When the Missouri River settles into winter, the reservoirs upstream of Craig freeze over and the fishing moves under the ice. Living Water Guide Service runs guided ice fishing trips on Holter Lake and Canyon Ferry Reservoir, the same Missouri River system we fish from spring through fall. Holter sits just minutes from our home water in Craig, and Canyon Ferry is an easy drive from Helena or Bozeman.
Every trip is heated, fully outfitted, and built for groups of up to six anglers per guide. First-timers, families with kids, and seasoned hard-water anglers all fish the same way: warm, comfortable, and over fish.
Montana Ice Fishing Rates
Half-Day Ice Fishing Trip
$625 for 1–2 anglers
Each additional angler $100 (up to 6 per guide)
Full-Day Ice Fishing Trip
$750 for 1–2 anglers
Each additional angler $100 (up to 6 per guide)
Groups larger than six can be split across multiple guides, contact us to plan it.
What’s Included
- Heated ice shelters with chairs for every angler
- Hot Lunch on full day trips
- Ice rods, reels, and tackle
- Holes drilled and shelters set before you fish
- Electronics to locate fish and watch them come to the jig
- Slip-on ice cleats for walking safely on ice and snow
- Non-alcoholic beverages
Where We Ice Fish
Your guide picks the lake the evening before each trip based on ice thickness, weather, and recent fishing. Both waters sit on the Missouri River system and hold fish all winter.
Holter Lake Ice Fishing
Holter Lake is the closest ice to Helena and one of the most consistent winter fisheries in central Montana. Expect rainbow trout, walleye, and yellow perch, with the bays and shoreline flats often freezing first. A short drive means more time fishing and less time on winter roads.
Canyon Ferry Reservoir Ice Fishing
Canyon Ferry, east of Helena, is one of Montana’s largest reservoirs and a long-standing ice fishing destination. Rainbow trout, walleye, yellow perch, and burbot all come through the ice here. Its size gives us options, when one stretch slows down, we can move.
Ice Fishing Season in Montana
Our ice season typically runs from late December through early March, depending on how the winter sets up. Ice conditions decide everything. Your guide checks ice thickness before anyone steps onto the lake, and we will not fish ice that isn’t safe. If conditions aren’t right on your date, we’ll work with you to reschedule.
What to Expect on the Ice
You’ll meet your guide at a set location near the lake. By the time you arrive, shelters can be up and heaters running, or you can help set up and run the auger, which many guests enjoy. From there it’s jigging, watching the electronics, and learning how fish behave under the ice. Your guide adjusts depth, location, and presentation through the day based on what the fish are doing.
No experience is required. Ice fishing is one of the easiest ways to introduce kids and new anglers to fishing, and it’s a productive way for experienced anglers to stay on the water through the off-season.
What to Bring
- Warm base layers and an insulated outer layer
- Insulated, waterproof winter boots
- Warm hat, gloves, and a spare pair of gloves
- Sunglasses, glare off snow and ice is strong
- Hot Lunch and snacks for full-day trips
- A valid Montana fishing license
Montana Fishing License Requirements
Anglers 12 and older need a Montana Conservation License, a Fishing License, and an Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass. Children 11 and under fish free when accompanied by a licensed adult. Purchase licenses online in advance through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at https://ols.fwp.mt.gov/
Ice Fishing FAQs
Do I need ice fishing experience? No. Your guide provides all equipment and instruction. Most of our ice fishing guests have never fished through the ice before.
Will I be cold? You’ll fish from heated shelters with chairs. Dress in layers, wear good boots, and you’ll be comfortable.
Is ice fishing good for kids? Yes. Short sessions, steady action, and a warm shelter make it a good fit for families. Kids 11 and under don’t need a fishing license when fishing with a licensed adult.
How do you know the ice is safe? Your guide checks ice thickness before every trip and on the lake itself. If the ice isn’t safe, we don’t go out.
What fish will we catch? Rainbow trout, Northern
Pike walleye and yellow perch common on both lakes.
Can you take groups larger than six? Yes. We assign additional guides for larger groups, contact us for availability.
Fishing With Living Water Year-Round
When the ice comes off, we’re back on the Missouri River with drift boat and walk-and-wade trips on the Missouri River out of Craig, and our Land of Giants jet boat trips through the Gates of the Mountains Marina.
Book Your Montana Ice Fishing Trip
Ice fishing dates fill around the holidays and on winter weekends.
406-465-1688