Eastern Montana Fishing Report for the Week of 2.8.16
By angelamontana

Posted: February 11, 2016

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.

Rock Creek Marina-Bill 1-406-485-2560

Bill said, “Fishing was tough this week not because of ice but 60 mph winds.  A few people were out and they caught northerns and walleye. The ice is a foot. On the point there are 2 to 3 open areas.  There are some still driving 4 wheelers on the ice.”  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 still okay. I am getting phone calls that guys are pulling their ice houses off and I just drove around and all the ice houses have been pulled. They are catching perch. You can still fish as there is a decent depth of ice. This weekend the wind is supposed to blow and the temperature is supposed to be 60 degrees.  I just suggest that after this weekend we will have to watch conditions.  I would just say guys have to watch what is going on after the weekend. You can get minnows through the marina or the vending machine,” Bob said.

Tongue River Marina  1-406-757-2225 Wade Stephanie /Warden Jordan Straley

“I just went out and drilled a hole and the ice is 10 plus inches.  This weekend may be the last good weekend for ice fishing.  It is supposed to be warm with some wind but guys are catching.  There is no water by the shore.  On Peewee they are still fishing and walking around.  Getting some perch.  After the weekend we may see a change if the weather stays warm.  I will have minnows this weekend. Last Saturday was great for crappies. One 9 year old boy speared a 11 pound northern pike,” Wade explained.  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

Clint says,” Fishing was decent this week. People have caught a few walleye but more northerns. Right now 4 wheelers are being used but because of the warm temps I figure by Saturday it will be walk on only.  The ice is thick enough that even with the warm temps the ice will be okay I think for a while. The main bay is walk on only right now. The last half of the bay is also walk on also. Ice is 10 to 15 inches or 9 to 12 inches out further. Around Boy Scout there is a pressure ridge.“

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

Gene says, “We had 40 degrees this week.  No ice here. What little ice we had is moving out because of the wind.  There are more open areas every day. It won’t be long till the guys can put a boat in.”

Lake Elmo Billings FWP-Bob Gibson

Bob says,” The fishermen are still catching fish.  Lots of 8 inch trout. The ice is pretty solid.  It is 10 inches.  The ice seems to be holding with the weather temps being so warm at times. They were using powerbait and worms.”

Cooney Reservoir  Glenis

“Not many fishermen out here. The ice at Fisherman’s Point is 12 inches We measured the ice in the middle today and it was 15 inches,” said Glennis.

Deadmans  Tony Stefani

Tony says,” I went to Broadview pond today and it still has ice.  I don’t know for how long though with the warmer temps. On Deadmans the ice is starting to break up.. Lots of wind so no fishermen. 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 heard from some guys who went to Deadmans a few days ago and the wind blew them off. No one is talking about going out.”

Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194

Charlie says, “ Spring Creek is high and muddy now.

There is decent ice at Achley. Fishing was steady this week. Guys are going down 20 to 25 feet down.  They are catching trout with small jigs  and maggots.

At Crooked Creek the ice is still good. They have catching fish. Heard they have gotten some nice walleye toward Soda Creek. Northern  pike are being caught in the bay. They are seeing some pressure ridges so be careful.”

Crooked Creek-Grant

Some saying they are catching at Crooked Creek, Heard ice thinning. Could be weather related. Crooked Creek marina please Call for information on it being 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 Huntley area.

We are now wholesale only. By an appointment only. There is a $50 dollar minimum for minnows.

Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon

“Fishing is still good.  We have 10 to 12 inches of ice. It has not melted. So far there is no open water. If you know the water guys are getting limits on perch. Only few walleye but trout are always good. Call the store for more information or conditions as the weather can change things quickly. We do have maggots at the marina,” Sharon said.

The Marina is open. Hours are 7 am to 7 pm.

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

On Nelson they are still catching perch. It has been cold enough at night that what melts during the day freezes over night. There is still ice. It has been 20 at night. There is 15 inches of ice,“Jim said.

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

Billings-Scheels Dan , McCahen

McCahen says,” Guys are fishing on the Yellowstone. They are catching catfish and sauger.  Most often they are fishing by Huntley or Hysham. They are having good success.

On Yellowtail they say they are having success catching sauger from the boat.  The water temp is cold.

On White Sulphur one of our staff went there and did decent on small trout.

Still hearing people say the Tongue has slowed down from what it was.  They are catching crappie.

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

“It sure has been warm.

Holter ice is going out.  It has gone from 7 inches to five in a week.  They are catching perch.  Don’t know how long you will be able to get on it. Be really careful.

The Rivers are open.  The Missouri from Totson to the lake is open. The Jefferson is partially open.  The Madison and Galatin is open.

The ice is going fast I have been told at Fort Peck.

On Canyon Ferry the ice is still good I hear. They either are finding them or not finding any. You have to work at it. Catching lots of perch.

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 definitely open in many places.  There is still some ice on the edges on the rivers.  It is mostly nymph fishing.  The main channel of the rivers is definitely 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 really good.  Nymph fishing is good. Streamers are working fair.  The water is 39 to 40 degrees right now. Fish the bottom. There is some midge hatch. It has been windy this week but overall there are great conditions,” Hale said.

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

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