Report compiled by Carol Henckell

Please be advised that conditions can change daily so please call the contact person in the area you are planning on FISHING for current daily information. Weather is changing and some days wind can be a big factor.  Keep an eye on the weather while you are out there and stay safe.

Good luck FISHING from the Montana Outdoor Radio Crew.

Bill -Rock Creek Marina 1-406-485-2560
“This week fishing has been good,” Linda says. The water temperature in the main channel is 44 to 50 degrees depending on where you are. Many people are limiting out this week on walleye. Walleyes have been picking up since the weather has improved. You can still catch nice northern pike as well. The big fish winner this week is Schwan Shock with a walleye 32
incher and 12.25 pounds. We have seen 3 30 inchers as well. They are using jigs and minnows for walleyes in shallow water.

They are fishing in 4 to 10 feet of water towards shore. We ran out of minnows half way through the week so call and check supply before you come up. It also would be a good idea to check on spaces as it has been really busy.

Bob Peterson-Tongue River Reservoir

Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Colton
“Fishing has been pretty good. We have seen more walleye than crappies, pike or small mouth being caught. The pike are being caught all over.

They are using the usual jigs with minnows and night crawlers,” Colton says. We are now open all week.

Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir
“Fishing has been good. The Northern Pike have been good. At the dam they have caught bass and walleye. They are catching their limits of walleye but they are 1 ½ to 2 pounds with 7 to 8 pounds the biggest. They are using jigs for walleye and spoons and cranks for pike. Best area is close to Hell Creek and Sutherland at 4 to 15 feet depth. Otherwise you can catch a few rainbow trout as well.

Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene Moore, of Lake Ridge says,” It is picking up. At least the weather has een good. Duck Creek, Skunk Creek and Flat lake is picking up for walleye and northern. They are using the usual, jigs and minnows and some lindy rigs with minnows. Lots of Northern Pike on smelt and minnows being caught on the river and lake. Just a few walleye so far. Lake trout are
doing well on flutter spoons especially on Hacksbee Point. It is going to get better we had 48 degrees this week. ”

Lake Elmo – Billings
Lake Elmo has been lowered temporarily for the repairs. As of Monday it has dropped enough so the irrigation people can get to the headgate to replace it. So we should see digging and action going on this week. People can still fish. In fact there is some nice new beach that people are taking advantage of with a chair and a pole. Trout and a few catfish are being caught.

Cooney Reservoir – Jenny
Walleye fishing has been okay unless the moon is out. Rainbow trout are being caught at Fisherman point. The roads are good and all docks are in.

Patience is what you need here.

Deadmans/Martinsdale – Justin

The river is still okay. The flows are low but some fish are being caught.

Fishing is so so at best at Deadmans. Some people are catching a few rainbows.

Martinsdale

It is picking up at Martinsdale. Some people are limiting out. Fishing is good from shore. You can’t use the boat ramp yet but you can launch off the point. Ramp still it is still too muddy.

The river has been good for browns. The spawn is done or almost done.

Don’s Lewistown- Dale

At Achley Lake bait fishing is good on for spin fishermen on nightcrawlers. If they use a fly rod they are using panther martins.

Spring Creek is doing well with nymphs. Catching small mouth on mepps Panther martins. “There is a midge hatch going on. They are using pheasant tails, copper Johns and prince nymphs,” said Charlie.

The Missouri is slow for paddlefish so far. Cat fish are being caught on minnows and northern pike fishermen were doing well this week.

Crooked Creek-Grant
Due to water levels being too low you cannot fish or use your boat. The marina will not be open. It is closed but cabins are still available for other uses just call 1-406-429-2999.

Lewistown Sports-Dave
There is a good hatch of may flies on Spring Creek and people are catching.

Slow paddlefish fishing on the Missouri this week. Only a few caught.  You can catch catfish, walleye and northerns off the bank. They are trying a hook and sinker and minnows. There is low water on the river.

Minnow Bucket-Allen Camarillo 861-0156

“It is good fishing from Huntley Dam to Hysham using minnows for small mouth and catfish. I caught a nice 9 pound catfish. They are using spinners and cranks,” Allen says. “The Big Dry Arm is hot I hear.” The Yellowstone Catfish Challenge Catfish Tournament is this weekend call Tyler George ,Yellowstone Challenge Co-Tourney director 406-544-9961 for information.

Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon

“Fishing has been good for walleyes on the East side going shallow of the lake. Confederate south at 3 to 6 feet is getting bites. They are using cranks and jigging. You can catch rainbow trout all over on pretty much anything. The Flamingo Grill is opening on Friday. Broadway Rod and Gun Tournament is moved to Canyon Ferry this year instead of Goose Bay on July
12 th ”,Sharon says.

West Side Sports Dan 1-406-654-1611

“Nelson is fishing better. They are using bottom bouncers and worm harnesses and night is better. Shad rap with crankbait is working for northern pike. Some people are using Berkley flicker shads as well.

Paddlefish is just starting on the Missouri but it is slow. Forchette is just too low. I did see one nice 29 inch walleye caught this week,” Dan says.

Billings-Scheels Nate

Nate says, “Cooney has been steller for fishing at night with a full moon.

A friend went out on a cloudy day and it was not good. There is one coming up.”  Yellowtail is good at Mile 7 with jigs for walleye,” Nate explains.

Martinsdale is picking up for boat fishing using cowbells for rainbow trout.  Waco by Custer is doing well for catfish right now.

Big Horn has been hot for fly fishing.

Rock Creek is picking up as well.

Rich’s Tackle – Richard

“People I’ve talked to haven’t had good luck at Canyon Ferry. The only bite for walleye seems to be east. They are catching walleyes on Lake Helena. They are getting 14 to 18 inch fish. Rainbow trout has been good for browns at Ennis, Canyon Ferry, Jefferson and the Madison just using worms. All and all we could use some rain,” Rich says.