Eastern Montana Fishing Report for the Week of 7.21.14
By angelamontana

Posted: July 23, 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.
Rock Creek Marina-Bill 1-406-485-2560
Linda says, “They are biting.  They sure are  hungry.  My family fished
and  caught a bunch in the bay. Lots of bass, walleye and pike being
caught. Orange seems to be the color to use this week. You can pretty much
anyway to fish. They are biting on jigs, bottom bouncers, cranks, worm
harnesses.  Just about anything.  They are hungry!  Some fishermen are
using a Big Back jigs. Blues and purple spoons are really working. With
the jigs  people are finding success with colors that resemble crawdads.
Last week the depth of 20 to 30 feet was good for walleye.”

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

Matt says,” Walleye fishing was good last week.  We had a lot of people
getting their limit on fish this week.  They are catching a lot of
walleye and crappies. Go 12 to 18 feet deep with a worm harness or
cranks. The water is pushing 80 degrees. You can catch some decent bass
as well. ”  Marina hours are 8 am to 6 pm.

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

The Ryan says,” Walleye fishing has slowed down quite a bit.  The heat is
affecting the fishing and it is slow. Use a bottom bouncer and   go 10 to
25 feet. Northern pike are doing good at 30 feet. If you want bass just
find the underwater islands. Go to the main points  using  jigs with the
leech and crawler.”
Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene Moore, of Lake Ridge says,” The fishing is really good.  We have been
so busy since the 4th. It is excellent fishing for all kinds except
salmon.  The salmon is really slow.  There are nice walleye being caught.
Many are being caught that are 18 to 30 inches long. We are seeing
walleye, northern pike and smallmouth. Lake trout can be found at 100 foot
depth from Hacksbee point, Bear Creek and York Island. Walleye and
northerns seem to be best  at 7 & 8 Ridge, Gilbert Creek and Grave Point.
All is good fishing. ”

Lake Elmo Billings
Catchable size trout are being caught on the boat ramp . Lots of people at
the water trying. Go deeper in the water because of the heat.

Big Horn– Bob Gibson says they are going to lower the Big Horn to 2500 CFS
Wednesday according to a phone conference call on Tuesday. The lake is
full.

Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Maleri
Maleri says, “The fishing seems to be decent late at night for walleye.
The hot weather seems to be the deciding factor. Perch seem to be
increasing.  I am seeing some decent size trout. People are mostly using
night crawlers with power bait People need to remember that they need a
new blue decal on their boat.  They are free to get.  There is a small
fine if you have not changed your decal out but if your boat is not
registered the fine is definitely bigger.”
Bob Gibson, “I was at Cooney yesterday and heard it was slow fishing.
Only get a few bites people were saying.”

Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-2261
“Not a lot of fishing in the basin. We were at  Martinsdale and it was so
dog gone windy you just could barely fish.  We actually had some white
caps on the water. Some trout were caught. Cutthroat that are caught are
small probably from the recent stocking. .No talk of anyone catching much
at Deadmans this week.”

Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194

“ Spring Creek is doing real well again this week. Dry flies are working
well .Use PMD’s or Sparkle Dun. Using nymphs has been exceptional. For
nymph fishing throw in anything, they all are working.  Try Yellow
Sally’s.

Achley is off.  Not doing well. Too hot. Just not doing well.  They are
fishing from shore and boat, “said Dale.

Forchette at Devils Creek has good fishing. To get walleye go 10 to 25
feet. It varies a lot with the heat.
Crooked Creek is easy to get into.  Decent water.  Boat launch is good.
Walleye are at 35 foot.  Crappie are starting.  A lot of guys are doing
bottom bouncing and lindy rigging for walleye. Bass are still off, “Dale
tells us.

Missouri is still off color. They are catching cats.  They are using the
usual crawlers and crank baits.
Lakes and ponds are changing because of the heat The ponds are starting to
moss up,” he says.

Crooked Creek-Grant
Fishing across the bay is good for walleye some say.  Go deep because of
heat. Water is good at the dock with easy access. The Fall Classic is
here on August 9th and 10th.  Dusty says, “The Marina is open Friday,
Saturday and Sunday of every weekend in July and August. We have gas,
camping, cabin rental and book lockup.  The store will have night
crawlers and ice.  Our number is 1-406-429-2999.

Minnow Bucket-Eddie White  696-1281
Bite is still on for catfish on the river. Use  blood shrimp and suckers.

More action on  small mouth this week on the Yellowstone. Water is clear
now.

The hours of the Minnow Bucket 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 here. It is practically good for perch. It is good
fishing for trout and walleye. Trout fishing is consistent. You can go
all over to catch but many are going towards White Earth.
Camp-mak-a-dream walleye benefit will be Aug 2. Sign up at Silos or call
Peggy at 855-8432.

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

“Nelson fishing continues to be good for walleye. It is slow during the
day. Fishing early morning and late evening is bring success, The perch
seem to be deeper.  There was a good spawn so there are a lot in weed
beds. Walleyes are being caught on bottom bouncers with a jig in the
shallows. Bass are also biting.  People were getting their limit.  Find
the bigger fish at 30 to 35 feet.
At Forchette fishing is good.  Use bottom bouncers with a worm for
walleye going deep 10 to 25 feet. The bite is on. If you want more
information on what to use stop in for my secrets. I will say one that is
working is yellow with a size 4 Colorado blade,” Jim reports.

Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday. Stop in
any time

Billings-Scheels Nate/Josh
Tongue use a jig for walleye.  Mostly eaters caught.  You will find
bass in the top water. Heat is a factor.
At Canyon Ferry fishing is good.
At Cooney try a jig but expect it to be slow.
Fort Peck is still fishing good. Try bottom bouncers and worm harnesses
with night crawlers and leeches. Nelson Creek is good.

Rich’s Tackle Richard  406-285-4540

“One fellow just told me go shallow in the water at Canyon Ferry. The
heat has not sent them lower at this point. You can do well for walleye.
Lots of little walleyes mostly are being caught,” she 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 fishing  is getting better every day. The Yellowstone
is clearing up.  It is now floatable.  No hatch seen yet. The Stillwater
is clear.  Not much of a hatch. If you float fish by the bank. On both
water there is very little hatch. The Yellowstone River is at 6000 CFS
and the Stillwater is at 3,000 CFS”  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
Bill says, “ River flow is now 4700 CFS. Really makes  a nice flow. You
will see Caddis after five hatching. Black caddis pattern is working. Try
nymphs  and San Quan worm. Try Olive pheasant tails flashbacks.Not as much
success with PMDs.  Just key on what you see that day. ” Call if you need
specific information.” Our shop hours have changed and we are open 7 am to
5 pm. Monday to Sunday.

New Podcast!

Riley's Meats - Butte Wild Game Processing