March (fishing) Madness is now in full swing

March fishing in Montana means you need to be ready for anything.

In fact, as I write this, it is near-whiteout snowing in Kalispell. Yet on Saturday, while competitors were fishing the final Perch Assault event on Lake Mary Ronan, it was 55 degrees and sunny — and they were standing in 10 inches of slush and water on top of 15 inches of clear, hard ice.

Looking at the weather forecast for the rest of the week, we may well see some of our smaller lakes begin to loosen up the shoreline ice, making it possible that by this weekend there may be some open water around the edges for bank anglers and small boat anglers to take advantage of.

Or it might drop into the 20s and re-freeze all the slush and water. One thing is for certain is that in March, you need to have ALL your gear ready to go.

I still have all of my ice fishing gear at the ready since late ice can be some of the best ice fishing of the year. Perch are ready to spawn as soon as the ice comes off. Big females are stuffed with eggs and are as heavy as they will be all year.

While feeding is not their top priority, they still must eat and if you are in the right place at the right time, you might be rewarded with the biggest perch of your life.

I am still excited about late season ice fishing for lake trout. These fish are made for catching through the ice, they charge baits, strike with abandon and then dive for the depths, challenging tackle, knots and heart rates. When people want to know what we can ice-fish for at this time of year, these are my suggestions. Sure kokanee, northern pike and small trout can be readily had as well, but for me, March means perch and mackinaw on ice.

I have begun to sort and examine my open water spinning gear, getting it ready for ice-out trout fishing. Some need new line; others just need a quick wipe-down to remove winter’s dust. My small spoon and spinner tackle box is on my work table, with an obvious need to replace some hooks on a couple of my go-to lures, as several got bent on some fall lunkers (or perhaps, and more likely, snags).

The boat has its annual check-up with the Marine Doctor, since Flathead Lake is looking very inviting this week. The dock is in at Westshore State Park, and my logbooks indicate March has always rewarded my efforts on the big water with some of the largest lake trout of the year. Cold, consistent water temperatures at all depths mean these fish could be found anywhere, but the deep mud flats seem to hold the biggest fish, and they will readily attack big baits presented slowly right on the bottom.

A March tradition in the valley will take place on Saturday when our local Flathead Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited holds its annual banquet. As you read this, tickets will be almost gone, so don’t hesitate. Give Mark Weed a call at 257-2978.

And don’t forget, before heading out on any fishing trip, be ready with your 2014 fishing license. See you on the water!

Mike Howe runs Howes Fishing/A Able Charters. For more information check out the website, www.howesfishing.com, or call 406-257-5214.