The changes of winter with snowy weather means fishermen should stay aware. The weather and ice 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 1-406-485-25600
Bill says , “ Fishermen are catching northern pike and lake trout. Ice depths are at two feet. The walleye bite is slow. They are biting on all kinds of bait.. Try depths of 10 to 15 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 /Spencer
Spencer says “We got some more snow. The roads are super slick right now. (Wednesday) Fishing seems to be pretty good. The perch bite seems to be the better bite. Lots of little ones . They are catching more crappies in the area midway between Neck Bay to Campers Point. The ice is anywhere from 12 to 15 inches. One lady speared a northern pike that was 36 inches.”
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.
Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Wade Stephanie /Warden Jordan Staley
Wade says,” Saturday was real busy lots of fishermen. We definitely have room for more people to come and fish. They are catching more perch than anything else. Not as many crappies being caught and only a few northern pike. The ice is 12 inches at places. I now can do SP passes. fishing licenses and OHV permits now. I have lots of fathead minnows and during the week the machine is full. I will be open weekends. Our hours will be 6 am to noon Friday, Saturday and Sunday.”
Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345 Marina Matheson-Park Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir east to
Clint reports, “Fishing has been slower in the early week with the warmer 50 degree weather. When it got colder it picked up. They are finding them at 14 to 24 feet in the main area. Some northerns being caught. A fair number of walleyes being caught. They are catching some lake trout. The ice in front of the marina, one foot to 14 inches. To Lucky Point it is 8 to 9 inches and the 2nd half of the bay is 4 to 6 inches. 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, “ they are definitely catching fish. We have had lots of sunshine. The majority of fish being caught are northern pike. Only a few walleye being caught. They are finding them at depths of 15 to 30 feet. Guys are catching some walleye at Duck Creek and Flat Lake.”
Cooney Reservoir -Glennis, Mark Teynor is the new game warden at Cooney.
Warm weather slowed fishing this week. A few ling were caught during the day as well as night. Cooney ice is 1 to 2 feet. The 2 foot depths are at the south end. They are catching a lot of trout. The north shore still has pretty thin ice. It is not recommended for truck driving on it. “
Lake Elmo FWP Bob Gibson
Bob says, “Lots of people are out fishing. They are mostly catching trout. Only a few perch are being caught. The weather today will change things with the snow,”
Deadmans Tony Stefani
Tony says, “ We only saw one person out fishing this week. Did not hear how they did. We have had problems with people staying on the road. Getting stuck is not fun so stay on the road.”
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-22
“I had three or four groups head to Martinsdale. The ice is good solid ice. Lots of huts on the ice they say. People are catching lots of rainbow trout, Terry says.”
Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194
Dale says, “Fishing is best at Fort Peck. They are catching big northern pike using large herring. Head to the west end of Crooked Creek. It is rock solid fishing. It is a minnow bite.
The local ponds are up and down.
On the East fork they are catching 1 to 1 ½ pounders. It is somewhat sketchy fishing.
If I had to go anywhere I would go to Peck right now. “
Crooked Creek-Grant
People say ice is good at Crooked Creek. People are catching some nice fish.
Please Call for information. The number is 1-406-429-2999.
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
“Lots of good fishing. The trout fishing is good and perch are good. Ice is now We have ice that is 18 to 25 inches thick. The ice is in good condition. Guys are catching trout pretty much anywhere. We have had lots of sun this week. There is a very large pressure ridge so you need to stop to hear where it is and avoid it. Stay off of it the whole length of it. We do have plenty of bait here. The Lions Club perch tournament went well. We had 67 teams. 1st place was Josh Love at 9.52 , 2nd place was James Wershburn with9.45 and third place was a tie with 9.07 by Pete Rummel and Steven Reather. A good day of fishing.“ Sharon says. The Marina is open. Hours are 7 am to 7 pm.
West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611
Jim says, “ At Nelson fishing was decent. Someone caught a 9 pound 2 oz walleye and a big 12 pound northern. The perch is 1 pound 2 ounces. There were lots of fishermen there and lots of fish caught and lots of fun had. There is 20 inches of ice.”
Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Billings-Scheels Dan , McCahen.
McCahen says he has heard,” Lots of people are heading to Crooked Creek. The guys are saying fishing is good. The pike bite is real good. Frozen smelt is working well. Walleye fishing is slower. Guys are using tip ups and jigging.
At Tongue this week I am hearing they are catching more crappies. The wax worms are working.”
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
Rich says,” The ice has gotten thickerWe had some snow this week so not many are talking about their fishing. .
Canyon Ferry had a good tournament. The trout fishing has been good.
At Holter they are catching a lot of perch. They are really biting.”
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977
Chris says, “Lots of ice and lots of snow. Footing is not good. Still not recommend fishing right now. You can’t even get up to the ice anywhere.
You can book trips now for later, just call the shop. Our hours now are 9 to 1 Monday to Saturday and 9 to 1 pm on Sunday. ”
Montana Adventures and Angling in Fort Smith Beau McFadyean 406-855-3612
Beau says,” Nymph fishing was pretty dang nice this week they say. Try sow bugs and midges they are working. Stream fishing is fair. The water is clear. Be careful on the ramps there is some ice. Stock up on your flies.”
Steven Caldwell guide * Unable to contact. No new report this week.
Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375
Rich says, “The wind blew some this week. The fishing was actually pretty good. . The river is now at 2800 cfs. Nymping is good right now. Try going deep with a gray ray tan, scuds or small beats pattern. Some soft tackle is working. Try pheasant tails and zebra tails and midges in the 18 and 20 size. Tongue teasers are also working as well.
The midges and baetes are hatching some of the time. It is pretty good for streamers. Try a thin mint or a dark hippy. You can call the shop for ramp conditions as I really watch that closely. “
Our normal hours are we are closed Sunday and Monday. We are open 9 am to 2 pm now Tuesday to Saturday.
Riverside Anglers in West Yellowstone : Alice Owsley, fishing guide and outfitter 406-640-1698
Madison
Alice tells us,” The much appreciated longer days are allowing a little warmth down on the Madison on sunny afternoons. Calm days see midges hatching and being eaten by interested trout. Other days fish are eating smaller caddis nymphs behind larger stoneflies. If the weather is dreadful and you have to get on the water, try an olive streamer in deeper water.”
.”Yellowstone National Park
Alice explains, “Fishing in the park is now closed for the season.”
