First Freshwater Report- Montana

    Here is a sample of the type fish we shoot up here in Montana. The ice should be off in the next couple weeks and we will be getting back out there after the pike. Average vis for us in Western MT is around 10-15 feet and water temps anywhere from 40-60 degrees on average. Our target is Northern Pike in Western Mt as they are the only species open to spearing (although I am working to remedy this). The majority of fish shot are in the 8-12 pound range, with a decent number of them around 15-20. There are of course a few big fish out there as well and the lakes in the region produce at least one over 30 pounds each year. Instead of Greysuits, we have Brownsuits that like to steal our catch (background of last shot). Thanks Dan for giving us a spot to post our reports on this Forum!





    "Whiskey don't make liars, it just makes fools. So, I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said."
    -James McMurtry

    Awesome way to kick off the freshwater section! Did the fellow filleting the fish know the bear was there? If I knew the bear was there I wouldn't look away from it. I've wondered for a long time what it's like to spear pike, that's the freshwater barracuda :) How do they react when speared?

    Yeah, he knew the bear was there. We are used to having them around. I had to take back one of my antelope from them in my driveway a few years back. That was an interesting standoff. Pike go nuts at first when hit and can easily tear off. I use slip tips for them. I have also been bitten by one while taking it to the boat. Nasty cuts that take a while to heal.

    "Whiskey don't make liars, it just makes fools. So, I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said."
    -James McMurtry

    Yes, Pronghorn...Fast food. It was in my truck during the middle of the day when I returned from hunting. I looked out my window and saw it was gone. I ran into the yard and chased off the bear. I took the antelope back and butchered it (what was left anyhow) with one eye looking over my shoulder.

    "Whiskey don't make liars, it just makes fools. So, I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said."
    -James McMurtry

    Here's another favorite pic

    "Whiskey don't make liars, it just makes fools. So, I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said."
    -James McMurtry

    Great looking Pike, I have only caught them on a spinning rig or fly rod when I was a kid. Montana looks amazing, so cool to see the bear hanging out.


    How is the Pike as jerky or smoked ?


    Cheers, Don

    "Great mother ocean brought forth all life, it is my eternal home'' Don Berry from Blue Water Hunters.


    Spearfishing Store the freediving and spearfishing equipment specialists.

    Quote from Ryddragyn

    When is the best time of year to hunt pike in Montana?


    Mid-to-late June I would say for best vis and bigger fish.

    "Whiskey don't make liars, it just makes fools. So, I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said."
    -James McMurtry

    Quote from Don Paul

    Great looking Pike, I have only caught them on a spinning rig or fly rod when I was a kid. Montana looks amazing, so cool to see the bear hanging out.


    How is the Pike as jerky or smoked ?


    Cheers, Don


    Haven't tried it yet. Meat is kind of like hog fish, white and flaky. I have done ceviche with it as well. Prob. be good in a smoked fish dip, but I might try to do some jerky this summer now that you mention it. If it turns out good I'll send you some for the idea.

    "Whiskey don't make liars, it just makes fools. So, I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said."
    -James McMurtry

    Nice. When I was a kid we'd go to upper Lake Huron in Canada and fish for Pike. We'd catch some and fry up a shore lunch on an island. Great eating. Just takes a little practice getting around the Y bones.
    Really nice clear water but COLD.

    I feel like there has to be an obstacle. Be it shark or other predators, water clarity or in this case, cold as shite. Never easy to hunt underwater. Looks like a hella good time though

    i like to spear fish

    Hi Stick-em,


    Have you ever done any hunting in Wade Lake or Cliff Lake up there in Montana? I flew over them in a plane several years ago, and the water looked so inviting I said to myself, "I've gt to go dive those lakes some day". I'm wondering if the hunting may be good there.


    Also, I'm not familiar with Montana rules. What can you shoot there?


    Thanks,
    Revan

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