Eastern Montana Fishing Report for the Week of 8.4.14
By angelamontana

Posted: August 6, 2014

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
“Walleye are biting but they have gone deep.  People are using   cranks.
You just have to fish over the right place. It is still working to pull a
crank real slow 25 to 40 feet deep. Any color is working right now.

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

Matt says,” They are really catching lots of bass right now.  Bass are on
fire.  Use to water baits. Crappie fishing is really good. Walleye
fishing has slowed down. Go deep 20 to 30 feet. They have gone deep.
They are also catching catfish below the dam.  I saw a 12 pounder caught
there.  ”   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.  Walleye are much deeper
14 to 25 feet.  Really everything is slower.  Use dark colors like purple,
dark black and dark blue. You won’t catch as many   but some nice 5
pounders can be found  The heat is affecting the fishing.”

Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene Moore, of Lake Ridge says,” Fishing is really good. Lots of lake
trout being caught by the dam.  A few salmon about 16 to 22 pounds have
been caught.  Walleye fishing is pretty good as well.  Go 85 feet deep
using squids and 11 ½ inch flashers. Head toward Bear Creek, Hacksbee, and
Yorks Island for the best fishing.  Use an evil eye flutter  spoon at 100
to 120 feet.”

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
There are stage II fire restrictions going on right now. Reports seem to
be mixed on the fishing at Cooney. Fishing has not been happening much.
Hot weather seems to be the deciding factor. More skiing going on than
fishing.

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

“We again went to Martinsdale and it was okayfishing. They are catching at
Bear and Southerland. They are even catching a few Kokanee.  We caught a
few fair size onse at about 2 pounds.  Small and large cowbells are
working.  We used silver, fluorescent green black and orange lures,” Kenny
says.

Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194

“Good fishing at Spring Creek. It is gin clear.  Fish off the bottom.
Dry flies are doing   well .Use PMD’s, CDC and caddis. Using nymphs has
been good .basic hoppers are working. For nymph fishing throw in
anything, they all are working.”

“Achley is off because of the heat.  Not doing well. Too hot.  , “said Dale.
Lakes are off.  The heat is just stopping things.

Crooked Creek is fishing well.  Walleye are at 35 foot. A lot of guys are
doing bottom bouncing and lindy rigging for walleye.

Ponds are changing because of the heat The ponds are mossing up,” he says.

Crooked Creek-Grant
Fishing across the bay is good for walleye.  Go deep because of heat.
The fish are hitting.  The Fall Classic is there this weekend. August
9th and 10t. We will be open all week.  Dusty says, “The Marina is open
Friday, Saturday and Sunday of every weekend in July and August excep
for the tournament week. 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  toward Huntley on the river are still biting. Use  blood shrimp
and suckers.

Small mouth and sauger are being caught 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 eater size  being caught.  More walleye
going North and South.   It is good fishing for trout and walleye. Go
deep 16 to 25 feet.

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. Fishing is better
going deeper 30 to 40 inches.   Expect to catch perch.
At Forchette fishing is good.  Use bottom bouncers with a worm for
walleye. 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

“Catch lots of little ones at Canyon Ferry. You can do well for walleye.
Lots of little walleyes mostly are being caught. The Gallatin is pretty
low.  Madison is the best of the bunch. The Missouri has lots of moss.
The Jefferson is warm on the lower end.  Go higher but realize access is
limited.  You have got to float it,” 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 fishing is doing pretty well. Use nymphs and
streamers.  It actually has a normal flow. The clarity is good.  Use the
Big tractor or purple haze.  The toughest flow is the upper river above
Absarokee.

The Yellowstone   has clarity. The flow is up a little.  Use big dries,
Scott franks.  Use streamers early in the day.  It is tougher fishing when
the sun is high and the heat is on. Use pink, peach and tans. Nymphs are
also 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
Staff says, “  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.

New Podcast!

Riley's Meats - Butte Wild Game Processing