With winter weather here please be aware that it can be unpredictable.  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.

(Report compiled by Carol Henckel)

Rock Creek Marina-Bill 1-406-485-2560
“There is still open water in the main bay. It rained this week.  We have
some ice but it just is not ready yet,” Bill says.
The marina is closed but I will be around some of the time this winter.
The cabins are still open,” Bill says.

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

Quite a few fishermen on the south end, Ice is 6 to 10 inches thick. They
are fishing from Rattlesnake to the South end.  The whole reservoir is ice
and some people heard of a few walleye being caught.

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

Again left a message and unable to contact this week.  Heard from others
ice is not ready yet.

Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597

Gene, of Lake Ridge said,” Still no ice on the lake yet.  It has been kind
of warm. Have to wait with the fishing. Lots of geese and ducks out
there.”

Lake Elmo Billings
Bob explains, “The ice has not seen any fishermen on Elmo this week.
The ice is thinner.  We have had lots of wind.”

Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Maleri
Cooney has ice. The weather has changed the condition of it.  We have no
open water.

Deadmans  Tony Stefani

“Quite a few are doing well on Deadmans. Some fishing has slowed down
because of wind.  Salmon spearing has just started.  Stay close to shore.
There is some open water around the inlet,” Tony says.
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-2261

Lots of wind here so no one going out and talking about it. Some snagging
of Kokanee is happening.

Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194
”Hardly any ice right now. Achley is open.  Only 1 to 2 inches of ice
where there is any.  We have had south west winds blowing for 5 to 6 days.
It is 40 degrees right now,” Dale explains.

Crooked Creek-Grant
The number to check if it is open is 1-406-429-2999. Word has it there
is some ice and a few people have gone out close to shore.

Minnow Bucket-Eddie White  696-1281
Eddie says, “Tongue now has 5 inches at the Marina. Rattlesnake has 5 to
8 inches and the south end has 10 inches. Fishing can be slow or good on
the same day. My buddy got a lot of crappie in one spot and we only
caught 2 at the same time using tipups and a minnow. On the Yellowstone
guys are getting ling.  I have seen pictures of a 3 and 4  pounder. I
know Crooked Creek has ice but Hell Creek hasn’t any ready yet.”
“I will be at Tongue every Saturday with minnows weather permitting. I
will be there from 7 am to 5pm.  So you can get minnows,” Eddie explains.

We are in winter hours as of Oct. 1st.  Wednesday, Thursday and Friday we
are open 11 to 5. Saturday hours are 7 to 5 pm. “Sunday to Tuesday is
appointment only. I have lockers and can put it in there for you just
call,” Eddie says.

Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon

Sharon says,”Canyon Ferry has been holding its own. I am telling people
to stay 100 yards of shore right now. It has been out as far as to Hole
in the Wall. Right now I sure would call for conditions before you come
as things can change quickly. The Marina is open.”
Hours are 7 am to 7 pm.

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

“Ice on Nelson is stable right now. The perch seem to be deep.  The
walleye are 6 to 22 feet deep as are northern pike. They are using
tipups, minnows and doing some spearing.  Forchette is not safe fishing
right now. There is some ice in the bay but call me for information as it
changes alot,”Jim reports.

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

Billings-Scheels Josh
Josh says, “Really not heard a lot. Canyon Ferry reports are
spotty. Everyone is out shopping not fishing.”

Rich’s Tackle Richard  406-285-4540

”On Canyon Ferry some are doing good. I was told there is 5 inches by
Silos. There is open water out further. On  Harrison Lake they are
catching    browns, brookies and rainbows.  Using maggots and ice jigs. I
hear people are doing real well on Nelson catching walleye.  There are
few people on the rivers and not much ice,” 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

Chris says, “Only a few people out. It has been warmer.  The Stillwater
and Yellowstone is open. Nymph fishing is the way to go. Nothing
specific.  Possibly you may find some midge activity at times. ”

We now are in fall hours in the shop and are open Tuesday to Sat. from
9 am to 2 pm. We are closed Monday and Sunday.

Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-237

Streamer fishing is the way to go. The fishing is really good right now.
The upper 20 miles are better. All boat ramps are in. If it snows Olka Bay
is not plowed so then it is not useable”

Our shop hours are 7 am to noon now Monday to Sunday.