With winter starting 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 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
Neal said, “It was slow fishing here this week. We had lots of people here. They caught a few northerns. The ice is a foot. In the shallows where there are rock banks and points are opening. They were still driving 4 wheelers on the iceTuesday. We are supposed to get rain and the temperature is supposed to go to 40 degrees coming up. I would say getting on will be a problem soon.” If you are going up it is suggested you call as conditions are changing fast. 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
“It looks like the irrigation district is starting to fill the reservoir. The water is separating the ice from shore. There is one guy ice fishing Pee Wee right now. (Tuesday noon) It snowed and rained on Monday so weather is really changed. This weekend the wind is supposed to blow and the temperature is supposed to be 60 degrees. The ice is not going to be there I am afraid,” Bob said.
Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Wade Stephanie /Warden Jordan Straley
“On Sunday the ice was starting to separate from shore. With the warmer weather I imagine we are going to be done with ice fishing. It rained all day yesterday. Get ready. Get ready to do some real fishing. It is supposed to be warm with some wind,” Wade chuckled.
Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345 Craig Putchat-Park Office
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir
Clint says,” As of a new revised report at 6 pm Tuesday the Hell Creek ice fishing tournament is cancelled. We thought we could hold it but the wind and rain has changed the ice conditions drastically. Between this 50 degree weather and the wind and rain storms we’re losing our ice fast.We’re going to pull the four wheelers off probably tomorrow and I don’t know what the weather forecast in the near future. We’ve got more rain coming. Idon’t think we’re even going to have safe ice to walk on by Saturday. Ice fishing is done and safety is the main concern. “
*Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene says, “We have had a blustery day. We have had rain and snow. We have ice here and there but it is bad. No one should be on it. The Corp still has the ramps closed so you can’t get a boat in. It won’t be long till the guys can put a boat in.”
Lake Elmo Billings FWP-Bob Gibson
Bob says,” No ice here. It is open. Right now we have one foot white caps. The wind is blowing. The mallards and geese are the only ones out. I was at Deadmans on last Thursday and it was pretty open the ice was going.”
Cooney Reservoir Glenis
“A few are fishing. The warm weather is changing conditions. People need to be safe. The shallow areas at Red Lodge Creek and Willow Creek shallow areas are open right now,” said Glennis.
Deadmans Tony Stefani
Tony says,” On Deadmans the ice is only in the middle. It is really opening up. About all you could do is fish from shore. The river is also breaking up. We did have some snow today. (Tuesday) Lots of wind so no fishermen. It is not safe as conditions are changing.” Campers remember it is now a pay site.
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-22
Staff said,”We had lots of wind this week. I am hearing it is not good fishing.”
Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194
Dale says, “Don’t go on the ice. It is not safe. All ice is really punky everywhere. The ice is shot. Nowhere is good. Spring Creek is high and muddy now.”
Crooked Creek-Grant
Some saying they are catching at Crooked Creek, Heard ice is gone. Crooked Creek marina please Call for information on if it is open. The pier has been pulled. The number is 1-406-429-2999.
Minnow Bucket-Eddie White 696-1281
Yellowstone is great for catfish. You can use your boat in Pompeii and Huntley area.
We are now wholesale only. By an appointment only. There is a $50 dollar minimum for minnows.
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
“The ice is breaking from shore. It is gummy in the center. Conditions are changing constantly sometimes hourly. Call for conditions,” Sharon said.
The Marina is open. Hours are 7 am to 7 pm.
West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611
They are still fishing at Nelson I have heard. It has been cold enough at night that what melts during day freezes over night. So there is still ice. Weather may change things, “Mindy said.
Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday. Stop in any time
Billings-Scheels Dan , McCahen
McCahen says,” Most guys are fishing on the Yellowstone. They are catching catfish and sauger. Now they are fishing by Pompeii Pillars, Huntley or Hysham. They are having success.
There have been some guys going to Cooney but I don’t know how they are doing.
The Big Horn is really good. People are loving fly fishing in this weather. Nymphing is definitely working. ”
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
Rich says, “I had some guys return from Nelson on Monday. They were there 5 days. When they first arrived ice was 18 inches and when they left Monday it was 10 inches. Conditions are changing fast. They went to Forchette first and it was done, no fishing happening now.
The Rivers are open. The Missouri from Totson to the lake is open. The Jefferson is open. The Madison and Galatin are open.
On Canyon Ferry the ice is off shore I hear. So ice fishing may be done.”
The shop is open to walk ins. Call for help by appointment as well, Rich said. ”
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977
“The rivers did are open in many places. There ice is going or gone. It is mostly nymph fishing. The main channel of the rivers is opening up,” “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 good. For nymphing try the gray ray, size small orange scuds, San Quan worms, juju baetis and pink sow bugs. Dry fly fishing has been good. Try midges. Our weather has been in the 45 to 50 degree making fishing good. Try Griffith’s great or parachute Adams or a size 22 small spoon baetis. Streamers are now working well. Yesterday I had some guys come in who used streamers and had caught 30 to 40 fish using blond flies. The wind is the only thing you might have to deal with this week but conditions are great,” Rich said.
Our shop hours are 7 am to noon now Monday to Sunday.
