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
“This past weekend was really good for fishing.  Some fishermen headed to
Little Bug Creek East of Rock Creek Marina and caught lots of fish.
Saturday had 29 to 30 degree weather and no wind.  They got lots of
northern pike and a few walleye. It was slow for a while but then when you
found them they really were good fishing.  The ice is pretty good. There
are a few places where it is slushy but not too much,” Neil 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
Bob says,” Sheridan got lots of snow but we only got 1 to 2 inches. The
ice conditions are unknown.  Places are slushy.  This past week people
removed their ice fishing gear from the ice.   The people are not here.
There are places in the big water where it is open. Especially in the
middle of the bay. Assume that conditions are not the best.”

Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345  Craig Putchat-Park Office
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir
Jean says, “The ice is changing because the levels are rising. It is up 4
feet. To get on to the ice is the hard part. Some people still are and
they were catching more northern pike. Only a few walleye, lake trout or
perch. Last night it was 2 below. Use extreme caution. Conditions can
change with weather changes.“

Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene, of Lake Ridge said,” I had a guy in here with hypothermia that we
worked on getting him warm. Along the edges it is open at places. He had
fallen in at one of those. They have been heading to Duck Creek, Bear
Creek and Flat Creek is just starting.  They have been catching a few
walleye and northern pike with only an occasional lake trout.  The weather
temps keep changing. Use lots of caution. ”
The Chamber has their 18th annual ice fishing derby this weekend.  $2,000.
Payout on first biggest fish.  They dig the holes., $50 for one or 3 for
$100.  No ice houses, augers, ATVs, vehicles or spearing. It is family
friendly. More information can be gotten by calling the chamber at
228-2222

Lake Elmo Billings
“The geese are swimming in open water. I have seen no one fishing from
the bank yet.  No ice fishing here, “Bob said.

Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Maleri
“The ice is gone for 5 feet from the edge.  You can’t get out there.  We
have places of open water.  There has been n shore fishing,”Glenis says.

Deadmans  Tony Stefani
“The lake is one hundred percent open.  It is completely open. No one has
been out,” Tony says.

Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-2261
“On Martinsdale it is open water.  Some people have caught cutthroat. I
heard people are fishing from shore,” Tony says.

Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194
”If there is ice it is really bad. The ice is really punky.  At Achley it
is fair fishing from the shore.  Try fly fishing using nymphs.  Some guys
are spin fishing as well,” Don explains.

Crooked Creek-Grant
The number to check if it is open is 1-406-429-2999. Word has it there
is a good amount of ice and people have gone out with success.

Minnow Bucket-Eddie White  696-1281
Eddie says, “Tongue is unfishable for ice fishing now. The Yellowstone is
fishing very good.  It is fishing excellent. The ling are biting.
Fishermen are catching nice catfish up to 8 pounds.  I will not be at
Tongue for the weekend selling minnows until the weather changes for ice
fishing.”

“I will not be at Tongue every Saturday with minnows as the weather has
changed,” Eddie explains.

We are in winter hours.  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, ”There is ice once you get out there. Bring your own 1 by 2
to get across the water at the shore. Water is 5 foot out.  Shore fishing
has been good The shore is mushy. Make sure you call or stop in to find
out  about the conditions before going out.” The Marina is open. Hours
are 7 am to 7 pm.

West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611
“Nelson still has 20 inches of ice. Guys are catching large perch in
deep water.  The walleye and pike are at 5 foot shallow depths.
Forchette after Sunday it is hard to say the inches of the ice. The CMR
pilot who flew over said the area is turning green so the ice is
changing quickly,“said Jim.

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

Billings-Scheels Josh
Josh says, ”I hear Nelson has lots of ice.  The guys are saying it is
spongy.  They caught walleye and northerns but not many perch.
Cooney is just done.  I hear really bad ice if any.  Newland still has ice
but how good it is now I don’t know. I went fishing on the Stillwater and
I tried and got no action on Panther Martins spin fishing. On the
Yellowstone they are catching catfish and cats by Hysham.  Caught a couple
of walleye with minnows and worms.

Rich’s Tackle Richard  406-285-4540
Rich says,” I know of a group that went to Canyon Ferry and said the ice
is not real good.  It’s starting to change. On Holter and Hauser you can
get out in a boat. All three rivers are fishing pretty good.”

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, “Some people are getting out. The ice has cleared out so
both of them are wide open. Try midge dry fly action.  Try some wooly
bugger action also. The river level is slightly above normal for this
time of year.”

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
Kurt explains,” It has been pretty cold.  Streamer action is back on and
working better. They are catching a few walleye at the lake.  The road to
the lake is plowed. Jigs are working and trolling is just starting to
work.”

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