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, “We still have ice. It has been cold enough. We did not get the warm weather that other places got. The ice is 2 to 3 feet. The guys who came this weekend found fishing slow. The wind is really blowing today. “ 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
There are definitely changes on the edges. There is about 6 feet on the edge that can be rotten in places. 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 we did have a few guys who went on the ice. They actually did well and almost had a grand slam, just did not catch the cat. The edges are getting soft. On the north end the ice is pulled away 5 to 10 feet from the shore I would bring a ladder. The guys did not have to use. The edges were not open. I think one of these days it may be needed. The guys said the ice is 16 to 20 inches out there. The edges were Check the facebook page for any change in conditions and minnow supply. “ 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 noon Friday, Saturday and Sunday.”
Minnow Bucket Eddie White Shepherd, MT
At Huntley the river is opening up.. 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
Clint says, “ The ice conditions have been rotten. Overnight it is freezing up on the edges but it is not real thick. With the warm weather we were using planks but even that was proving to be almost too short. I think if we get the 18 degrees for the next couple of days we will have firmer edges again. Right now it is walk on only in my opinion. Maybe on the weekend you might be safe to use a 4 wheeler. We have to wait and see. There is 10 to 12 inches of ice. The northern pike fishing is not too bad. The other fishing has slowed with the warmer weather but the cold may change that. 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, “Our ice is still good. Guys have been out almost every day. We have had winds of 40 to 50 mph and it has been cold. Fish are being caught although it has slowed down. The shore line in places is getting soft but it does firm up over night with the temperatures. Guys have been going to flat lake and to the face of the dam. The ice is 10 inches . They are catching northern pike and lake trout. Bring planks but the edge does firm up at night. Just use extreme caution.”
Cooney Reservoir -Glennis, Mark Teynor is the new game warden at Cooney.
Mark says, “The ice is definitely unsafe. Ice . It freezes at night but is not real firm in the morning. A couple of people were out on the north shore but there is 30 to 40 feet of water from the shore in places to get past. Not a safe situation.”
Lake Elmo FWP Bob Gibson
Bob says, “There is a lot of open water. The inlet is open about 100 feet. Any ice that is there is not safe. You just can’t get on. If you wanted to fish you can dish from the pier.”
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
Terry says, “Not hearing of anyone going on Martinsdale. That tells me you need to watch out. Martinsdale conditions are changing. “
Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194
Dale says, “Not much fishing going on.
The Missouri is open. There is still ice on the banks.
Spring Creek is off color. Guys are nymphing. Try a prince or a beadhead.
I went up the East Fork. Guys are using planks. There are places where it would be suicidal to go out right now.
Up north on the Mairias River the shore is muddy and icy. People just have to wait. “
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. We have not had any wind. It is at 18 to 24 inches . (Tuesday ) the edges have nt pulled away they are still holding. Guys are not using planks yet. Yu just have to be careful. The trout fishing is very good as is the perch fishing . 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
Mindy and Jim say, “ Forchette has ice and the fishing is good. Jim thinks that it might not be good by the weekend. Er are supposed to get some snow this weekend. Nelson still has good ice, like 30 inches. They are catching perch using minnows. I would not recommend people to drive on it.”
Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Billings-Scheels John Cooper, Dan
Tanner 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 on the rise. It is really fishing well.
The Yellowtail I have heard is picking up. The guys are using jigs.
I heard from some people went fishing high on the Stillwater by Sioux Charlie. They were fishing off the bank. Fishing was sketchy.
On Tongue people say there is water in the middle where it is starting to open up.
Fort Peck people say are still catching. I hear there is still ice. ”
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
Canyon Ferry ice is still okay. Guys told me the fishing is a little slower they said.
The Missouri is up and the Madison is less clear. Watch out for ice along the edge.”
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977
Chris says, “ things have not changed much since last week. Both the Yellowstone and Stillwater have opened up a little more. You can select spots to try and fish on the shore. The footing is really still a problem. There are lots of chunks of ice out there yet. You could do some nymph fishing. . You cannot float either river yet. 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 am hearing that the fishing is good. I also heard the flow is to go way up again. Try nymph fishing it should be great right now. I heard streamer fishing is fantastic. 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
Rick says,” It is really windy. (Tuesday) Today fishing is not good because of this. The water has really been bumped up to cfs of 6,000 and rumor has it that it may go up higher. . Fishing has been really good. Use orange scuds in size 10, 14. Fish up to the banks. You will have less access at 3 mile. There is no problem wadding. Streamers will be working the best with the high water. ”
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,” It has been cold and windy with snow here. Should you go fishing and it was a nice day you might find some midges hatching in the warmest part of the day. Try fish nymphs , like a dark stonefly with a midge or small caddis below. Streamers in olive and black would work. Watch for rainbows spawning and please leave them alone!”
Yellowstone National Park
Alice explains, “Fishing in the park is still closed for the season.”