Autumn is here and that means sudden changes in weather and water conditions. Outdoor enthusiasts including fishermen need to pay attention to these changes. Storms can happen quickly so fishermen or fisherwomen need to keep in touch with the weather service. The fire season is still on us so it means we all need to be alert to be alerts and conditions. 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, fire and precipitation can come in with fierce strength. 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- Monty LeTexier , Wyatt For winter call 1-406-230-1283 for Linda
Marina number is less reliable in winter. 1-406-485-2560
There is no ice forming at this time I have been told. Hunters have been to Rock Creek but no fishermen have been seen by the hunters there.
Due to a health emergency there is no report from staff.
“We have closed the Marina as of October 1st. We still have limited services. Linda and Neal will still be at Rock Creek. We still have cabins for rent. Call this number 1-406-230-1283 . The Marina number will probably not bring much result. With the other number Linda or Neal will help you. If you call and come up we can provide food. Speak to Linda about that. The fuel docks are pulled but we do have fuel by the Marina should you need it. “Monty says.
Tongue River Reservoir Raymond /Spencer/ Greg
Raymond says, “We have seen a couple of boats come and go. They have been there for most of the day. I never got to talk to them. They either were catching or they were trying hard and not having much luck. The docks are out. The South end has a bit of ice forming but in no way is it safe. With the temperature warming some I don’t know how much ice will stay. ”
There are no reservations needed for camp sites it is now first come first take. Everything is shut down like the electricity and water. The cleaning station has been closed. There are sites still open at Campers Point #1 to 11 and have electric hookups on year round. “ .
Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Wade, Stephanie, Greg /Warden Jordan Staley
A few fishermen from shore have tried fishing I have been told. There is some ice firming up on the edges reported.
We have now closed the Marina until there is a need during ice fishing season. We are now closed
Hell Creek Marina- Clint Thomas-Layne 1-406- 557-2345
Clint says,” A few fishermen are catching some northern pike. They are still biting. Try a spoon. The lake trout have started biting. They are being caught from Crooked Creek to Hacksbee, Use a crank at 20 to 25 feet. “
The Marina is open 7 days a week, 7 am to 6 pm.
Lake Ridge Motel Eddie and Carrie Mindt 1-406-526-3597
Staff says, “Snagging salmon is done. Lake trout fishing has been good. They are still finding them at 15 feet. Use cranks or spoons. I have not heard of any walleye caught. ”
We do have minnows, suckers, fatheads, Smelt, night crawlers, hooks, floaters, full suckers, wax and meal worms and white and pink maggots here for the guys to use. Our hours are 7am-6 pm Monday through Sunday. ”
Cooney Reservoir – Marina Matheson. Shauni, Cynthia
Some people told me that the water is low and still dropping. There is some ice starting to form at Fisherman Creek.
The fish cleaning station is still open but I hear not much activity there. . The campground is now first come first serve now as the reservation system is done taking them for the season. The boat ramps are out. The Marshall Cove campground is now open. The drinking water has been shut down for the winter. Our electric is on year around. The North shore campground is now closed.
Lake Elmo FWP Bob Gibson
Bob says, “There is a little skim of ice around the edges. I think a breeze might just break it up. As thin as it is the mallards are able to stand on it. Yesterday there were a couple of boats out there for quite a while so I think they were getting something. The lake level is still full.
Deadmans Tony Stefani/ Pat
There has been no one that we have seen fishing this week. It just has been very quiet this week,” Pat tells us.
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-22
No fishermen and no worms gone. Hunters are going out not fishermen.
Checkerboard Inn Checkerboard, MT Rick and Judy Geordge 406-572-3373
Judy says, “No one reported going out this week. Bair has had a skiff of ice in the morning. I heard Sutherland also had a little ice. Elk hunting has been good. I did hear.”
Sports Center 120 2nd Ave South Lewistown, MT 535-9308 Colby / John Tognetti
Our hours are 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 10 am to 4pm on Sunday.”
John reports, “There is a thin layer of ice, a skim, on the reservoirs and lakes. Achley has a thin skim of ice on it. The only place I know that guys are going out is on the Missouri. That is fishing okay. Use a jig and a minnow. We have minnows here. A few walleye and sauger are being caught. ”
Crooked Creek Marina Winnett, Montana James (Slim) and Abbie Craig, Carri Craig 406-429-2999
Carri explains,” The bay is frozen over right now. You can’t get out on it. It is thin ice. That means no fishing, I have been told towards Anderson Bay there is some ice. Our docks are still in.”
Carrie explains, “Some people have said they have trouble getting us. This is our time to get things done outside before winter hits so we may not be sitting next to the phone. Please leave a message as we will call you back. We will make sure you hear from us. ”
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
Sharon says,” We have seen shore fishermen and two boats just went down to the water right now. I think they are catching some trout. With the warm weather and no ice I am sure some people will be fishing. Call if you want to know how conditions are.”
The Marina is open. Hours are 7 am to 7 pm.
The Flamingo has closed for the season.
West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611
Jim reports,” Both on Nelson and Forchette fishing has been good for walleye. They are jigging with a minnow. On Nelson, they are finding them at depths of 30 feet. On Forchette the walleye are at 45 feet. The water level is good. “
Stop by the store. We do have minnows here if you need them.
Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Billings-Scheels Jayce, Tanner, Matt
Matt reports, “I really don’t know of anything new. On the Yellowstone around Forsyte and Hysham guys were still catching sauger. Fishing has slowed down. “
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
Rich says,” I had a few guys come in for worms and head to Harrison. I never heard how they did. The ponds at Three Forks are frozen over. I have not heard how Canyon Ferry has been fishing walleye. I know they were getting little ling close to the dam. ”
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977 ,Bill, Ken, Jasmine
Chris says, “Not many people heading out. In the morning when it is cold there is some slush on the edge of the water. On the Yellowstone things are about the same. It is fishing okay if you want to fish in the cold weather. Sometimes small streamers are working. There is a caddis hatch midafternoon.
Anyone going to the Stillwater is wading or walking to fish.”
Montana Adventures and Angling in Fort Smith Beau McFadyean 406-855-3612
Beau says,”People told me streamers were working real well. They said baetes and midges were working. I heard people on the Missouri have been getting some fish. On the big Horn the water is clear and some are seeing action wade fishing. Look out for spawning beds.”
Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375
Rick says,” the water seems to be warming up. Fish about 9 or 10am. A few guys have said nymphing is a little better especially out of the boat. People are having decent success. On the top three use an 18 BWO. Use some dry flies. Use the gray rays, tan rays and baetes patterns. If it is warm you see a short hatch as well. The browns are moving toward the red and gravel so stay off of that area. ”
Our hours are 8 am to 12 every day.
Riverside Anglers in West Yellowstone : Alice Owsley, fishing guide and outfitter 406-640-1698.
Fishes Madison River and Yellowstone National Park waters
Madison
There are more midges hatching than blue winged olive mayflies in the upper river, but if the weather is right, you will still see mayflies. Fish will also eat large stonefly nymphs and streamers, bulking up for winter. Please leave the spawning brown trout alone.
Yellowstone Park
All fishing in Yellowstone is closed until 2019.
