“A big sky, a frozen lake and no words. Both remote and real, winter mornings in Montana just hit different.”
— Alvin Dedeaux
Alvin Dedeaux (@alvin_dedeaux_fly_fishing) tried his hand at ice fishing for the first time when he visited northeastern Montana.
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Fishing isn’t just for the warmer months: Here in Montana, it’s a year-round sport. Trade your waders for spikes and take to the ice for a fishing trip in northeastern Montana that you’ll never forget.
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Your adventure begins as you travel north from Billings to Saco, where you’ll check into the night’s accommodation: Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs & Resort. Named for a rock formation that resembles a sleeping buffalo, this resort offers several geothermic pools that are naturally warmed to a comfortable 108 degrees. After dropping your bags, drive to nearby Malta for dinner. While you’re in town, remember to stop by a grocery store to make sure you’re stocked up on all your snacking essentials for your upcoming time on the ice. Return to the resort and enjoy a well-deserved soak after a long day of travel.
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Pack up your snacks and head to Nelson Reservoir. Dress for the weather, and remember that conditions in Montana can change on a dime. Whether you’re bringing fishing gear along with you or you’re meeting a guide on the ice, you’ll spend the day in pursuit of northeast Montana’s best catches, including walleye, perch and pike. As the sun begins to set, drive on to Glasgow, who lovingly embraces the moniker of “The Middle of Nowhere.” Here, you’ll warm up with a delicious meal and relax at your hotel for the night.
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Grab a quick breakfast before driving to Fort Peck Lake for another day of winter fishing. If you’re fishing without the assistance of a guiding service, make sure to pack lunch and snacks to take with you. After your fishing session, pay a visit to the nearby Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center, where, along with seeing fantastic views of Fort Peck Lake, you can explore the history of Fort Peck Dam, the largest embankment dam in the country; see “Peck’s Rex,” one of the most complete T. rex skeletons ever found; and learn about the native and game fish present in Fort Peck Lake and the Missouri River. Cap off your trip with one last meal from a charming small-town spot in Glasgow, reminiscing on a fishing trip you’ll never forget.
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