The coming of spring means you must be aware that weather and water levels 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, ”The ice is gone. We have had only a few fishermen out and I have had no one tell me how they did,“ Bill said. The marina is closed now. The cabins and campground are open. We will have some fuel and ice if I am here.
Tongue River Reservoir /Bob
Bob says, “The ice is gone. We have had rain this week and the wind has been blowing hard. We had lots of people on the weekend but the fishing was not great.”
Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Wade Stephanie /Warden Jordan Straley
“The marina will open sometime after the 15th of March. The vending machine will be stocked right now with worms and minnows until then,” Wade explained.
Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345 Craig Putchat-Park Office
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir
Cody says, ”the northern pike fishing is okay in the shallows. Walleye fishing has been slow. You can catch lake trout in the bay right now. The water temp has been 36 to 40 degrees. The road conditions are alright , there is a little wash burn in places.“
Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene says,” The wind was really blowing. The temperatures were really cool. You just could not get out there to fish most days because of the wind. On the weekend it was good weather. People were catching some walleye, pike and northern pike. There was not much worm bite. Flat Lake and the docks are open.”
Lake Elmo Billings FWP-Bob Gibson
“They were catching the hell out of trout this past week. I saw one family with a whole stringer of them. We did have some days with wind but fishing was good when you could get to the water because the wind had slowed. Right now there are white caps,” Bob says.
Cooney Reservoir Glenis
“The fishermen fishing from shore are catching lots of rainbow trout. They are doing good. If you drowned a worm from shore you were having good luck. Guys were trying for walleye jigging but it was pretty slow, Our new Park Ranger is, Skylar Mitchell. He was transferred from Dillon,” said Glenis.
Deadmans Tony Stefani
Tony says,” Deadmans has open water. A few have tried from shore but with no luck. Only seeing guys trying their boats out.” Campers remember it is now a pay site.
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-22
Staff said,” I had some guys come in and they had tried their luck at Deadmans and Martinsdale. It was pretty slow. No matter what they tried nothing seemed to be working. There were definitely weather issues.”
Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194
Charlie says, “The Missouri from Judith to Soda Creek has been real good. They were using a jig and a crank in the seams between the fast and slow water.
Crooked Creek bay is open. There is no problem launching.
Fort Peck is open water now.
Spring Creek is off color.
Achley is picking up. They are throwing big flies. Streamers are working as are worms. The worms are doing well.”
Crooked Creek-Grant
Open water at Crooked Creek. Please Call for information on if it is open. The pier is still pulled. The number is 1-406-429-2999.
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
“We have open water. It has been real slow right now. The water temp has been 45 degrees. They are catching some rainbows. The walleye are just beginning and have been about 14 inchers,” Sharon said.
The Marina is open. Hours are 7 am to 7 pm.
West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611
Jim says, “Nelson has cleared of ice. It is open and boat able. The ice left just this past weekend. Forchette and Bone Trail are open. The pike are spawning and they are feeding on worms. I caught a 20 and 17 pounder this past weekend, “Jim said.
Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday. Stop in
any time
Billings-Scheels Dan , McCahen
Mike says,” People are fishing the Yellowstone. Going East the river has been strong fishing. Lots of sauger and catfish being caught. It is good toward Hysham.”
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
Rich says, “It has been very windy here this week. Not many people out or stopping here. A quiet week. One group did go to Canyon Ferry got a few northern but no walleye caught.”
The shop is open to walk ins. Call for help by appointment as well, Rich said. ”
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977
“Things have picked up on the Yellowstone this week. I floated the Yellowstone and did best with streamers. Try using a rubber leg nymph. There are midges seen in the afternoon. The Stillwater is still too low to float. Some people are catching a few fish on the Stillwater. The biggest thing is the wind,” Chris says.
We now are still 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 has been really good. The cfs is down a little to 2140 and the water is clear. The water temp has been 39 to 44 degrees. We are seeing streamers working well at Mallard. Nymph fishing is doing really well. We are seeing a midge hatch. Try the Gray Rays, pink and orange tackle, juju baetis, zebra midges, red midges and San Juan worms. With the limited dry fly action try using small baetis in size 20 to 22, students, and parachute Adams.We are seeing a few more baetes action. Rainbows are getting on the spawn. So beware of the redds. There have been some reports that on the Craig on the Missouri people have been doing real well,” Rick said.
Our shop hours are 7 am to noon now Monday to Sunday.
(Report compiled by Carol Henckel)
