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.
*** THERE ARE STILL SOME LOCATIONS THAT HAVE ICE SO CHANGES IN WEATHER MAKES ICE CONDITIONS VULNERABLE. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU CHECK WITH THOSE AT THE LOCATIONS OFTEN TO FIND OUT CHANGING ICE CONDITIONS FOR YOUR SAFETY. ***
(Report compiled by Carol Henckel)
Rock Creek Marina-Bill 1-406-485-2560
Bill says, “The ice is still good. We have had only cold weather. The ice is still 2 to 3 feet. There is no ice pulling away from shore. We had no fisherman this week. “ 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
Ed says, “ There is ice out there but it is way out and not safe. The water is 15 feet out. It looks like ice fishing is done and I see no one out there.”
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,” The edges were open and then froze over overnight. My 90 pound son tested the edges (Tuesday) and he broke through. I think in another week it will be opened up. It is just not safe to trust it anymore. I will not have minnows in the machine until April 1st. Check the facebook page for any change. “ The marina is set up to do SP passes. Fishing licenses and OHV permits now.”
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Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345 Marina Matheson-Park Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir east to
Clint says, “There is no ice fishing here right now. The ice is shot. The lake turned over. What ice is there is bad underneath . Overnight it is freezing up on the edges but it is not real thick. The ice is only okay in a few places to walk on but how long that is safe is another thing. The edges are open 10 to 12 feet and if it freezes over night it is ¼ inch deep. It is almost unusable. 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, “The ice is still good here. Fishermen are still going out almost every day. It has been cold here. The ice is firmed up and is 10 inches. Fish are being caught. They are not catching walleye but the guys are coming up for lake trout. They are catching lake trout and some nice pike. It is not hot and heavy but consistent .”
Cooney Reservoir -Glennis, Mark Teynor is the new game warden at Cooney.
Glennis says, “ Cooney has open water. It is open on the edges for 5 feet. Any ice out there past that is unstable and not good. The ice is definitely unsafe.”
Lake Elmo FWP Bob Gibson
Bob says, “There is like 5 feet of open water on the edges. There is ice but it is mostly slushy so not safe to use. I supposed if you wanted to fish you can fish from the pier but no one is there right now. The geese and gulls are flying around like crazy and are real active.”
Deadmans Tony Stefani
Tony says, “The ice is done. We do have 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
Terry says, “I am not hearing of anyone going on Martinsdale. I have bait now so maybe I will hear more. “
Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194
Dale says, “Not much fishing going on.
The Missouri is running muddy.
Spring Creek is off color. Some guys are nymphing. Try a prince or a bead head.
Ice is still out there but it is suicidal ice. You don’t want to be out there. Everyone is just waiting. “
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 not safe for ice fishing. The edges have pulled away. You could fish from the shore in some places. I would say call to find out changes in the conditions. 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 is holding (Tuesday) There is a little water around the edge. There is ice as of now. They have started filling it so the lake is rising. Forchette has some ice and people are fishing . It might be different by the weekend. “
Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Billings-Scheels John Cooper, Dan
Dan says ,” On the Yellowstone the ice has cleared east. There is some catching of some cats and ling . Water levels and how clear the water is at that time. I did hear from some they are catching cats on the lower Big Horn but then someone else said it is hard to get on.
The Big Horn is way up. It is on the rise. So floating it is tricky. It is really fishing well.
On the Yellowtail they are catching brown trout. One group caught some 5 pound ones. They actually are fishing for walleye going shallow using cranks and minnows and catching brown trout as well.
On Tongue people say there is water and ice fishing is done.”
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
Canyon Ferry ice is done . The weather changed things.
The Missouri is up and the flow will probably change in color as it warms up.
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977
Chris says, “ things have changed a little from last week. Both the Yellowstone and Stillwater have opened up a little more. There is still some ice on shore but you can select spots to try and fish on the shore. I think it will be better as time goes on this week with the temperatures. The footing is really still a problem whether it is ice or muddy. You could do some wadding and nymph fishing. . You might try a midge in midday. “.“
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, ” fishing is good. The flow went up again. Try nymph fishing it should be good right now. Use pink sows, worms and scuds right now.”
Steven Caldwell guide * Unable to contact. No new report this week.
Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375
Collette says,” I The water has really been bumped up to cfs of 7,500. There is not much wading to be done. It is a quick float and not for the inexperienced. Fishing has been good. Use a bigger orange or pink scuds in size 12, 14. Orange is working better. We are not seeing any hatches of midges. Streamers are working well. ”
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,” Should you go fishing and if it is a nice day you might find some midges hatching in the warmest part of the day. Run off may change water clarity. Try nymphs in a dark stonefly with a midge or small caddis below. With streamers use an olive and black one. Watch for rainbows spawning !”
Yellowstone National Park
Alice explains, “Fishing in the park is still closed for the season.”
