EASTERN MONTANA FISHING REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF 3/31/14
By angelamontana

Posted: April 2, 2014

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

Bill reports, “no one has been fishing.  The ice is unstable. I think it
is pretty close to going off.  We had a little cold weather and the shore
froze up but it is only a half inch thick. There are only a few open parts
on shore.” Bill says,” we will be officially open May 1st.  Make your
reservations now. One month is already booked solid. 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 Jordan Straley
The major south end of the lake is completely locked up with ice however
Marina Bay launch is open but has no place to go. Neck Bay is open all
the way. The north end is 25 percent open.  There is no legal boat
launching besides hand launching. There was a boat on Saturday but no
fish were caught, Jordan reports.

Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir
Clint says,” The ice is too rotten to walk on and too thick for a boat.
You can’t even shore fish right now. I would guess it would be 2 weeks
before you could use a boat.”

Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene Moore, of Lake Ridge says,” The weather has been nice.  We have had a
little ice. Very little wind. The ice is ½ inch to ¾ inches thick. Stay
off the ice. The river is open. Guys are still going to Duck Creek and
Flat Lake. They are going to the dredge cut.”

Lake Elmo Billings
Lake Elmo has open water. You can fish from shore. Not many people out.

Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Maleri
Glennis says, “Not a lot of of fishermen here. We have 30 feet open
water from the shore. It just snowed again. Ice fishing is done.”

Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-2261
Not much ice here as of today.  At Deadmans the water is up and you can
fish from shore.
On the Upper Musselshell they are fishing and catching browns using lures
and spoons.

Don’s Lewistown- Dale 1-800-879-8194
“At Achley the rainbow fishing is fair.  The ice is off. They are mostly
catching using bait, night crawlers. On the Missouri River at PN at Fred
Robinson fishing is fair. They are catching walleye and sauger using bait.
They are catching some catfish,” 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
“All I have heard is that they are catching some catfish using cut bait
East of Huntley,” 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
“Fishing is good off of shore.  They are catching rainbows and some
walleye. You can’t take a boat out, just too many icebergs, “Sharon said.
Sharon figures if the weather stays maybe 2 weeks before you can go out.
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 has ice as of Monday. If you go use caution. The north east
end is open.  The central portion east and west of the lake is open”,
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, “Only thing I am hearing is that Matt went to Yellowtail by
Ok-a-beh and caught a few walleye.  There is open water, “Nate says.

Rich’s Tackle Richard  406-285-4540
“There is ice floating at Canyon Ferry. I heard Lake Helena has some
fishing.  You can get a small boat in.  They are catching some walleye,”
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 finally picking up. On the Stillwater you can try nymphing.
Some are seeing spawning activity starting. Some fishermen are able to get
on the Yellowstone at Reedpoint. They are nymphing. The rivers are open to
fish and float at this point,” 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
“It is really cold here today.  Snowing right now.  We got 8 inches of
snow. We really got hammered. It is pretty slick right now. Nymphing has
been good. Dry fly fishing is not an option right now. Try using sow bugs
and midge pupas. They are catching both rainbows and browns.  Black and
cream seem to be doing the 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.

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