Eastern Montana Fishing Report for the Week of 5.26.14
By angelamontana

Posted: May 28, 2014

Report compiled by Carol Henckel

Please be advised weather is changing constantly and some days wind can be a factor. High water conditions are dangerous as Spring weather is unpredictable and the run off is treacherous.   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.

*** New fishing access closure as of Wed 5-28-14 9AM
BILLINGS — Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks closed the Grey Bear fishing access site on the Yellowstone River five miles west of Big Timber
Wednesday because of flooding.

Both the boat launch at the east end of the area and the camping area were closed after the Yellowstone River overflowed into the site.

With spring runoff in full swing the region’s rivers and streams are running well above normal flows. With warm temperatures predicted for the rest of the week could rise further. ***

***Several fishing Access sites along the Yellowstone River have been closed because of high water by FWP on 5-27-14.  They are Buffalo Mirage (sportsman’s Park) near Park City, Indian Fort at Reedpoint, Voyagers Rest and Gritty Stone near Worden and Captain Clark east of Pompeys Pillar. In all instances, high runoff in the Yellowstone River put water across access roads and in the parking sites causing concern for public safety.

FWP will continue to monitor and manage the sites and others along south central Montana’s rivers and streams.***

Rock Creek Marina-Bill 1-406-485-2560
Linda says, “This weekend fishing was as good as last year’s 4th of July
weekend. Walleye fishing was hot this week with lots of walleye being
caught. Lots of walleye, pike and bass are being caught in the weeds.
They are jigging with minnows 8 to 15 feet down.  A few people are using
cranks but with not as much success. The water temp has been in the 50’s.
If you know how to fish you can catch them right now. The water is
definitely coming up.  It was warm this weekend around 90 degrees with no
wind blowing. It was the nicest Memorial Day we have had in many years.
Walleyes Unlimited is having the Rock Creek walleye tournament up here
next weekend.  You must be a member to fish it but there are openings to
do so. ”

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

Matt reports, “fishing has been excellent for walleyes. Someone caught a
10 pound 4oz walleye.  Both ends of the lake are doing well.  They are
jigging with a night crawler but a leech is working especially well. Some
are also using a bottom bouncer with a  crank bait. Crappies are being
caught.  They are good eater size. Try using worm harnesses and bottom
bouncers.  Pink and green seem to be doing well. The water is just 4 feet
from being full.  We have had days in the 80’s so the water is warming.”
Marina hours are 8 am to 6 pm.

Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir

Donna says,” Walleye fishing this week has been unbelievable.  We had 3
nine pound walleye caught in one half hour time frame in three different
areas of the water. One fellow caught a salmon.  We also had a 47 inch 32
pound pike caught. The walleye have definitely moved in.  People are
jigging with minnows at a depth of 14 to 20 feet. You can pretty much find
them anywhere right now. The water has come up 3 to 4 feet.  They say it
will be up 16 feet by the end of summer.  The weather has been beautiful.”

Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene Moore, of Lake Ridge says  ”, fishing is pretty good here.
They are catching some northern pike, small mouth, walleye and lake trout.
There are a lot of walleye on this end right now. The water has come up a
little. They are starting to catch them at Bear Creek and Duck Creek.
Lake trout are being caught on a  hot lips deep diver at 12 to 20 foot
deep. Some reverse fire tiger are working and  I have them here.”

Lake Elmo Billings
There are a lot of people using Lake Elmo right now. We have groups
almost every day coming in. Shore fishing is bringing some success.

Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Maleri
The fishing is picking up. Walleye fishing is improving.  Fishing from
shore is okay. It seems to be better from the boat. Walleye and trout
mainly are being caught from boats.

Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-2261
“Broadview Pond has been restocked and people say they are getting nice
trout. At Deadmans it is full and real muddy. Guys are saying they are
getting few fish on night crawlers. Some are catching salmon. Martinsdale
is full and they are catching some nice trout. They are using night
crawlers and cow bells. Out at the Musselshell by Two Dot the catching is
good for rainbows.  At Achley I hear they are catching a few trout right
now”, Gene reports.

Don’s Lewistown- Dale 1-800-879-8194

“Ackley is fishing fair from a boat. Shore fishing is steady. Spring Creek
is not clear. Use black CDC and BWD. On the Missouri, catfish fishing is
strong   with night crawlers and cut bait. The river is up but not bad.
At Fort Peck Lake and Devils Creek fishing is steady for walleye using
gulp minnows in 10 to 25 feet of water.  They are catching northern pike
on the shore line 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
“On the river guys are night fishing for cat fish. The water is rising
and there is lots of debris. They are still finding some slow moving
water at the areas of backwater. At Castle Rock minnows under a bobber is
working. Some caught 18 to 20 inch pike. At Deadmans I had success. We
caught a combination of salmon and rainbow trout trolling. We caught 13
”, 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 excellent.” We have 3 feet of water and it is coming up daily
now. All the ramps can be used. They are catching walleye with the average
being 16 to 18 inches. Rainbows are usually 2 to 5 pounds.  The only
problem is where the river is coming in you need to watch out for debris.
Pond #1 seems to be bringing in good success. Water temp is around 68
degrees.”

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

“It’s all good fishing now. Nelson Reservoir has been fairly good for
walleye. Lots of little ones. Guys are finding one day it is good and the
next day few are being caught. So sporadic fishing is still happening. It
is a lot of luck it seems.   Try using bottom bouncers with worm
harnesses. Forchette is really good this week they are saying. The water
is up and it is just starting to stain. On the Missouri they are still
catching paddlefish but it is catch and release of course,” 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, “Still hearing Tongue is good for walleye.   They are
catching some crappie as well. Jigging is working. At Hell Creek power
bait is really working on walleye.  On Nelson they are catching small
mouth and the walleye are definitely biting as well. Some guys have
been catching a few walleye off shore.

Rich’s Tackle Richard  406-285-4540

“The rivers are definitely getting high around here.  Canyon Ferry has
water and has some good fishing. One day it good and then the next it is
just okay so it is up and down.  Make sure you really watch water
levels as they are going up and that means debris,” 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

Bill reports, “The Stillwater is still fishable by the mine at Absarokee
but below that it is tough. There is a little action using nymphs and
streamers.  Try Jake Cabes. The Yellowstone is blown out.  It is not safe.
It is full of debris so not safe for floating or fishing.  I hear Cooney
is coming up so fishing is getting better. We now are in Summer hours in
the shop and are open Tuesday to Sun. from 9 am to 5 pm. We are closed
Monday.

 Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375 Rich
“Fishing is good. Nymph fishing is steady. It is good from a boat.  Use a
red midge or a fire bead. With fire bead tan is working better. There are
lots of baetes try quill nymphs.  They are more active on baetes at 10:30
or 11:00 am to 1 or 3 pm. the temp is low to mid 40’s and then upper 40’s
later in the day. The water is crystal clear. On the Soap it is muddy and
murky. On the lower section stay on the left hand side as there is less
moss debris,” Bill said. Call if you need specific information. Our shop
hours have changed and we are open 7 am to 5 pm. Monday to Sunday.

Boulder River– If you go, it is high and muddy past Natural bridge. If you
go higher you might be better off we were told.

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