(Report compiled by Carol Henckel)

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.

Bill -Rock Creek Marina 1-406-485-2560

“Fishing here is still decent. They have caught some nice walleyes.  The biggest walleye caught this week a 12,one 8 pound and a 15 inch northern pike. The ice is getting oft by the shore.  Just be cautious because there are pressure ridges. We had a 4 wheeler go through the ice. Lots of geese are coming back. We may have only one more weekend with the warm weather,” reports Bill of Rock creek Marina.

Bob Peterson-Tongue River Reservoir

Bob says,”fishing has picked up some. The ice is good, over a foot.  Some crappies, walleye and a few perch are being caught.”  Jordon says” they are still catching crappies, perch and walleye coming on tipups. In places the lake can be soft because the water is rising.”

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

 Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir

Nate from Scheels says northern pike fishing has been okay according to customers.  A few walleyes are being caught. Unable to contact Marina for report.

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

Fort Peck Reservoir Dam/Bear Creek/Pines/Gene Moore, of Lake Ridge says, “Northern pike, walleye and lake trout are being caught. Fishing has been good.  The ice is good and   but you have to be careful. The dam fishing is good.  Many are fishing at Bear Creek, Ducktail and in the Dredge Cuts.  They are catching a few walleye and trout on the river.”

Lake Elmo – Billings

No ice fishermen this week. The ice is okay.  But only the hockey players and ice skaters have been on the ice. Fishing hasn’t been good.

Cooney Reservoir – Jenny

Matt the game warden says, “The ice is pretty good.  There is a bit of slush. You have 8 to 10 inches of ice. Fishing has slowed down. There are a few spots by the shore that are pulling away.”

DeadmanslMartinsdale- Justin

The weather is helping to determine whether the fishing is good.

Martinsdale has been fishing okay for rainbows.  Really all species have been good. Ice is 12 to 14 inches thick. They are using a worm with a Swedish pimple.

Deadmans Ice conditions may be difficult getting on the ice.  The edges can be soft.  There has been some thawing and freezing going on. ,” said  Justin.

Don’s Lewistown- Dale

“Achley and Hanson Dam have good ice and the fishing is good. They are using corn and worms. Hell Creek, Forchette and the Big Dry Arm access is good.  They are using minnows.  The walleyes have been shallow and being caught late in the day.  Someone caught a 46 inch northern pike. They are also using frozen smelt and getting good size catches.

The ice is bad on the Missouri and Anderson is bad.  Everything is getting pretty iffy there.

Crooked Creek-Grant

Access for fishermen is not real good. You need to be careful.  They are using 4 wheelers and are traveling quite a way out to catch fish.  No supplies available.

Lewistown Sports-Dave

Fishing is really good at Forchette and Devil’s Creek.  They are using jigs and medium minnows and catching northern pike. A few perch and walleye are being caught.

Minnow Bucket-Allen Camarillo 861-0156

I fished Tongue and the perch bite was slow.  Just caught only a few of them.  Petrolia was fishing good but I would watch the ice with this warm weather.  People are heading to the Yellowstone river for ling but I have not heard of any catches.

Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon

Fishing has been good.  Walleye catch has been good.  Trout has been very good.   Perch have been slow. Ice is good and is not pulling sway.  The pressure ridges have been marked.   It is really important to stop at the store before going out as pressure ridges are changing daily.

West Side Sports Dan 1-406-654-1611

Nelson – The fishing has slowed up on Nelson.  The ice is pretty good as far I know.  Perch and northern pike are the main bite.

Forchette has ice but access is a problem. It is hit and miss for walleye and they are small.

Billings-Scheels – Nate

Nate  says, “Sauger are being caught on the Yellowstone near Huntley.

Big Horn- On Barry’s Landing I was told you can get off the ramp but all you can do is go in a circle right in front of the ramp.  You just can’t get out there.

Olka Bay- I went to Olka Bay but you can’t get over the road there is so much snow.

After Bay- No one has  had any results. Just no fish caught.

Fort Peck Hell Creek is still fishing well for pike. Walleye fishing is okay. There has been wind to contend with.

Around Billings, fishing has been slow for sauger.

I heard Forsyte is still frozen, and they are fishing okay.