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.
*** AT THIS POINT THE CHANGES IN WEATHER MAKES ICE CONDITIONS VULNERABLE IN SOME LOCATIONS PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU CHECK WITH THOSE IN THE KNOW IN THE LOCATIONS OFTEN TO FIND OUT CHANGING ICE CONDITIONS. PRECARIOUS ICE CONDITIONS EXIST IN MANY LOCATIONS***
(Report compiled by Carol Henckel)
Rock Creek Marina-Bill 1-406-485-2560
Bill says, “The ice is still good. We still have good ice, 2 to 3 feet. The shore is changing and is softer. I did not see any fishermen this week come in. I have some coming up for the weekend so that will let me know what is happening. “ 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 “ Right now there is one fisherman out there. The edges are changing every day and still getting softer. There is about 6 toot on the edge of rotten ice in places. I would not go on the ice myself right now. The reservoir is up. Use caution and be really aware of changes in ice conditions.”
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,” This past weekend I did not open the marina The edges are getting really soft. On the north end the ice is pulled away 5 to 10 feet from the shore. Check the facebook page for any change in conditions and minnow supply. I am just waiting for the regular fishing season to start. “ The marina is set up to do SP passes. Fishing licenses and OHV permits now. I will be open weekends. Our hours will be 6 am to noonFriday, Saturday and Sunday.”
Minnow Bucket Eddie White Shepherd, MT
Eddie says, “The river has broken up by Huntley. Guys are able to get on and go catfish and ling fishing. “
Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345 Marina Matheson-Park Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir east to
Cody says, “ The conditions are that you might be able to sneak on for only a couple more days. Once it gets warmer the ice will be done. We have not seen many fishermen out. The guys caught a few in the bay. Only 1 or 2. By Friday I think the ice will be too rotten . The shore line is losing ice and it is hard to get on. Clint has now pulled 4 guys out in the last couple of weeks. The best advice is to call to get information. “ 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, “Eddie has been out everyday and they are catching. Fish are being caught although it has slowed down. The shore line in places is getting bad but it does firm up over night with the temperatures. Eddie has been heading to flat lake and also the face of the dam. There is 10 inches of ice . They are still catching northern pike and lake trout. We were using planks but the edge did firm up but I won’t say it is not iffy for getting on. Use extreme caution.”
Cooney Reservoir -Glennis, Mark Teynor is the new game warden at Cooney.
Glennis says, “ There is ice. But it is wet ice. It just is not safe. There is not any open water but when you look at the ice it looks permeated with holes. There is 25 to 30 feet of water on the shore before you can get on the ice. Not a safe situation.”
Lake Elmo FWP Bob Gibson
Bob says, “We still have Ice. I was just out there and it is popping and cracking. I think it may have something to do with the wind. It did have 1/16 inch of snow on it so I can’t tell if the color has changed. There is 8 to 10 inches. There is no one out there right now but the wind is screaming and I would not want to be out there either.”
Deadmans Tony Stefani
Tony says, “The ice is done. We now have 20 to 30 feet of water at the edge. No fishermen are out there. You could fish from shore with your rod right now. ”
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-22
The warm weather and the low water leveI means you need to watch out. Martinsdale conditions are changing.
Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194
Charlie says, “The ice is real iffy around here. It is not safe.
The Missouri is open. There is still ice on the banks so be careful.
Spring Creek has run off and has colored up. I would use a prince or a beadhead. “
Crooked Creek-Grant
Crooked Creek is blown out.
Please Call for information. The number is 1-406-429-2999.
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
“Our ice is still decent at 18 to 24 inches . (Tuesday ) It is again hardened up at the few spots where it was soft. There are actually people out fishing right now. The trout fishing is very good and perch fishing is good . Walleye is a medium bite. The two pressure ridges are still there. Stop to hear where both are and avoid them. We do have plenty of bait here. “ Sharon says. The Marina is open. Hours are 7 am to 7 pm.
West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611
Jim says, “Nelson still has good ice, like 30 inches. We have not had the warm weather other have. It is good fishing still. Plenty of good fish. They are catching perch. Some brave souls were driving on it but I would not recommend it.
I have heard nothing on Forchette this week.”
Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Billings-Scheels John Cooper, Dan
Dan says ,” The Yellowstone has cleared east. We heard it is open at Glendive. I am headed toward Pompeii in my jet boat to catch some cats and ling .
The Big Horn is really fishing well. The water is up.
We heard Nelson is still good fishing. ”
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
Rich says,” I heard that Canyon Ferry ice is still good. As of last Friday guys told me there were 23 inches of ice. It is fishing a little slower they said.
The Missouri is up and the Madison is clearer. There is still ice along the edge so it can be rough to get to.”
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977
Chris says, “ It really has not changed since last week. It has been cool enough at night that the lows make slushy conditions in the morning. Both the Yellowstone and Stillwater have opened up some. You can select spots to try and fish. There are lots of chunks of ice out there. You could do some nymph fishing. . Neither of them should you think you can float yet don’t forget you need a new license as of March 1st. “
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,”I heard the flow is way up. Nymph fishing is great right now. The weather is nice. The wind is really blowing so that is really a factor. Streamers would also work on some days.”
Steven Caldwell guide * Unable to contact. No new report this week.
Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375
Rick says,” The water has really been bumped up to cfs of 5,000. The lake is at 96% to ful pool. It has been pretty windy lately. Fishing is good. On sunny days nymphing is working. Streamers will be working the best with the high water. There is a small midge hatch that can be found if there is no wind.”
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 says,” As far as fishing it has been cold and windy and snowy here. But if you were to go fishing and it was a nice day you might find some midges hatching in the warmest part of the day. Otherwise fish nymphs , like a dark stonefly with a midge or small caddis below. Streamers would also fish well in olive and black. IF you see rainbows spawning-leave them alone!”
Yellowstone National Park
Alice explains, “Fishing in the park is still closed for the season.”
