(Report compiled by Carol Henckel)
Please be advised weather is changing constantly and some days wind and snow can be a big factor. Ice conditions are dangerous as Spring weather is unpredictable. Enjoy yourself but remember alcohol alters your judgment so use it sparingly while enjoying the outdoors. Keep an eye on the weather while you are out there and stay safe.
This report is compiled on Monday and Tuesday and reflects conditions and results of fishing from the past week. If you wish other information feel free to contact most parties for current daily information.
Good luck fishing from the Montana Outdoor Radio Crew.
Rock Creek Marina-Bill 1-406-485-2560
“The ice is really bad. It is soft. The edges are so bad you would fall
through. We have open water in places. There is open water at least 20
yards in front of the boat ramp. It has been bad since last Sunday,” Linda
says. There is only a minimum of services. Bill is around some days. We do
have gas. If you need information leave a message on the answering machine
and Bill will get back to you.
Tongue River Reservoir
Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Colton/Bob Pederson/Warden Jordon
We still have ice. I have seen no one on the ice for at least two weeks.
There is water 15 to 20 yards from the edge Warden Jordan reports.
Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir
Donna said,” Just don’t come. The ice is rotten. The ice is 30 feet from
the bank. Ice fishing is done at this point. You can’t even shore fish
right now.”
Clint is still reminding people, “if you are reserving campgrounds for
summer there are plenty of first come first serve camp sites available.
The only sites filled are the 30 electrical sites you have to reserve.
There are plenty of the other ones available you will just have to use
your own generator.”
Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene Moore, of Lake Ridge says,” The ice is really bad and I don’t
recommend anyone go on it. The river is open. Some boats were out in the
dredge cuts. They are catching trout and a few walleye and sauger jigging
and using lindy rigs with minnows. Boats can get in at boat docks Boy
Scout and State land. The temperature here today is 10 degrees and it has
been 20 degrees in last few days.”
Lake Elmo Billings
Staff says,” Lake Elmo has open water. You can fish from shore. We
haven’t seen many people out.”
Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Maleri
The ice is hanging on. We have open water in places. There is open
water off the shore line. Camp spots are first come first serve through
the winter.
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-2261
At Deadmans the water is up as they are dumping water in. There is ice
out toward the middle. The docks are not in yet.
Don’s Lewistown- Dale 1-800-879-8194
“We have hip deep snow at this time and it is snowing right now again.
The ice has blown out 4 to 5 days ago. There is no place to fish right
now,” Dale says.
Crooked Creek-Grant
The marina is not open. It is closed but cabins are still available for
other uses just call 1-406-429-2999.
Minnow Bucket-Eddie White 696-1281
“Some people last week were catching some nice catfish using cut bait.
Some 3 to 6 pounds. Waco has lots of mud so getting on there is not
good. I heard the Big Horn is open. Castle Rock and Lake Elmo have open
water. The river is still high,” Eddie says.
Eddie White is the new owner of the Minnow Bucket. Please note the new
phone number to call. The hours are Tuesday to Friday 11 to 7 pm, Saturday
7 to 7 pm and Sunday 7 to noon.
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
There is open water out there at Broadwater Bay. The north end is still
frozen. The bay has open water from shore. Conditions are changing
constantly. Call us for conditions at the Silos. We will give you the
latest word
West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611
“Nelson still had ice as of Sunday. I don’t know for how, long maybe
until the midweek. There still were some shacks out. Proceed with caution
though. The Milk River has more ice on it in the last 2 days,” reports
Jim.
West Side Sports has a new owner. Jim Mayer, the new owner, says, “my
hours on the shop will be 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and we will be closed
on Sunday. “Stop in any time,” Jim says.
Billings-Scheels Nate
Nate says, “I’m not hearing much from anyone. Clint was in from hell
Creek and said the ice is really bad. Definitely hearing ice fishing is
done in a lot of places, “Nate says.
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
“I was at Canyon Ferry yesterday. There is still ice there. It does
have some open water. It is open from shore one and a half to two miles
out. Broadwater Bay is wide open,” Rich says.
Shop hours are Sunday 12 to 4 pm. Closed Monday. Tuesday to Saturday 7
am to 6 pm. You can always call ahead if you are coming through and need
something on off hours and we may be able to help.
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977
“Fishing is picking up. Fishermen are able to get on the Yellowstone a
little more. People are nymphing. You may be able to use a streamer a
times. The water has come up to about 500 CFS. I hope things will keep
picking up”, Chris said. We now are in Spring hours during the week in the
shop and are Tuesday to Sun. from 9 am to 5 pm. We are closed Monday.
Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375 Rich
“Today the river CFS is 6,000. Nymphing is good. Dry fly fishing is not an
option right now. The weather has been cool. Use sow bugs and midge pupas.
They are catching both rainbows and browns. Black and cream seem to be
doing the best. Fishing later in the day is working best,” Hale said.
Call if you need specific information. Our shop hours have changed and we
are open 7 am to noon. Call for information.
