EASTERN MONTANA FISHING REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF 9/15/14
By angelamontana

Posted: September 17, 2014

Report compiled by Carol Henckel

With fall weather approaching please be aware that it can be
unpredictable. Remember to 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 as temperature, wind and
precipitation can change quickly. Be prepared for all types of weather.

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 fishing was slow this week. I think as the weather straightens
out it will get better. With the warmer weather predicted it should
happen. The water temp was 57 degrees.  It is up but just today dropped a
little. You can still catch nice bass and notherns.  Jig or bottom bounce
with any color bit.  I caught a nice northern on a purple lure and then
next I caught one on a crawdad color.  My son caught a nice 30 inch
channel catso they are out there too,” Linda said.

Tongue River Reservoir
Tongue River Marina  1-406-757-2225 Colton/Bob Pederson/Warden Jordan Straley
Reports say the Tongue has been fishing decent. The crappie, walleye and
bass are moving shallow. The water temp is 68 degrees. Use a jig and
crawler or cranks.

We now have September hours.  Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we are now
closed.  We will be open Thursday to Sunday 8 am to 6 pm.

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

Bob reports,” Walleye fishing has been slow.  Lots of  Northern pike and
small mouth  are still being caught. We are seeing some big northern pike.
Someone did catch a 9 ½ pound walleye but you can ave one day god and then
have 3 slow fishing days.  They are fishing toward Snow Creek just about
14 miles from the Marina.  You can still use a  minnow and jig for
northerns but cranks are not working like the jig.  The colors to use seem
to be bright orange and red.  Go 15 foot or less to find them. “

Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene, of Lake Ridge says,” People are going west toward the pines at
Gilbert Creek still.  Also try a little past the Crooked Creek up here. If
you work at it you can get some walleye at, like 40 feet deep. Lake trout
are about ready you just have to wait for the weather change. That is when
it usually happens. The salmon are being caught hit or miss by the dam. ”

Lake Elmo Billings
The fishing has been better with the warmer weather. Only a few fishermen
out there right now.
Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Maleri
Trout are slow and spotty.  Few people catching walleye out by the dam.
Jigging seems to be working but experience helps. The water is low.
Lake is trying to turn over.

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

Terry says, “Deadman’s   fishing is picking up, I hear. Some are limiting
out with a lot of others they catch and release because of size.  They
are using spinners and lures instead of cowbells right now.  Some told me
they had a good weekend catching rainbow trout.  Martinsdale still is not
a place people are going.  A few say it is not good.”

Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194

“Not much fishing going on. Spring Creek is fishing steady. They are
using panther martins, Mepps, a few hoppers and beadhead nymphs. Try gold
and silver or just plain gold as they are working.  On the river they are
dunking worms and getting cats,” Charlie says.
Crooked Creek-Grant
No new report. Dusty says, “The Marina is open Friday, Saturday and
Sunday of every weekend. We have gas, camping, and cabin rental.  The
store has night crawlers and ice.  Our number is 1-406-429-2999.

Minnow Bucket-Eddie White  696-1281
“Catfish are biting. Live minnows are working well right now. You can
find big sauger in the river.  Saw some 4 pounders and a 6 ½ pounder.
They are biting really well on the Yellowstone River. A few walleye are
being caught in the 4 pound range.  For walleye a minnow and jigging
works and jigging also works on small mouth,” 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

“This week Canyon Ferry has been good fishing this week if you go deep.
Go deep 20 to 40 feet.  You can catch perch there as well. They are
getting walleye going east and north. Trout fishing is still good,”
Sharon says.

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

“I am hearing Nelson is spotty. Bottom bouncers are good going 12 to 17
feet.  Some people are catching some just aren’t.  Only heard of a few
jigging but not much success. Hopefully the warm weather will make it
better.  The few fishermen that went to Forchette said it was poor and
they only caught a few fish,” Jim reports.

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

Josh says, “I headed to Red Lodge and Rock Creek to fish.  It was up
but it fished pretty good.  I caught some nice brook trout. Heard they
are catching some bass at Yellowtail round Horseshoe Bend.  The walleye
and sauger are still slow.  At Cooney I heard the lake is starting to
turn over.  People went to Tongue but no one said too much. It had been
good for bass at this time of year.”

Rich’s Tackle Richard  406-285-4540

Another trip to Canyon Ferry this week. Not too get.  We got a equal
number of walleye and northern.  We went North.  The trout fishing was
better. The rivers are doing good.  The water is down some.  You can
catch some nice browns on the Jefferson these days.  They have caught
some nice rainbows on the Madison,“ Rich says.

Shop hours are Sunday 12 to 4 pm.  Closed Monday.  Tuesday to Saturday
7am 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

Jasmine reports, “The water is clear from Big Timber down.  We had a
baetis hatch on Saturday.  With the warm temperatures the water has gone
up a little.   The browns are starting to stage on the Stillwater.  The
Stillwater is consistent fishing right now. You can catch a nice one.
Just have to work at it.
The Yellowstone is fishing pretty good.  The color is clear.”
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, “ Tricos, tricos, tricos! Evrything is about using tricos
right now. The water is at 3789 CSF and slow. For streamers use small
buggers or  slump busters. For nymphs you can use a 16 or 18 scud. Try
gray rays, static backs or a pseudo student. You can also use a tongue
teaser in a size 20. Streamers are good to use during the day.”

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

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