Eastern Montana Fishing Report for the Week of 6.2.14
By angelamontana

Posted: June 4, 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.

***Several fishing Access sites along the Yellowstone River have been
closed because of high water by FWP on 5-27-14. According to FWP as od 6-4
am The Yellowstone as dropped a foot and if the weather continues to stay
cool they expect the fishing access sites to open next week. The sites
closed  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
Bill says, “Fishing was awesome this week! There was a 34 ½ inch walleye
caught. They are jigging with worm harnesses. They are using fire tigers
and blue seems to be the color today. The water temp has been 64. If you
know how to fish you can catch them right now. They are going toward Rock
Creek to McGuire Creek.  Fishermen are starting to catch small mouth bass
now. Pike are still biting pretty much on anything.  Someone caught a 40
inch pike this week. Walleyes Unlimited of Wolfpoint is having the Rock
Creek walleye tournament up here this weekend.  You must be a member to
fish it but there are openings to do so. Hopefully we will see big fish
caught this weekend. ”

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

Matt reports, “fishing is doing good. Walleyes are definitely being
caught.  They are jigging with a night crawler or a leech. The success is
50 percent for either one right now. They seem to like black and silver
or black and green. People are getting their limits. Crappies are being
caught using a tube jig. Color varies day by day. Try 20 to 23 feet of
water. A few people are finding cranks and bottom bouncers bringing
success.” 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 fantastic.  The walleye
have definitely moved in, walleye are doing real well. We have seen 9 , 6
and 8 pounders.  If yu go north the pike are biting.  One 15 pounder was
caught. People are jigging with minnows but more worms seem to be working.
Really perfect fishing right now. A small mouth was caught that was 4
pound. The water temp has fluctuated a lot almost daily. ”

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
“Lots of people using Lake Elmo right now. They are swimming, rafting,
using a canoe and fishing. By the numbers I suspect they are having
success fishing. We have school groups almost every day coming in. One
day that I worked with a class of kids they were catching sunfish. Really
fast fishing,” Bob said.

Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Maleri
The fishing is still picking up. Walleye fishing is improving they are
catching nice eater size fish. They are using worms and I have seen 16
to 18 inch walleye.  Walleye and trout mainly are being caught from
boats.

Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-2261
“I am hearing both Deadmans and Martinsdale are fishing well. Night
crawlers are working. Bear Lake is good fishing as well.  Out at the
Musselshell by Melstone and Forsyte the catching is good for catfish.  I
hear Sutherland is good for trout as well,” Gene reports.

Don’s Lewistown- Dale 1-800-879-8194

“Spring Creek was fair fishing this week. Use black CDC and BWD. Nymph
fishing is working. On the Missouri, catfish fishing is solid.   Use cut
bait. At Fort Peck Lake at Forchette and Devils Creek fishing is doing
well. Use a depth of 10 to 20 feet deep and minnows and worms,” 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
“Fishing on the river is still happening for cat fish. There is lots of
debris.  I hear Tongue is good.  I hear they are getting walleye and
crappies. One fellow did well on Coney using bottom bouncers and a worm
harness. In one day he caught and released   20 plus,” 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 very good.” We have plenty of water it is at 4 feet of water
and it is coming up daily now. All the ramps can be used. They are good
fishing for walleye. They are biting on cranks and worm harnesses using
greens and reds, fire tigers and even blue. Pretty much anything. Trout
are good and if you are into carp the spawn is done.  Only heard of a few
crappie caught.  If anyone is interested in helping with the kids day and
take some kids out in a boat show up at Gazebo 3 at 9 am on Saturday.”

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

“Fishing is awesome now. Nelson Reservoir has turned on for walleye. Try
using bottom bouncers with worm harnesses at 5 to 15 feet. It is really
good. It got aggressive. No more word on Forchette this week,” 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, “ Tongue has been good for walleye. In fact I hear it has
been a killer using minnows.  They are catching some crappie as well.
Jigging is working. At Fort peck I hear anything is working.  They are
using crankbaits, jigs, and power bait. I hear the pike is on fire and
the walleye are good but not super huge.  The rivers are all blown out
and the only thing to catch are catfish.”

Rich’s Tackle Richard  406-285-4540

Every river is  high and muddy around here. Just everywhere. The
Gallatin Gateway is over the banks. The Missouri is close to going over.
The Jeferson is over the banks and almost over the road.  Canyon Ferry
has been doing real well for walleye I hear. In mud, out of mud using a
slow death and crawler people are doing well.  I know of one 14 pounder
caught.  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

Chris reports, “The Stillwater is still high. You possibly be able to get
some fishing around Absarokee.   You might be able to fish on the
tributaries.  It has slowed down a bit. There is a little action using
nymphs. Try the San Quan, hoppers or Wooly Buggers and use lots of weight.
The Yellowstone is still blown out. Don’t deal with it right now.  The
main stem is still high.  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. Try nymph fishing 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 early morning to  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- It is still high and muddy past Natural bridge. If you go
higher you might be better off.

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