 Outfitter Doug Komrosky, PO Box 1057, Havre, MT 59501 Home: (406) 262-2195, Cell: (406) 390-6892 Email: Hi-Line Charter Fishing
With the recent years of drought and need for water downstream of the Dam, this still huge body of water continues to change. Shallow rock piles, submerged islands and now even some exposed trees in the far reaches of the main lake present ongoing navigation challenges that didn't exist in years past. For safety sake, at least, a person needs to relearn the lake every year. No one wants to have their boat high centered on one of those submerged islands, or leave their lower unit sitting on one of those many rock piles. I have fished Fort Peck for many years and am finding different obstacles and hazards that I didn't know existed. Common sense tells us we need to perhaps back off on the throttle even more now when we come to that favorite point or driving into an area we are not yet familiar with. As for the weather, there are some things you can do to help you stay safe. One way is to have a marine band radio in your boat. This not only allows you to communicate with other boaters and the marinas on the lake, but also gives you access to weather conditions and the forecast for FORT Peck specifically. Another thing you can do is perhaps store some type of freeze dried food on board in case you end up spending the night sometime or someplace you had not planned. Experienced boaters and anglers on Fort Peck know just how rough and tumble the lake can get in a very short period of time. It is during these severe weather patterns these experienced boaters opt not to go out on the lake. So what happens when you are already on Fort Peck and one of these sudden storms hits you? The SMART and SAFE thing to do is to hole up. Get into a bay (Fort Peck has literally hundreds of them) and wait out the storm. Rarely, if ever, is there something at the dock or boat ramp that can't wait for you to make a safe return. Every storm passes. Once it blows over and the water settles, simply enjoy your ride back to the dock and thank yourself for having the common sense to not mess with Mother Nature. Common sense and knowledge of the waters of Fort Peck will go a long way in helping you enjoy this fabulous recreational resource. Good luck in your fishing. -- Doug and Carol Outfitter Doug Komrosky PO Box 1057, 6820 Hiway 2 East Havre, MT 59501 Home Phone (406) 262-2195 Cell Phone (406) 390-6892 Email: Hi-Line Charter Fishing |