The changes into fall with snow and rain weather means fishermen should stay aware. The weather and water levels have changed drastically. 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 will 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
“Bill says,” The lake trout were definitely biting at Hacksbee. We used spoons and caught mostly males and only a few females. Fishing was okay. We found some northern pike, like a half a dozen on Thursday in 8 to 12 feet of water. We used cranks. We caught just a few bass. We did not get any walleye .The water temperature was 54 degrees. The marina is closed. We will still have cabins for rent. So some services will be available if one of us is around.”
Tongue River Reservoir /Bob
Fishing has backed off. Not a lot of people out there. It has been very cold in the mornings like today it was 29 degree this morning. I suspect only a few crappies were caught this week. The fish cleaning station is now closed. We now have only camper points 1 to 8 to the north and 9 to 11 open. The camp sites are now first come first serve. The water is down but fishing is still possible. ”
Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Wade Stephanie /Warden Jordan Staley
Wade said,” When I was up working on the marina it was really windy. It has been blowing a lot. I did hear one older gentleman who said his son went out and he caught some crappies. There is less water but you can get a boat in. The marina is closed but we will be ready when ice fishing gets going,”
Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345 Marina Matheson-Park Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir east to
Clint says, “Pike fishing has been good. The pike are shallow and they are finding them in 2 to 6 feet of water. They go deeper the days it is cloudy. Use anything that imitates a cisco or perch. Use cranks. You can find lake trout at 30 to 40 feet. The lake trout are just starting so they are still catching a few 20 feet. You only catch a few walleye, perch and bass as it is hit and miss. We are open 7 days a week, 7 am to 6 pm now. “
The park manager for Hell Creek State Park is Marina Matheson.
Lake Ridge Motel Eddie and Carrie Mindt 1-406-526-3597
Carrie says, ” The lake trout have been real active this week. They are in 30 feet of water. Guys are using spoons and cranks. A few lake trout are being found at the face of the dam. Some walleye although really slow are being caught at Duck Creek jigging using a minnow. Northern pike are being caught at the face of the dam. A few bass also are being caught but the fishing is pretty slim for them. Guys are catching salmon non –spawners. They still are snagging a few salmon. It has really slowed. “
Cooney Reservoir -Glennis
Fishing has been slow. Shore fishermen are getting trout from shore . Not hearing of any walleye being caught. The water is come up. It never has turned over. The docks have been pulled. The Marshall launch is closed. “
The new Park Ranger is, Skylar Mitchell.
Deadmans Tony Stefani
Tony says, “Salmon fishing is pretty good off shore. They are catching some salmon. They are small, 1 to 1 ½ pounds. They are catching rainbows. They are close to spawning . Spinners and marshmallows are working. You can find them pretty much anywhere along shore. The water is low. The dock has been pulled.”
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-22
Terry says, “ The fishing on Martinsdale is pretty slow. I talked to people who live near there and they say it is definitely slower than usual. They say it just seems like they are not hitting like they usually do.”
Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194
Charlie says, “ The Missouri river is pretty mossy. Not a whole lot of fishing going on.
Crooked Creek fishing has be n slow. It has not turned so it is slow fishing.
Spring Creek is low and clear. Fishing is slow. It hasn’t turned over so it is slow. Use the standard fall fishing tackle. Try the small spinners in blue, silver and gold.
On Achley guys are fishing for tiger muskies with a fly rod. Use flashy flies with wooly buggers and white marabous. “
Crooked Creek-Grant
Heard conditions from past weather has slowed fishing at Crooked Creek. Please Call for information. The number is 1-406-429-2999.
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
“ Perch fishing was really good this week. There was no wind. Warm weather and 68 degrees helped. Trout and walleye also was good. Some have limited out. Head north and east to find the fish. There is enough water to launch here by Silos. The water is 3 to 3 ½ feet out of the bay, “ Sharon says.
The Marina is open. Hours are 7 am to 7 pm.
West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611
“At Nelson it was rainy this week, guys are fishing with jigs and a minnow at 18 to 22 feet to catch fish. The water is still low although but has come up some. The fishermen are heading toward Forchette between Crooked Creek and Herman’s point. Fishing for walleyes guys are cranking or jigging with a minnow,” Jim said.
Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Billings-Scheels Dan , McCahen
McCahen says,” At Yellowtail guys are catching sauger with a minnow and jig.
On the Yellowstone river from town to Hysham the water has cleared up and bass and catfish are doing well. “
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
Canyon Ferry fishing for perch has been a bit better this week. On Totson at the dam the water is down I was told but they are catching. The river is up quite a bit. It is slightly clearer.
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977
Chris tells us, ” The Yellowstone and the Stillwater have gone up. Both the Yellowstone and Stillwater are off color. It seems to be recovering a little. There are just not many out there fishing. I am still booking trips, just call the shop. Our hours now are 9 to 5 Monday to Saturday and 9 to 1 pm on Sunday.”
Montana Adventures and Angling in Fort Smith Beau McFadyean 406-855-3612
“The river is still off color and grassy.. It has some grass breaking off. . You can still see a baetes hatch making fish rise along the edges if conditions are right. If you can catch the right conditions you can see decent fishing. You have to be willing to work for the fish. If you work your catch can be 10 or so for the day,” Beau says.
Steven Caldwell guide * No new report this week unable to contact.
“Nymphing has been good fishing. Use San Juan worms or the favorite may fly nymph. I am seeing a baetes hatch around noon now. Try fishing with streamers right now and you will do well. Go to the dam. Head to Wolf Creek. At the bridge stay alert. The Canyon is good fishing, “Steven explains.
Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375
Staff says, “fishing has been only fair. The water is off color and mossy. Dries were working. Try using BWO, blue wing olives, for dry patterns. The cfs is 2750 now. “ Our shop hours are 7 am to 7 pm now Monday to Sunday.
Riverside Anglers in West Yellowstone : Alice Owsley, fishing guide and outfitter 406-640-1698
Madison
Alice says,” The Madison fishing on the outside of the park is still good. The weather has helped. Fish are eating small nymphs or black and olive streamers. Use small blue winged olive mayflies. On sunny days or on warm, days you might see fish eating Caddis. Use dry flies and hoppers.
Yellowstone National Park
Alice says, “ Fishing in the park ends on Sunday at 6 am. Check current weather and road conditions in the park. The lower elevation streams have been fishing well. The rainbow and brown trout are running upstream out of Hebgen. Catch them on peacock soft hackles, small to medium sized light colored streamers and caddis nymphs. . Keep an eye out for bear evidence. Carry bear spray. “
