With spring 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. 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
“The wind blew all week. A few guys were fishing but found not much
action. They caught a few male walleye. It is a little slow yet.   The
water temperature is still cold. The marina will open May 1st so we are
getting ready painting docks,”Bill says.

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

Staff says,” The wind has been blowing, really blowing.” Asked if any
fishermen were out this week. ”Yes and they sure want to get off!” No one
has seen anyone fishing because of the weather.

Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345  Craig Putchat-Park Office
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir
“It has been overcast and the wind has been really blowing bad. The
northern pike are starting to hit. They are using live minnows and going
west to Timber Creek. At Forchette walleye hit pretty good at Forchette
the caught 5 to 6 pounders.  The water temperature is 40 degrees,“ Wade
says.

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

Gene, of Lake Ridge said,” There is fishing when weather permits. One day
you can get out for a little while the next you can’t go out at all.  Lots
of wind.  They are starting to catch off shore.  The few who did get out
didn’t see any results  that I know of.”

Lake Elmo Billings
Bob said,”They stocked some cutthroat brood stock in there 2 weeks ago.
A lot of fishermen out there. Few if those are being caught. Fish are
being caught in deep water.  They are catching a few rainbow trout and
perch with bait and a bobber.”

Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Malerie/ Glenis
Glenis says,” FWP is shocking right now.  They have seen a ton of
walleye at Red Lodge Creek.  The biggest was 10the guys are fishing part
from shore and some in boats trolling. The best fishing seems to be
after 7:30 to 8 pm or really early in the morning.  That’s when they are
catching rainbow trout. They are using dark lures and rubber fish. If
you have the time  to sit and be patient you can catch some. During the
day the fishing is not good.    pounds.  Fishermen are catching walleye
at the Red Lodge boat launch. They are catching walleye in the evening
using a little dark lure.  They are catching rainbow trout better in the
early morning. There are no docks in yet. That may happen on the 14th.
The buoys are going out Thursday.”

Deadmans  Tony Stefani

Tony says,” I just went out to see things and we have 3 foot waves.  Lots
of wind this week. We are getting snow right now.  They are catching
salmon with worms when they can get out.  I just went to Martinsdale and
there were lots of fisherman out. Whether they caught anything I don’t
know but lots of them trying.”

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

Fishermen are heading to Martinsdale. Has been slow fishing. Still some
strong winds happening at Deadmans. “I heard people went out but they did
not come back to brag. Fishing has been best from the shore I hear,” Gary
says.

Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-819
“ The hottest spot for fishing is Achley Lake. From the shore fly fishing
has been good. The Missouri has started taking off. Try from the PN down
to the lake.  They are catching cats and sauger,” Dale says.

Crooked Creek-Grant
The number to check if it is open is 1-406-429-2999.

Minnow Bucket-Eddie White  696-1281 (last week report)
Eddie says, “The Yellowstone from Huntley east is fishing well  for
catfish, small mouth bass and ling. The cats have been 4 to 12 pounds and
the sauger 3 to 4 pounds. Only an occasional ling caught. From Hysham
east they are catching walleye and sauger.  They are catching at Tongue
but its slow.  Mostly small and large mouth bass and a few crappies.  At
Castle Rock Lake guys are catching bass and a few pike.”

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,” Hard to tell how fishing is this week. We had wind 4 days
of this week. The water temperature is coming up.  It is 44 to 46
degrees.  Haven’t heard any word on if they caught anything.  We will be
getting leaches in this week.” The Marina is open. Hours are 7 am to 7
pm.

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

Jim says, “I actually have no fishing report. No one has reported. It
has been windy, weather has slowed things,“ Jim said.

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

Billings-Scheels Josh says,” I hear the Big Horn has been decent fly
fishing I heard below 3 mile. At Canyon Ferry when I went fishing I got
trout and a couple walleye here and there.  Word has it Cooney has slowed
down. At Tongue, fishing meant no crappie, noperch, no walleye but some
small mouth bass.  The bass were decent 2 to 4 pounds.  Also hooked a nice
northern pike.”

Rich’s Tackle Richard  406-285-4540
”Wind has been miserable.  We are supposed to have snow tomorrow. I did
hear they were catching walleye at Canyon Ferry.  The guys said they got
some keepers. I am getting leaches this week,” 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, “The Stillwater has been steady.  Blue wings are working.
Try copper johns or hairs ears as. If the wind is not blowing they are
seeing the start of blue wing olive and March brown may fly hatch. We
are seeing sporadic hatches but expect a major hatch soon. On the
Yellowstone  you can use an occasional dry fly. Streamers always work
right now. The Yellowstone has bounced back and the clarity has
improved,”

We now are in spring 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

Richard explains,” fishing flows are going down today to 2200 cfs. Dry
fishing has picked up. The clarity is good. Fishing is really good.  Nymph
fishing is really good. People have had some really good success. It has
been good fishing. For dry flies try baetes or CDC baetes. Also the blue
wing or midges.  Streamers have been hit and miss this week. Saturday
fishing was really good. They have been catching nice size rainbow trout,
nice healthy ones. Guys are catching a few walleye at the lake.”

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