(Report compiled by Carol Henckel)

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 constantly and some days wind and snow can be a big factor. Ice conditions are dangerous so be very aware of what you are walking on or using 4 wheelers on.

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. Good luck fishing from the Montana Outdoor Radio Crew.

Rock Creek Marina-Bill 1-406-485-2560
“Not many here this week. The guys were catching northern pike and some
walleye. Nothing big. We did not get any more snow. We had a day with 17
below and than a 20 mph wind.  Nobody wants to be out there in that.  Hear
it is supposed to warm up and I am looking forward to that,” Bill says.
There is only a minimum of services. Bill is around everyday. 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
Jordon says” We have had the snow and cold this week. We have 10 inches
of snow now. The fishing has been slow to a medium catch rate. The
catching was consistent despite the cold.” Jordon wants to remind
fishermen to check the regulations before bringing minnows in. The
sauger limit is only one.  You can purchase live minnows from the minnow
machine.  It is set up by the marina. They are sold by the dozen at the
machine.  The marina is closed for the winter season.

Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir
Clint said,” Pike fishing is still good. Walleye fishing has slowed.
They are catching eater size fish.  You can find them in the Bay and in
the main. Just stay away from the pressure ridges you will do just fine.
We have 2 inches of snow. The cold definitely slowed down the number of
fishermen who fished this week but today it is warmer finally. 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, ”We had the mid 20’s this week.  We don’t
have much snow, like 1 inch. Nobody wanted to go out in this cold. I did
not sell any minnows this week. March is the time for our best fishing.
You will catch northern pike and walleye when the weather stabilizes. This
is the time. Just have to be careful. Just call for ice information before
coming as it changes often.”

Lake Elmo Billings
Ken says,” I haven’t seen ice shacks out on the ice his week. The weather
was just so cold. I think fishing has been slow the last two weeks. It is
warmer today so there may be more action

Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Maleri
Malerie says ,”Fishing has been pretty  slow. They are not catching
much. Cooney has quite a bit of snow on the ice. You will nee to use a 4
wheeler for the ice and watch for drifting. The roads have been worked
on but some places still have a lot of snow.” We still have the 30 by 60
skating rink set up at Marshall Cove.
Camp spots are first come first serve through the winter.

Deadmans/Martinsdale
Deadmans/ Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-2261
“The weather has been crazy. We did have good ice before the storm and
some guys were out there catching. We the cold nobody wanted to be out
there. There is like 2 foot of ice out there.  It is warmer today.  We
started out at 28 degrees and now it is 40 degrees. Fishing will pick up
now that people want to get outside,”Ken said.

Don’s Lewistown- Dale 1-800-879-8194
“Today we are melting like a son of a gun. There is lots of water on the
ice I am told. We are having 45 degrees right now. Quite a difference from
the cold last week.  Forchette was steady fishing for northern pike and
walleye before the storm and cold. With this warmer weather the pressure
ridges will increase. So be real careful”, 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
“No one I know was out this week.  It was either too dangerous or too
cold. The roads were treacherous,” 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
Sharon says, “Today (Tuesday) we had 30 degrees, 60 degrees and 40
degrees.  With the weather we did not see many people. Mostly they are
catching medium size perch. They still are catching nice trout. There is
snow out there and some drifts so you have to be aware.  Don’t forget
March 1st you need a new fishing license. You can always call us for
conditions on the ice at the Silos.  We will give you the latest
information. Don’t forget to sign up for the walleye tournament. You can
do it on line.  It is June 28 to 29 and you must be an active and current
member of Walleyes Unlimited.”

West Side Sports Jim 1-406-654-1611
“It was way too cold.  I did not talk to anyone who went out.  The shop
was so slow. It was good fishing before the cold so we will see what
happens when it warms up,” 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, “It is time for ice to thaw and for us to get out in the
boat, “Nate says.

Rich’s Tackle Richard  406-285-4540
“No fishermen came in the door during the cold weather.  I had a couple
of of guys come in who were heading to Canyon Ferry but I never heard how
it went. Today is warm we are in the 50’s but we have wind.  We only have
3 to 4 inches of snow,” 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
“The lower Stillwater is really jammed up.  They are warning of flooding.
Many hazards out there. One fellow came in and said he found some open
water by Bee Hive. If you can find open water you can try fishing. The
trick is to work around the clogged ice and snow,  It is real tricky
conditions.  Yellowstone is just ice right now. Everything is clogged up
and dangerous again I am afraid,” Chris said. Our hours during the week
have changed in the shop and we are open Tuesday to Sat from 9 am to 2 pm
now. We are closed Sunday and Monday.

Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375 Rich
“It’s warmer today but it sure was cold. We have 10 inches of snow but
today it is melting fast.  At Soap Creek and Mountain Pocket snow will
still be a factor. The upper 13 will find some snow. Below that will
definitely be muddy,” Curt said. Call if you need specific information.
Check for your supplies before coming as worms in the area may be in short
supply.  The lake does have walleye and crappie but the cold slowed
success.  Our shop hours have changed and we are open 7 am to noon. Call
for information.