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 pulling off by the shore. Just be cautious because there are pressure ridges. We have 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,” The ice is still good considering it has been warmer. The last two days have been really good. I don’t know whats going on but the ice houses are being pulled by fishermen. A check has shown 15 inches of ice.” Some crappies, walleye and a few perch are being caught.” Jordon says,” 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 but ice is changing. A few walleyes are being caught. Unable to contact Marina for report.
Gene Moore Lake ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene Moore, of Lake Ridge says, ”Northern pike, walleye and lake trout are being caught on the lake. Fishing has been good. They are using tipups and minnows. Ice is 14 to 18 inches thick. You need to watch the points because the ice is shallow. The river fishing is slow for walleye with only a few trout. ”
Lake Elmo Billings
No ice this week the wind blew it off so there is no fishing.
Cooney Reservoir – Jenny
Jenny says, “There is ice on the lake. You need to use caution because of changing weather. There are a few spots by the shore that are pulling away.”
DeadmanslMartinsdale – Justin
“Most of the ice is off the lake or dispersed,” Justin said.
Martinsdale and Deadmans “The water levels are low. There is a lot of high wind situations which could be a hazard for boats right now. ,” said Justin.
Don’s Lewistown- Dale
Dale says, “We just had a really good cold snowstorm. Achley has been excellent. They are using power bait and crawlers. The ice is good. Fort Peck, I have heard, has fair to good ice. It has been good for perch. Walleye have been good in the evening. They are catching big northern pike. Ice is off Stafford Ferry. On the Missouri river they are using live minnows and smelt and catching quite a few sauger, a few cats and some walleye.”
Crooked Creek-Grant
Access for fishermen is not possible from here. No supplies available.
Lewistown Sports-Dave
Fishing is too dangerous everywhere. The Missouri is open and they are using bait fish off shore.
Minnow Bucket-Allen Camarillo 861-0156
Allen says,” People are heading to the Yellowstone river for ling but I have not heard of any catches. The locals are heading there and I know of a really nice 10 # walleye caught at night. They are catching only a few trout from Huntley to Pompey.”
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
“Ice is still good so fishing has been good,” Sharon says. We had 10 degrees last night. Walleye catch has been good. Rainbow trout has been very good. Perch have been slow but you catch them if you go far enough north and deep enough. Out toward Confederate is where they are going.
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 -406-654-1611
“Anywhere you go right now the key word is caution,” Dan says.
Nelson – The fishing has slowed up on Nelson and they are only using walking or a bit of 4 wheelers. Perch and northern pike are the main bite.
Forchette has ice but you don’t want to go on it. No one seems to be heading there.
Billings-Scheels – Nate
Nate says, “Sauger are being caught on the Yellowstone near Huntley.”
Fort Peck Hell Creek is still fishing well for pike. Walleye fishing is okay. There has been wind to contend with.
We have gotten our spring and summer stock up so you can come check it out.
Rich’s Tackle – Richard
Trout has been tremendous anywhere you go, Canyon Ferry, Ruby, Harrison and on the river. They are catching pike in 60 foot of water. You can use a boat on Holter and Hauser.
