Eastern Montana Fishing Report for the Week of 5.19.14
By angelamontana

Posted: May 21, 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, “Walleye fishing was hot this week. The water temp has been 52
degrees in some places. There were a couple of 10 plus pounders caught
everyday over the weekend.  Fire tigers are working in shallow water at 5
to 15 feet deep.  A few guys are finding some walleye at 20 to 25 feet as
well. Guys are also catching some smaller northern pike and some bass on
the rocky points.”

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

The Marina reports, “people are catching crappies and walleyes. They
are going deep using a jig and a night crawler or a jig and a minnow.
We have heard of only a couple of northern   are being caught with
smelt and cut bait. Some guys are trying small plastics and cranks.”
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

Staff says,” Walleye fishing this week has been good especially in  the
bay at 10 to 12 feet. The walleye size  are about 4 pounds. Some are
limiting out.  Jigging is working. Some people are bottom bouncing but
they are not seeing much luck. The water in the bay is warmer.  The
weather has been beautiful.”

Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene Moore, of Lake Ridge says ”, Walleye fishing is slow.  The water is
just too cool. The lake trout have started. They are using a   hot lips
deep diver at 16 to 20 foot deep.  Downriggers are working for lake trout
at 55 feet deep using eagle eye flutter spoons is working. The face of the
dam has tons of northern pike. It is not as good as it has been.  They are
still using jigs with minnows and Lindys. Nights have been still cool.
Try the reverse fire tiger I have here.”

Lake Elmo Billings
There are going to be a lot of traffic on Lake Elmo in the next 3 weeks.
We have groups almost every day coming in. Shore fishing is bringing some
success. The weather has helped success although it has been slow.

Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Maleri
Maleri and Jenny are seeing the fishing picking up. Maleri says, “walleye
fishing is starting.  Fishing from shore seems to be down. It seemed to be
better from the boat. Walleye and trout mainly are being caught from
boats.”

Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-2261
“I am hearing fishing is slow at Deadmans. Martinsdale is definitely
picking up. The funny thing is if you decide to try worms you will attract
suckers, lots of suckers.  If you try panther martins or rapellas from
shore you will have success.  They are catching trout. The fly fishermen
are also having good luck,” he said.  We do have night crawlers here for
sale now. Another report came in with reports from Martinsdale of really
terrific fishing this weekend.  It does seem to vary from day to day.

Don’s Lewistown- Dale 1-800-879-8194

“Spring Creek is not clear.  There is some blue wing action with fly
fishing.  The Missouri is fishing fair with minnows from PN Bridge to the
lake Cat fish fishing is getting better every day.  They are using night
crawlers and cut bait.  At Fort Peck Lake, Devils Creek and Forchette Bay
are doing well for walleye.  They are jigging, lindy rigging or trolling
for cranks.  Success seems to be in 6 to 15 foot water,” 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
“The cat fish are still biting in the Yellowstone. The water is rising
and there is lots of debris.  I fished Intake and did well.  I got a 33
inch and 35 inch sturgeon and a 35 inch pike.  It was good fishing.  I
was using a nice size night crawler.  I heard Petolia has had some good
bites on walleyes.  One fellow caught a nice 6 pounder.  People are
saying Tongue is slow but one guy had real good luck there on walleye.
It seems to be spotty,” 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 actually excellent. You are able to get out there you just
need to stop at the shop to know how to do it. We have seen a 29 inch and
30 inch walleye.  Lots of nice trout have been caught. Lots of perch as
well.  The water temp is 65 degrees in places.  We now do have leeches.”
If you come by stop at the Silos to hear what is going on, not
necessarily to buy but to know what is happening. The weather has been
nice, sunny and warm.”

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

“Nelson Reservoir has been good for walleye. Try using worm harnesses.
Walleye are at 12 to 18 feet.  Northerns are also still biting. They are
catching crappie 6 to 15 feet.  Forchette is just starting for walleye.
Use worm harnesses,” Jim 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, “I am still hearing Tongue is good.  They are catching
crappie. We had one really good day on Saturday. My dad was using a ice
fishing spoon at 25 to 30 feet.  Try a drop shot rig. Try the Pb twitch
tail with minnows. The water is 55 degrees.”

Rich’s Tackle Richard  406-285-4540

“The rivers are still really high around here.  Canyon Ferry is still
low but Saturday was real good fishing and then Sunday was just okay so
it is up and down. Holter and Hauser trout fishing is great.  The color
is not bad.  We got fresh snow on Spanish peaks yesterday.  It looks
like a lot of snow,” Rich said.

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

On the Stillwater the lower part from Absarokee to Columbus has color.
The upper part past Absarokee is clearer and reports are some days are
really good fishing.  There have been a few march brown hatches.  It is
mostly streamer fishing.  People are catching fish. The Yellowstone is
really dirty with lots of debris.  It is getting harder to  fish.  For
nymphng use the red green copper johns or a Batman.  Try a marsh brown
nymph or a Jack Cabe # 10.  Purple fly is also working.  Take it day by
day. 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 weather was 40 degrees. Fishing is good. Guides are having success.
Visibility is down at Soap creek because of rain runoff. It is dry fly
fishing right now. Water is at 8500 CFS and they are saying it will stay
there until after the runoff.  Use baetes and midges. Try a Ray Charles,”
staff said. If you nymph fish you need to use huge caution. Use lots of
caution on the Big horn Ramps as it is really tricky.  Streamer action is
only fair. 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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