EASTERN MONTANA FISHING REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF 2/29/12
By Kjel

Posted: February 29, 2012

Please be advised that ice conditions can change daily so please call the contact person in the area you are planning on fishing for current daily information. Also use extreme caution on the ice at all times. Good Luck Fishing from the Montana Outdoor Radio Crew.

***Bob-Bob’s Bait Shop 1-406- 429-2086

Crooked Creek Fort Peck Reservoir: The ice is 18 inches in the Bay” Bob says, “ We are seeing some northerns and perch . The Missouri River channel is definitely dangerous and is still real thin. It just is not safe.

***Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345

Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir: “ Fishing is good. Northerns are still biting .” You can definitely limit out on pike,” Clint said. Perch fishing is also good. Walleye fishing is really slow. Ice depths by the marina are 10 inches. The first 4 ½ miles in the Bay is good. “ The main lake you have got to be really careful” says Clint. “There is definitely good fishing at Fort Peck.” He says.

***Gene Moore Lake ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597

Fort Peck Reservoir Dam/Bear Creek/Pines/: Gene Moore, of Lake Ridge says, “ They are catching lots of northern. Walleyes only off and on” Duck Creek, pines and flatlake bay is where they are fishing . Minnows are working on tip ups and some guys are spearing . The bays have 14 inches but if you go too far out toward the main channel it can be 2 inches. There is open water at Bear Creek. The middle of the lake is open and dangerous.

***West Side Sports –Dan 1-406-654-1611

Nelson, Forchette:  Dan at West Side Sports tells us.” At Nelson they are catching northern and perch . “ Walleye fishing is poor. They are using minnows, jigs and some spearing. People are walking onto the ice or using 4 wheelers. Ice safety is still a concern .  People seem to be staying off Forchette Bay as the ice is not good. “ Most people have pulled off fishing there,” Dan said. Feel free to call for conditions as they change quickly ,” Dan said

*** Silos Marina Sharon 266-3100

 Canyon Ferry: “ We have got good trout fishing. The pressure ridges seem to be under control . The perch have moved south. They are biting very, very deep, 40 to 60 feet. “ Ling are biting ”, Sharon said. The ling are beginning to move to the south west for the spawn. Ice is 17 inches thick and in good shape. Sharon said. Stop in before you go out to hear what we can share with you.

***Minnow bucket Allen Camarillo 348-2440

Allen Camarillo tells us that fishermen are heading to Crooked Creek, He says some people are catching catfish on the Yellowstone near the Pompey Huntley area. He has heard there is hardly any ice. ” He has also heard the Yellowstone is fishable all the way to Glendive and they are catching saugers.” He said. They are using minnows.

Lake Elmo Billings: The ice fishing is over on Lake Elmo as ¾ of the water is open. People are pole fishing off the dock. The waterfowl are coming in and that is a fun watch.

Cooney: The ling fishing at night is slowing down. They are using cut up minnows. Ice is 16 inches with a snow cover. Rainbow catching is slower. People still need to monitor ice conditions on the ice because of fluctuating temperatures.

Deadmans and Martinsdale:  Justin says,” Martinsdale has good ice.” Fishing is pretty good. He has seen only rainbows caught. They are catching them on power bait. Ice is 8 to 10 inches deep.

Deadmans is slow because of the ice conditions I’ve only seen one fish caught this week by the dam. Ice is breaking up on the north end and patchy on the west end.

***Don’s Dave 1-800-879-8194

Lewistown East Fork Reservoir: Dave says, “On the East Fork reservoir they are catching pike and perch on smelt. Pike are nice size. At Ackley Lake fishermen are catching good size rainbows .” The ice is still good at both places.

Spring Creek is open year round for fishing.

Casino Creek reservoir is fishing well. There they are catching nice 1 pound perch on decent ice.

 

COMPILED BY Carol Henckel

 

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