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 said ,” A couple fishermen were here this past week. They did not have much luck. I did not hear they caught anything. The temperature has been 40 degrees and the wind has been blowing. We got a skiff of snow and now have some low drifts. Last week the lake trout and pike were in depths of 10 to 20 feet. 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
Bob says,” The fishermen have not been here this week. The few I spoke to last week were not catching at all. We are just in between waiting for the cold to bring ice. It has been cold and windy. 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
Haven’t heard of any fishermen out there. Some are saying they are not catching. We are in between waiting for the ice to start and weather to change . 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
Clint reports, “ We have had no fishermen here this week. No one wants to be out in the cold and wind. We were told last week that the northern pike were biting. They say the pike are in the weeds at 3 to 5 feet. Lake trout were caught at 15 to 25 feet. Head toward Crooked Creek or to Hacksbee. Only a few walleye caught towards Timber Creek. 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, ” It has been super cold here. The hunters are done. Just not many fishing. Not as many lake trout being caught. Not as many at the dam. I hear walleye fishing is just here or there. It is not hot and heavy but some are catching a few walleye. A few pike have also been caught. The last few days it has been foggy and really cold.“
Cooney Reservoir -Glennis , Mark Teynor is the new game warden at Cooney.
Mark says,” We have had fishermen this week. I am seeing people catching nice size rainbow trout. The marshmallows and power bait are still working. They are fishing from shore. I spoke to a mother and daughter who had 4 nice rainbows and then the fellow right down the shore had not had a bite. It means you have to have some luck and a lot of patience. There are boats going out but usually they go out for only a little while. They realize the wind is too much to handle and they come in. There are places where you get some shelter. There is a place where the willows help at fisherman’s point and Red Lodge campground. We have had fishermen here all week trying to catch the fish. ” The water is up. The docks have been pulled. The Marshall launch is closed. “
The new Park Ranger is, Skylar Mitchell.
Lake Elmo FWP Bob Gibson
Bob explains, “Right now the water is covered by at least one hundred geese. We have not seen many people fishing. Maybe that was because of the holiday, the end of hunting season and the wind. So I cannot say if the fish are biting.”
Deadmans Tony Stefani
Tony’s wife says, “ Have not seen fishermen here this week. If they do come they are still catching little salmon from shore. Only small ones, about 1 to 1 ½ pounds. ”
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-22
Terry says, “ I did hear the kokanee are still running at Deadmans. Some say it is starting to pick up. The cold and wind is not a help.”
Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194
Charlie explains, “ It has been pretty quiet this week.
At Achley fishing is slow and the water is low.
There is a bit of fishing on Spring Creek. The nymph fishing is okay. The water is low and clear.
Not a lot of action this week. I was at Crooked Creek to Devil’s Creek and found the water temperature was at 48 degrees. From my past history it should be at 38 degrees so we just do not have cold enough water yet. That is about all that is going on.
Crooked Creek-Grant
Lake trout fishing at Crooked Creek is very slow. Please Call for information. The number is 1-406-429-2999.
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
“ Today it is 35 degrees with a little wind. It actually is a nice day. We have had days this week where it was real windy. I did talk to 2 to 3 people who caught a few walleye . Some perch were caught. The weather is changing things. 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
“ I hear Nelson is slowly forming ice. It won’t be long. The water has come up some. Not many guys heading out. Few fishermen that are out are finding fishing is hit and miss. Still hearing that Fort Peck has lake trout being caught,” Jim said.
Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Billings-Scheels Dan , McCahen
Dan says,” On the Yellowstone I have caught sauger between here (Billings) and Forsyte. The fishing was still good . Use a minnow and a jig. . The water temp has dropped and is 34 degrees.
I have heard that Fort Peck is slow fishing. You can find lake trout at the face of the dam.
The tongue is really slow some guys are saying.
The Big Horn is still good as it always is. Try nymphing to catch the fish.
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
Rich says, “ Kind of cold for fishing right now. There is no ice yet. Not much fishing happening here. No news on Canyon Ferry fishing just wind. It looks like the Gallatin River is up some more I believe. The weather is a big factor especially wind.“
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977
Chris says, ” The weather has definitely made getting out harder. The water seems to be clearer. If you go try nymphs or girdle bugs to catch fish. It was all right fishing. Some nice rainbow were being caught before the storm. The Stillwater is up. 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
“ I haven’t heard fishing has changed. The river is still grassy but seems to be clearer. Try San Juan worms and baetes patterns. The browns are ready to spawn. There is some fishing if you are willing to deal with the cold and wind and work for the fish,” Beau says.
Steven Caldwell guide * Unable to contact. No new report this week.
“ Nymphing has been good fishing. Use San Juan worms or the favorite may fly nymphTry 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
Hale reports, “ Fishing has been fair. The water is still grassy. It is improving so the aquatic grass is less. Try streamers. The usual olive and brown wooly buggers are best to use. There are some baetes out there. For nymphs try squids and sow bugs. If there is no wind you can try dry fly fishing. “ Our shop hours have changed. We are closed Sunday and Monday. We are open 9 am to 2 pm now Tuesday to Saturday in November.
Riverside Anglers in West Yellowstone : Alice Owsley, fishing guide and outfitter 406-640-1698
Madison
Alice explains,” With the snow flying it is hard to think about fishing at the moment. But if you try your luck midges are hatching down on the Madison. You may also see some blue winged olives. Use some small dries and nymphs or larger streamers. Large streamers are always a good option this time of year.
Please do your part to encourage fish to spawn at this time of year by staying off the redds. If you see splashing around in the “water over smaller gravel, leave them alone and don’t wade on cleared gravel.“
Yellowstone National ParkAlice says, “ Fishing in the park is now closed for the season.”
