Eastern Montana Fishing Report for the Week of 4.28.14
By angelamontana

Posted: April 30, 2014

(Report compiled by Carol Henckel)

Please be advised weather is changing constantly and some days wind and even snow can still be a factor. High water 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, be prepared 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 says, “We will be officially open for the season May 1st. We have not
seen fishermen this week because of rain and heavy rains. Just too lousy
to go out.There is still fishing from the banks.  You can catch northerns
and walleye from there using a minnow. The water temperature was 40 to 47
degrees before the wind.

Tongue River Reservoir
Tongue River Marina  1-406-757-2225 Colton/Bob Pederson/Warden Jordan Straley

Greg says   ”It rained and snowed yesterday but the snow did not stick.
Fishing has been pretty good for walleye and crappie. Use a jig and a
crawler or a minnow.  It has been very windy some days. The water is lower
in some places but there is no problem getting boats in.” The Marina is
now open with hours of 8 am to 6 pm.

Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir
Clint says,” The only thing that has changed is we have had a bit of
colder weather and wind this week. You can catch lake trout from Crooked
Creek to Bell point towards Hacksbee. The Northern pike are in the
shallows. The water depth has not changed much yet.  Walleye are hit and
miss right now. The water temperature is not any warmer.”

Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene Moore, of Lake Ridge says”, We had three days of rain. Not many
fishing.  The weather is not cooperating. I hear a few fish are being
caught on the Milk River. Hopefully next week will be better.”

Lake Elmo Billings
With the rivers being so cloudy people are trying their luck at Lake Elmo.
So there is more pressure on the shore. The wind has made the success
slower.

Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Maleri
“The fishing is picked up just a little,” Malerie tells us. Walleye
fishing is definitely better. They are trying their hand at catching
walleye and trout mainly in boats. Shore fishermen are catching a
trout”, she explains.

Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-2261
“The Basin has not seen any fishing just too much wind. Too hard to get
the boat in. Some guys came in who had caught a pile of walleye at Fort
Peck.  That is all we have heard,” she said.  We now have night crawlers.

Don’s Lewistown- Dale 1-800-879-8194

“The river should be cranking up for paddlefish.  It should be just
starting. Achley is fishing okay off shore. Try off the bottom.  On the PN
to Peck the fishing is better for catfish. They are using minnows, night
crawlers and smelt. It just has been so windy,” 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
“It has been real slow.  On the Yellowstone they are catching catch fish,
some ling and some browns.  The small mouth are slow but just starting.
Maybe it needs to warm up more for the bite to be better,” 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

“Water is low, real low, Sharon tells us,” You can get in.  I can see four
boats out there right now. We are monitoring things every day.  If you
come stop at the Silos to hear what is going on, not necessarily to buy
but to know where to go. You can also call before coming. Shore fishing is
still good. The walleye have spawned.”

West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611

“the Milk River has been active with walleyes.  They are using minnows and
night crawlers below Dodson Dam. Nelson Reservoir is pretty slow. It has
been windy so pretty slow. I haven’t heard anything on Forchette. On the
Milk they are doing well catching walleye. On the river it is just
starting for paddlefish but it is real muddy and high”, Staff reports.

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/Josh
Josh says, “The wind has been a problem for fishing this week. I heard
some people are catching perch and crappie at Tongue using a jig and a
spoon.  A few walleye are being caught at Cooney.  Someone said they
are catching cats and ling by Waco.”

Rich’s Tackle Richard  406-285-4540

“The Missouri River is muddy and definitely up.  We have had lot of wind
and Bozeman had snow yesterday. At Canyon Ferry the water has turned
muddy. It is really low you can see the foundations at Confederate. Just
have to be real careful or you will ruin your prop or trailer.  They are
still letting more water out,” 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 Stillwater is still up and off color.   The flows have kicked up. Up
by Absarokee the water is clearer. It has color off and on. You can use
some March Browns here and there.  Try some Jack Cade or Trena Carnage
Drake March Brown.  I can’t guarantee it will work all the time.  There is
not a huge amount of dry fly action right now.  If it continues to warm I
am confident that we might get some action for 4 to 5 days.

The Yellowstone is a little clearer but still off color. We may still get
the window for the caddis hatch. You just have to be prepared to jump in
as it probably will be real short. The rivers are open to floating 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
“The water is still up to CFS 7500.  The wind was rough this week. The
water is cold and very fast. There is a little bit of dry fly fishing.
But it is really slow. There was a few baetes. Try a blue wing olive ,
skuds, San Juan worms and sow bugs.  Also try a red midge larva,” Sam
said. Call if you need specific information. Our shop hours have changed
and we are open 7 am to 5 pm. Monday to Sunday. Call for information.

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