Per usual, we'll start off with water levels, which are good enough to avoid any worry. Current elevation is 1,832 (18 feet below full pool, close to winter target zone of 1,835), and the mountain snowpack is almost exactly average, which would probably get us a 3-6 foot rise by July. April is a big snow month, though, so we could see more. Last season we started at 1,835 and peaked around 1,843, so we'll probably be tracking just a little below last season, but shouldn't have any ramp issues. A few do need silt removal after ice-out, though, so some may not be immediately accessible.
The theme of the last two seasons was funny weather, very warm spring of 2023, quite cold spring of 2024. Both altered the seasonal patterns early (in good and bad ways respectively) and then lead to very deep fishing late summer into fall. It'll be interesting to see if we have a more normal pattern this year, but the fish are there. Walleye numbers are well above average, just off record highs according to the G&F. The bulk of the catch towards the end of last summer was 14-15 inch fish, which would likely be perfect 17-18 inchers this year, perfect for tasty limits to take home. There was also a large year class spawned in 2023 (second highest on record), and those fish will probably be 12-13 inches this year, so anglers will probably run into a lot of that this season as well.
The good news is that the average size smelt (primary walleye forage) is up this year after being somewhat small last year, so that helps grow fish fast. Additionally, there was an abnormally large class of cisco spawn last year, food for very large walleyes (and pike/salmon), so that could boost the trophy potential of 10+ pounders out there.
As far as other species, pike continue to be low in numbers, though there was a good spawn in 2023, so you may run into a bunch of hammer handles. Smallmouth numbers continue to rise, mostly in the 12-14 inch category. And last year was one of the best for salmon fishing, especially on size. I don't personally fish salmon, but I work with a few awesome guides who do, so check out Big Lake Guide Service, Going Deep Adventures, or Big Muddy Guide Service if you're into the salmon thing in August and September.
Ice-off will be a question mark this season as there was upwards of 36 inches of ice yet in early March. I'm hopeful to be on the lake by end of April, but if it stays cool, it's possible we won't hit Sakakawea until early May. If I had to guess, I'd say we'll have a few days in April with the boat.
I did end up altering my fee schedule to keep up with inflation and market rates on guiding. Essentially I went to a $250/person/day with a $600 minimum, so the 2-person rate is unchanged, but the three and four-person rates are a little higher. That said, if you book before April 15, I'm going to honor last year's rates, so get ahold of me and get on the schedule soon! And for those solos out there, I do still offer the fish school at a rate of $500 as I do enjoy the one-on-one days.
Now let's end with a few videos to get the juices flowing. Here's to a great 2025!