YELLOWSTONE

ICE FISHING ON

HEBGEN LAKE

Guided ice fishing services offered by Mike Howe, Outfitter # 12843, PO Box 10 Bigfork, MT 59911, and conducted by Garrett Ostler, Guide # OUT-GUD-LIC-44117

HI, IM GARRETT! ILL BE YOUR GUIDE INTO THIS EPIC EXPERIENCE OF #ICEHOLEATION

GARRETT OSTLER

GUIDE # OUT-GUD-LIC-44117
Outfitted by Howe’s Fishing

ABOUT ME

I spend the winters in #ICEHOLEATION, this is a term I came up with the emergence of the social distancing and personal care during Covid.

I live to Ice Fish! While being new to Professional Guiding, My Licensed Outfitter that I’m under the tutelage, is Howe’s Fishing, Mike Howe. I am not new to guiding. I have been taking friends and family fishing for 40+ years and many of them can’t wait for the next time they are able to fish with me again. I’m so passionate about fishing, I do not sleep the night before I go fishing. One would think that after nearly 60 years it would get old, not for me, and especially for you if you’re the one going with me.

I have been a fishing merit badge counselor for the BSA, I have also been a 6-year, volunteer fishing instructor for the Utah Department of Natural Resources. I have competed and officiated in the NAFIC Tournament, but I haven't won it yet.

I love trying new things and exploiting methods to have the opportunity to take a picture of a fish prior to it swimming back down the hole. I also love to take fish and prepare them for the table, fresh and smoked alike.

I live within a half mile from the lake and fish nearly every day as soon as the ice is on the lake and safe. I do not take guests fishing until we exceed 6” of clear safe ice and quit when it reaches the same point in the spring.

I Moved to Montana in 2013 and Fish each, and every chance I get, I pursued getting a professional guide license to be able to help people experience a fishing experience on the ice. There is only one thing I like more than catching fish, that is having a friend, or a guest catch one or more.

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FAQS

Why choose Madison Adventures?

You will be fishing with a local guide who lives shoreside that ice fishes over 100 days each season.

How to book reservations?

We process reservations through our hotel website www.madisonhotelmotel.com/madisonadventures

Where are you located?

We fish at Hebgen Lake, West Yellowstone, Montana. Departing from the Yellowstone Holiday RV Resort. 16990 Hebgen Lake Rd, West Yellowstone, MT 59758

What will we be fishing for?

Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Rocky Mountain Whitefish and Utah Chub.

The Fish are not “large” but some may be the largest fish you have caught.

What time do your trips start?

We start 4-hour trips at 8 am to 12 noon for the half day. 7 am to 3pm typically for the 8-hour day trip.

We can come in at any time, but the days are charged as what was booked.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations are free prior to 72 hours, If the weather is unsafe, we may cancel at any time, and we will work though the financial deal together fairly.

Do I need a fishing license?

YES, everyone 12 years of age and older will need to obtain a Montana fishing license before starting your charter. We do not sell them but here is a link for you to purchase one… https://ols.fwp.mt.gov/ . Once you receive your confirmation, info about license vendors and online instructions are included. If you are attending and do not intend to touch a fishing pole, then you do not need a license.

What you will need to bring

Insulated waterproof boots
Warm coat and gloves.
Warm hat, sunglasses
Sunscreen
Your camera or cellphone
Snacks and drinks your welcome to bring your own adult beverage but keep in mind you need to drive home.
DO not bring a Pet!
Something to carry your catch in if you choose to keep any.
Your current Montana Fishing license. We verify prior to walking out on the ice so, the Game Warden doesn’t issue a summons to report to the Judge to tell him about your fishing excursion.

What we provide

Fishing rods, bait and tackle
Bucket seat
Hub tent
Heater
Ice auger
Fish locator, and other entertaining toys
I have a “Snackelbox” too with small treats
I don’t bring my Pets, unless you consider my trout friends below the ice.

Are “tips” (or gratuities) expected, and what is a “normal” tip?

Like most personal service activities, tips are a normal way of life. The Guide buys and maintains all the equipment, dries the tents and cleans the rods and the other equipment between each guest outing. The ice fishing equipment can rival the costs of outfitting a full guide boat. Guided trip fees do not include gratuities. This can be done with cash, Venmo or through our reservation system. With that in mind, the typical gratuity for a professional guide of any kind is 10-25% of the total cost of the trip.

Can we bring our pet?

NO PETS ALLOWED

Do we need experience?

NO! Our ice fishing trips are perfect for everyone, from complete novices of just about all ages to experienced anglers alike. The Guide will help you set up your fishing equipment, explaining everything as they do, but when the fish strike, it is all on you! (We will coach you as necessary, but you get to fight the fish to the top of the hole).

Is there an age limit?

While we enjoy having kids, anglers younger than 5-7 sometimes feel frustrated that they aren’t “part of the action” due to the environment. We have to keep a close eye on fingers and hands near moving equipment, sharp objects and fast action. Please be prepared as the parent to keep a very close eye on your younger children.

Can we keep what we catch?

While we encourage all of our guests to keep a few fish for the table, packing fish to “send back home” is not easily accomplished here and often not realistic.

Are there bathrooms?

We use the great outdoors.

Accommodations

If you need to stay overnight, the Terra-Nova Cabins, Three Bear Lodge, or the many other Winter Hotels here in town are available. www.destinationyellowstone.com would be the best information source for open hotels.