Eastern Montana Fishing Report for the Week of 7.28.14
By angelamontana

Posted: July 31, 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. The big fish prize this week would go to
Terri Eisiger of Circle with a 42 inch, 19.6 pound northern.  A 29 ½ inch
walleye was caught by Sappie and a 31 inch 9.65# walleye was caught by
Robbie Marqiss.  Rachael Richman caught a 33 1/2 inch, 10.5 # northern on
a crank.  You just have to fish over the right place.  You find them and
you catch them.  When you find them pull a crank real slow and I mean real
slow at a depth of 25 to 40 feet. Any color is working right now.”

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

Matt says,” Crappie fishing is picking up. Walleye fishing has slowed
down last week. They have gone deep. People are easily getting 30 fish a
day. We had a lot of people getting their limit on fish this week.  Go 15
feet deep with a worm harness or cranks. The water is pushing 80 degrees.
Lots of  bass in the 4 to 5 pounders being caught. Use a rapella DT fire
tiger. ”  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. You won’t
catch as many   but some nice 5 pounders can be found.  Head to the the
Crooked Creek going East. Water is rising some.  We hae had some windy
days.  For bass through a crank toward shore. Look for the underwater
islands and fish there.  The heat is affecting the fishing and it is
slowing.”

Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene Moore, of Lake Ridge says,” Fishing has really turned on.  It is
excellent fishing for all kinds. Even some salmon is being caught by the
dam. I have seen 2-3 nice ones. Go 85 feet deep using squids and flashers.
Lake Trout are still being caught at the dam but not as many.  Head toward
Bear Creek, Hacksbee, and Yorks Island for the best fishing.  Use an evil
eye flutter  spoon at 100 to 120 feet.  Cranks are working at the pines
toward 7th and 8th ridge.”

Lake Elmo Billings
Fishing slowed some because of the heat. Catchable size trout are being
caught on the boat ramp.  Go deeper in the water because of the heat.

Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Maleri
Reports seem to be mixed on the fishing at Cooney. Fishing continues to
be decent late at night for walleye. Hot weather seems to be the
deciding factor. Perch are being caught now. Only a few  nice size trout
can be found.  People are mostly using night crawlers with power bait.

Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-2261
“Pretty windy fishing this week at times again. We again went to
Martinsdale and it was windy and smoky you just had trouble fishing. They
are catching at Bear. only a few caught at Southerland.  We did catch some
lake trout .  Some nice 2 ½ inch to 3 inches. I heard one guy say he
caught nice bass at Broadview.  Nice little ones and keepers.

Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194

“Good fishing at Spring Creek. Dry flies are doing  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 slow.  Not doing well. Too hot.  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 fishing well.  Walleye are at 35 foot.  Crappie are
starting.  A lot of guys are doing bottom bouncing and lindy rigging for
walleye.

Missouri is still off color. They are catching cats. Use 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 10t and we will be open all week.h.  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
Catfish on the river are still biting. Go East from Huntley. Use  blood
shrimp and suckers.

Small mouth and sauger are starting on the Yellowstone. Some people have
gotten them by Captain Clark. 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. Lots of numbers being caught.  More walleye going
North and South.   It is good fishing for trout and walleye.
Camp-mak-a-dream walleye benefit will be this Saturday   Aug 2. Sign up
at Silos or call Peggy at 855-8432. Peggy will be at Canyon Ferry from
Wednesday on.

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

“Nelson is still good for walleye. It is slow during the day. Fishing
early morning and late evening is bringing success. No one color is
working. The perch seem to be deeper go deep like 30 feet. Walleyes are
being caught on bottom bouncers with a jig in the shallows. Bass are also
biting.
At Forchette fishing is good.  Use bottom bouncers with a worm for walleye
going deep 10 to 25 feet. A yellow  size 4 Colorado blade is working,” 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 slow trolling.  Mostly eaters caught.  You
will find bass in the top water.
At Canyon Ferry fishing is good.
At Cooney Nate reported he caught walleye at 13 to 15 feet deep.  Try a
bottom bouncer  but expect it to be slow.
Josh says, “My trip to Rock Creek came with 3 days of incredible wind.
When we could fish we got lots of little ones. We used for pike a reef
runner and a #5 Mepps in silver & blue. Walleye are working on bottom
bouncers with Smiley blades or slow death.  Try purple and chartreuse.

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 Yellowstone is clearing up but it is still swift.
You can get rainbows but use nymphs and streamers.  No dry fishing at
all.  There is a caddis hatch.  The best fishing is from Pelican to
Holgran..  It is now floatable.  No hatch seen yet.
The Stillwater is clear. It is up a little.  You can stand o the bank or
float.  Only a few places to wade right now.  They are catching mostly
browns.  If you float fish by the bank. 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
Staff says, “River flow is now 2700 CFS.  Caddis are hatching. Black
caddis pattern is working.  Nymph fishing is very good to excellent. Try
Olive pheasant tails flashbacks. PMDs can be used on the lower end. A few
Sallies are working on the lower end. For dry fly fishing caddis are
working well with some baetes.  The temperature has been 58 to 59 degrees.
Big Horn is fishing pretty good right now. ” Call if you need specific
information.” Our shop hours have changed and we are open 7 am to 5 pm.
Monday to Sunday.

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