Eastern Montana Fishing Report for the Week of 8.26.14
By angelamontana

Posted: August 27, 2014

(Report compiled by Carol Henckel)

Please be advised weather is changing constantly and some days wind can be
a factor. Summer weather is unpredictable and the heat can be treacherous.
Stay hydrated as you fish.   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. Please remember that the fish are
also stressed because of the heat and treat them carefully if you catch
and release. 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. G

ood luck fishing from the Montana Outdoor Radio Crew.
Rock Creek Marina-Bill 1-406-485-2560
“No one was out this past week.  We got 4 ½ inches of rain in 2 ½ days and
so no one was out fishing. The water is up about a half a foot.  It was
just too nasty even for me to go out. I am hoping the weather will get
better this week.”

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

Matt says,” Not too many out this week but the few who were out were
catching a few. They caught some bass and walleye.  The walleye are
moving back into the shallows.  The water temperature is in the 70’s.
You can still fish for crappies.  They are still out there.”   Marina
hours are 8 am to 6 pm.

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

Clint says,” We got 6 inches o rain and the water is up 2 feet in 4 days.
Not much fishing going on.  The water is cooled.  No hot bite right now.
Walleye fishing has been tough this week.  In the valley at my house at 5
am this morning it was 39 degrees.  The water temp has dropped 8 degrees
to 68 degrees.  I think fishing will be turning on with the cooler water
temp.  Usually it takes about 3 to 4 days for the fish to transition.  I
think the walleye will shallow up and fishing will be really good by the
weekend.  Of course this is only my prediction but it is what I suspect.”

Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene Moore, of Lake Ridge says,” We were about flooded out because because
of all the rain we got last week.  We got about 6 to 6 1/2 inches. There
just was not much fishing going on.  The water has cooled and I predict
that it will not be long and it will take off.  The water is up a foot and
has cooled.  The weekend should be better fishing.”

Lake Elmo Billings
The rain has slowed the fishing this week. Fishing was not as consistent.
They are catching rainbow trout with bait and a bobber. Cool weather will
change the bite.

Rock Creek, Red Lodge
Brookies are   biting at Rock Creek. Dry flies are working. The water is
running higher and fast because of the rain. It is swift so use small
flies on it.

Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Maleri
The fire restriction has changed to stage I fire restrictions as of
Friday, August 22, 2014.  Malerie says, ”Fishing at Cooney was rainy and
cold.  It has been real slow.  The few people who were fishing were
using worms and leeches and catching mostly trout.”

Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-2261

An employee says, “ There has been a lot of water here this week. We got
over 6 inches of rain.  Deadmans water has really been warm.  I mean like
74 degrees out in the lake and 76 degrees close to shore.  That has
really slowed down the fishing.  Not much fishing happening.  Hopefully
the end of the week will be bettr.”

Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194

“Everywhere is so muddy right now.  Spring Creek is real muddy.
Depending on where you go around here we got 6 to 12 inches. Everything
is blown out.      I think give it a week and it will pick up,” Dale
says.

Crooked Creek-Grant
Be aware of the underwater tree branches that can cause damage to your
boat as you go out. Dusty says, “The Marina is open Friday, Saturday and
Sunday of every weekend in August. We have gas, camping, cabin rental
and book lockup.  The store has night crawlers and ice.  Our number is
1-406-429-2999.

Minnow Bucket-Eddie White  696-1281
“With all the rain cat fish fishing on the Yellowstone is decent. The
water is definitely stained. The small mouth, walleye, and sauger bite
have slowed way down because of the weather. Crankbait are taking cat
fish. Just be careful of water conditions,” Eddie says.

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 at canyon Ferry has been decent. Lots of numbers. Lots of big
perch are being caught.  Catching lots of trout right now.   The walleye
have moved deeper to 40 feet. They seem to find more going North right
now. On Sunday Walleyes Unlimited is having their annual walleye feed at
Gazebo 4. All are welcome,” Sharon says.

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

“I went to Nelson after work at 7 pm last night.  We got a total of 5
total walleye. We used bottom bouncers for the walleye.  I can’t say what
depth to go for.  We caught one at 35 feet and another at 8 feet.  There
is not a pattern right now.  Of course, the northern pikes are in the
weed beds and off shore. I have heard nothing on Forchette.  I would
think you can’t get to it,” Eli reports.

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

Billings-Scheels Josh

Josh says, “No fishing for me and no news of anyone fishing as we are
moving. The old Scheels store has closed the 24th of August and will be
closed for two weeks.  We are getting products set up at the new store.
I am excited for you to see the great new store. There will be a soft
opening of the new Scheels on the 6th of September. I hope to see you
at the Grand Opening which will be shortly after that date.”

Rich’s Tackle Richard  406-285-4540

“I went to fort Peck last week.  Not good fishing.  It was real slow.  We
did not get many fish.  Not many walleye caught.  We got 2 six pounders.
We did not even catch many northern pike just one 10 pounder.  We got
lots of crappies all 8 to 10 inches.  We even caught some catfish 1 ½ to
2 ½ pounds.  We went out when we got back and the rivers are way up.  The
only thing you could do is white water rafting.  It rained for 2 12 days.
In two places the water was over the bridges.  It is a real mess right
now. Fishing is just not going to happen for a few days,” 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, “Fishing is doing pretty well right now. The rain
actually helped.  The water had dropped before the rain. The Stillwater
is doing well.  The Yellowstone is clearing.  It is still muddy.  Use
streamers nd Hoppers and small dry flies are working.”
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
Stephanie says, “Yesterday they changed the CSF to 3,000. Tricos are
coming on.  The Big Horn is not very clear. There is a little bit of
hopper action. Use Caddis puppas, little hoppers or pseudos’. Stremers are
also working. We are seeing some trico hatches.”

Call if you need specific information.” Our shop hours  are 7 am to 5 pm.
Monday to Sunday.

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