Mike, James did an IDO episode up there last year, and they fished just a couple miles up the road from the Lakeridge, right near the dam. Same area that Jason Mitchel and I filmed his episode that kicked off his 2019 ice fishing episodes.
Both of these shows can be found on the respective You Tube channels. There are places very close by to access the lake with your set-up, which sounds perfect for Peck.

You are right about the crap road into Hell Creek, especially towing/hauling.

My suggestion (as one of only a handful of outfitters that provide guided ice fishing on the lake) is to stick to the dam area of the lake, where you can get reliable, daily updates from Eddie and the boys (my guides and partners) at the Lakeridge. Whether you are looking for a fully guided trip, a place to stay while going self guided, or just a place to get bait and the best info, the Lakeridge is the only game on the lake unless you want to go guerilla style!

And just a heads uup, we are putting on a tournament the weekend of March 1-3rd, a 44 Hour event. With the sounds of your set up, it may be right up your alley! Best place to learn about all of what I have mentioned is on the Lakeridge Lodging and Bait Shops Facebook page.

I am happy to answer any other questions you may have, and I wish you the best on your adventures!

As a Lake Trout outfitter/guide in Montana, I encourage you to check out our web site and Facebook page for some info on Montana trout fishing. We are happy to help do it yourselfers and our sites usually offer some good tips and timely info.

There are some outstanding lakes to ice big Lakers and big rainbows in our area, and the lakes we guide on are of course, good lakes to start YOUR search on

The biggest thing I will say is, lake trout and rainbows will tax the best drags…use a quality reel and let it do it’s thing. Make sure you know how to tie good knots and keep your hooks SHARP. Lakers have a hard mouth and you will be setting hooks in deep water. I fish braid anytime I am deeper than 40′

Good luck and hope to see you in MT!

From the Solo manual…

“use a clean, high quality 2 cycle oil mixed with fuel at a ratio of 40:1…Do NOT use a full synthetic 2 stroke oil”

you do NOT need to use a TCW-3 oil(although you can)…this is an air cooled engine with different cooling requirements than a water cooled marine engine.

Just use a good quality 2 cycle oil, not the .99 cent stuff found in a grocery/convenience store and you will be fine.

Striker…warm, dry, several insulation and material options to choose from, you can mix sizes (buy coat and bib separately) the inseams adjust,so you get the right fit AND they float. For the money, you just can’t do any better.

I love the Predator suit. Lightest insulation, soft material so you don’t feel like you are wearing a box but super warm. Go try them all, they make like a dozen color/material/insulation combos, you will find the right suit.

SWEETEST rods out there, regardless of the color

ALL the 4 stroke augers are sensitive to oil weight and level. Follow the manual and don’t put a drop more than it calls for. Overfilling is bad…

This is a subject very near and dear to me…in fact our side business, Montana Ice Safety Systems, deals with all the available tools to protect on ice recreationists. Everything from ice cleats, picks and throw ropes, to the Wilcraft amphibious vehicle, J-Wheelz for your ATV, Nebulus systems for your snowmobile and Striker Suits that float you..
Common sense is the most important factor and there are some great points made here. There are great products out there that increase our chances of survival if we do go thru, but staying on top of the ice is the best place to start. Please contact me about any of the above mentioned products and I will point you in the right direction.
Mike
http://www.iceduels.com
http://www.howesfishing.com

For the easiest method, I use VP Racing Fuels SEF 94 small engine fuel. It comes pre-mixed in either 40:1, 50:1 or straight gas for 4 strokes. You can buy in 1 quart, 1 gallon and larger containers.

I keep the one quart bottles so I always have a can with me. No mix, no mess.

It is non-ethanol fuel, 94 octane and has an unlimited shelf life unopened, and 2 years once you open it. You do not need to worry about Stabil, or Sea-Foam…leave it in all summer and it starts like you ran it yesterday.

It is expensive (and there are other similar products like Stihl, True Fuel etc.) but I have trusted VP racing Fuels since the early 80’s and they have never failed me.

It was originally developed in conjunction with emergency service crews who were having trouble with ethanol fuel in their jaws of life and generators. If you want THE best fuel option for your small engines, this is it.

I am their Montana distributor and have sold a LOT of fuel to guys and to a man, they claim old augers run better, idle better, use less fuel and they all came back and bought more.