Eastern Montana Fishing Report for the Week of 1.4.16
By angelamontana

Posted: January 7, 2016
 Winter is here so be aware that it can be very
unpredictable.  Enjoy yourself but remember alcohol alters your judgment
So use it sparingly while enjoying the outdoors. Keep an eye on the
weather as conditions such as snow, 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.
Rock Creek Marina-Bill 1-406-485-2560
Bill said, “We have 6 inches of ice in the Bay and  8 inches in the Back bay.  We had a couple of fishermen here this week and fishing was slow.  They only caught 2 northern pike and a 12 pound lake trout.  they were using tipups.  The main area only froze 4 days ago so  it is just getting there. The Marina is closed now.  The cabins and campground will be open for a while.  We will have some fuel and ice if I am here, “Bill said.
Tongue River Reservoir /Bob
” The ice is in good shape. People are moving heavy pieces of equipment on the ice.  I am told there is 1 foot of ice in front of the marina.  Tongue is making alot of ice right now.  People are catching all species right now.  You can get minnows through the marina or the vending machine.   Lots of people are  fishing,” bob said.
Tongue River Marina  1-406-757-2225 Wade Stephanie /Warden Jordan Straley
“ Really  a lot of fishermen his past  weekend. A couple of guys actually limited out on crappies right in front of the marina.  I sold 300 dozen minnows this weekend so they are biting.  The ice is 8 to 12 plus  inches.  . They are using  a few  trucks on the ice. They are also doing well on northerns at depths of 6 to 8 feet depths.   I am open. Our hours will be 6 am to 1 pm Friday and Saturday and Sunday. I will have beer, pop, minnows, tackle and soup,” Wade said.
Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345  Craig Putchat-Park Office
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir
  An employee said,”  No one is fishing yet.  The ice just started and is just thick enough to have formed.  It is only at the most 3 to 4 inches in front of the marina.  It has just started.”
Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene says, “We are crying, begging for ice.  It should be coming on.  We are supposed to have a cold snap maybe that will do it.  You can still fish in some of the dredge cuts in the shallow parts but it is pretty slow. .””
Lake Elmo Billings FWP-Bob Gibson
  ” There is a lot of ice. There are lots of people using it doing everything from fishing to ice skating to playing hockey. I have seen some people catching some trout and perch. they are using little hooks. The ice is at least 8 inches thick, ” Bob says.
Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Malerie/ Glenis
   The ice is more than 4 inches thick.  I have been told ice fishing has picked up a little.
Deadmans  Tony Stefani
 “Lots of fisherman are out on ice. The ice is getting thicker.  Lots of tip ups out there.  They are catching salmon.  This weekend there were 12 huts out there and today there are 3 of them.  Minnows are being used., ” Tony says.     Campers remember it is now a pay site.
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-22
 Staff said,” The ice is thicker at Deadmans and  Martinsdale guys are saying.  They are going out to both places and fishing they just have not told me if they are catching.    So fishing is better now. I went by Broadview pond and there were a few guys out there fishing as well . Some guys are also heading to Bear Lake and the Smith on the reservoir to ice fish. ”
Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194
Charlie said, “At  Hansen and Achley they are doing well  fishing.  It is frozen solid.   the ice is 10 to 12 inches deep.  They are using mealworms and maggots to catch rainbow trout.
I heard Crooked Creek has  slowed a little.  They are only catching a few northern pike with minnows.”
Crooked Creek-Grant
  Crooked Creek marina please Call for information on ice conditions. The pier has been pulled.  Still  hearing  the ice is good right now. The number is 1-406-429-2999.
Minnow Bucket-Eddie White  696-1281
 . Serving by appointment only and selling wholesale only.
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
  “We do  have decent ice and fishermen are using it. The ice is 9 to 11 inches now. Perch and walleye fishing has been good this week. Fishermen are catching some nice trout going deep  especially along the shore out 3 to 10 feet.  for perch and walleye they are 35 to 50 feet deep. Call the store  for up to date conditions. . We have maggots,” Sharon said.
 The Marina is open. Hours are 7 am to 7 pm.
West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611
 “At Nelson there is  10 inches of ice.  TChat sounds good but beware.  There is 7 to 8 inches of snow on the ice and I found you do not know where the holes and thin ice is right now.  guys are not getting into perch yet.  A few walleye have been caught.  The fishing is really varying from time of day to day.  I have been out there in the last month and Nelson is just not making  more ice.  Forchette is fishable as it has 5 inches but is only walk on right now. some are catching a few pike.,“ Don says.
Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday. Stop in
any time
Billings-Scheels Dan , McCahen
 McCahen says ,” We are being told Tongue has more ice.  They are telling us fishing has slowed some.
  At Crooked Creek  at Winnett guys are doing well.  I heard the ice is 6 to 10 inches. They are using small minnows and tip-ups and catching some average size fish.
   On Cooney we are hearing the ice is better and the they are catching a few small walleyes..”
Rich’s Tackle Richard  406-285-4540
 “At Harrison Reservoir guys are using corn and catching Kokanee salmon.  They are doing good for trout.  Ice is 7 to 11 inches deep.
  The Ruby has been fishing well but I have not heard of the catches.
  the rivers are now froze over.  I do sell worms and I also have maggots for sale, “Rich said.
 The shop is open to walk ins.  Call for help by appointment as well.
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977
  “The Yellowstone is iced up.  It is also slushy. On the Stillwater the edges are iced up.  You would have to really  pick your spots.  We have a fair amount of snow. Not alot of fishing here,  I heard the Big Horn is fishing well with streamers, “Chris says.
 We now are in winter hours in the shop and are open Tuesday to Sat 9 to 2pm. We are closed Sunday and Monday.
Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375
Fishing is still good for brown trout right now.  Streamers are working well.  Nymph fishing is good. Use the usual san quan worm or sow bug.
Our shop hours are 7 am to noon now Monday to Sunday.
(Report compiled by Carol Henckel)
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