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
“Fishing is slowly picking up. Guys are heading up toward Bug Creek and
China Wall. Walleye fishing has picked up slowly. They are trolling slowly
with minnows. They are catching a few northern pike but not a lot. The
marina is open. We have full service,” Linda says.
Tongue River Reservoir
Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Colton/Bob Pederson/Warden Jordan Straley
Stephanie says,” We have seen a couple of crappie caught. They also
caught a few walleye, more bass and some pike. The walleye bite was weak
this week. They are jigging with a minnow, worm or leaches.”
Stephanie and Wade Bastrom now run the Tongue river Marina. The Marina
schedule is Monday to Thursday 8 to 6 pm, On Friday and Saturday 7 to 9 pm
and Sunday, 7 to 6 pm. We will have minnows, leaches and night crawlers.
Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345 Craig Putchat-Park Office
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir
“Guys are catching bass and northern pike. The spawn is over for northern
pike. They are using spoons, spinners or a jig and a minnow. They are
getting them at 8 to 12 feet and doing pretty well. They are catching some
male walleye. Nice eating size fish, “Clint says.
Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene, of Lake Ridge said,” It has been breezy this week. Just not good for
fishermen. If you get out for a short time you can catch northern pike,
lots of them. Lake Trout has been very good heading to Hacksbee and Bear
Creek right on the point. No one is catching walleye. Water temps have
been 47 on the dry arm but here they are 41 to 42 degrees. They say it
will be 80 degrees today so the water may warm up. The Missouri River is
clear and they are catching nice trout, big browns, 15 to 24 pounds.”
Lake Elmo Billings
People are catching some nice eating rainbows. Fishing has been good.
A few are catching cutthroats. A few sunfish off the docks. The water
is warming up.”
Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Malerie/ Glenis
Fishing seemed to pick up a little. There has been more people trying
fishing during the day and catching a few. People are saying there is no
pattern. Some are catching a few walleye at night The water has come up
again this week.
Deadmans Tony Stefani
Tony says,” Lots of snakes around, lots and lots of rattlers. The guys are
fishing off shore not many boats out there. They are catching rainbows.
FWP did some netting and got several rainbows. They are not in full spawn
yet.”
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-2261
Guys are heading to Martinsdale. Guys said it was good fishing from
shore. Fly fishermen are finding fishing good for them. They seem to be
catching trout.
Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-819
“Nelson is fishing good right now. Paddlefish opened and as of Monday
night they had caught 230. They have been catching walleye, sauger and
catfish using crawlers. On the ponds they have been fishing better. Achley
is the best pond right now. They seem to be schooled up and finding them
out 6 to 7 feet,” Charlie says.
Crooked Creek-Grant
The number to check if it is open is 1-406-429-2999.
Minnow Bucket-Eddie White 696-1281
Eddie said,” On the Yellowstone you can get some nice catfish using
minnows. Anywhere from 2 to 10 pounds. They are also catching some browns
and a few ling as well. On the Missouri they are catching walleye and
cats. I had someone say they got some walleye and a lot of trout on
Cooney.”
We are now in summer hours. We are closed Monday. On Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday we are open 11 to 5, Friday 11 to 7, Saturday 7
to 7 and Sunday 7 to 5pm.
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
Sharon says,” Fishing is good. The water has warmed up to 55 degrees. The
water is up about 9 feet. They are using cranks with for walleye. The
walleye has turned on in the last 3 days. ” The Marina is open. Hours are
7 am to 7 pm.
West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611
Jim says, “At Nelson Reservoir they are catching walleye and northern
pike. Try at 8 to 12 feet deep. Try the west end past the canal. That
location only happens at a short time but it can be good fishing.
Forchette is excellent for walleye. We got 70 keeper size fish. We
used worm harnesses anywhere from 8 to 58 feet using smiley blades. On
the river they are getting lots of paddlefish. There are lots of people
there, lots of people,”
Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday. Stop in
any time
Billings-Scheels
Josh says,” Tongue has been okay I hear but tough
fishing. Only catching a handful of bass and just a few walleye. Only a
few crappie. On Yellowtail they are catching small mouth. At Barry’s
Landing it is pretty muddy. At Cooney guys have caught a few fish at
night. I was told the Big Horn is grassy right now.”
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
” It is going to rain today. Some people are reporting good fishing and
some isn’t. The weather and the wind have been erratic. Heard at Canyon
Ferry some days are good for walleye but definitely it is good for trout.
At Lake Helena guys are doing fairly well. The spawn is almost done. The
river hasn’t come up much. It is clear. West Gallatin looks okay today,”
Rich said.
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
Bill says,“ The Yellowstone is blown out. It is full of mud. You could
try worms from shore. The Stillwater is clear at Absarokee Nye area. It
is a shade off from Absarokee to Columbus. From Absarokee to Columbus
fishing is good. We are seeing march browns and caddis hatch going on
around 4 pm. Nymphs are working best on the bottom. You can dry fly fish
using elk hair, caddis, purple haze and march brown patterns. If you
like immergers try soft tackle or Stillwater Grinch streamers. Keep it
on the bottom and use as a sculpan for a brown catch.”
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
Hale says,” Fishing is really good. Dry fly fishing is real good. We are
seeing the same hatches. We are seeing lots of hatches. Use mayflies or
baetis for best results. The cfs is at 2290. At the lake they are
catching an occasional walleye.” Our shop hours are 7 am to noon now
Monday to Sunday.
