FWP Reminds Public Of Winter Fishing Safety

With snow falling in many of Montana’s valleys and winter sports enthusiasts looking to get outside, the state’s Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks has some ice fishing pointers and safety tips.

Many of the state’s fishing spots are open in the winter, though specific regulations on what can be taken when, what bait can be used and which places have seasonal closures is always something to bear in mind.

Checking both ice conditions and Montana’s 2025-26 fishing regulations is a good idea before getting out on the ice. FWP suggests fishing during the day when fish are most active, and that people might have some luck around dams. Fish change their behavior in the winter, often moving to areas with less temperature variance. They also tend to slow down and look for areas that are more oxygenated.

“The most popular winter fly fishing rivers are typically tailwaters – those stretches below a dam,” Adam Strainer, who heads FWP’s fisheries division, said in a release.

The agency recommends never to ice fish alone, wear an extra layer under waders, consider using a wading staff and to avoid flowing water above your knees.

Ice should be at least 4 to 6 inches deep, avoid open water and keep a sharp eye out for holes left by other people. Spreading out in larger groups is also generally recommended.

Ice fishing can be dangerous, especially when it comes to burns — a 2016 National Institute of Health study found that about 38 percent of fishing injuries happen in January. However, the study found that thermal injuries are actually more common than hypothermia.

Alcohol was also mentioned in the study.

“Intoxication was reported twice as often in the narrative of ice-fishing injuries compared to traditional fishing injuries warranting further investigation,” the study reads.