite of our unusually warm weather, ice fishing season is here. ‘Tis the hard water fishing season!  

Smith Lake, located close to Kalispell, is one of the first lakes to freeze over, so it is a popular spot to dust off your ice fishing gear and catch a few tasty perch or pike. This year is a little different because of our spell of above normal temperatures. Many of our larger lakes still have open water. Many of our smaller bodies of water, ponds, lakes and river sloughs have a thin layer of ice. So, if you are adventurous, and want to do some early season ice fishing, venture out on the ice very carefully! 

Using your ice chisel or axe, test the ice depth frequently as you venture out. Most experts recommend at least 4 inches of ice thickness, at the minimum, to safely hold a person. Even ponds and lakes with no apparent currents can have ice of varying thickness.