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
Linda says, “We had rainy cold weather for the last week. No one was here fishing. We had hunters but they had no time for throwing a line in the water. “
“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,” The weather was cold this week. The water temperature is dropping it is now 46 degrees. We had two fishermen here this week . They were here from early morning until dark so I don’t know if they were catching nothing or catching lots. I don’t know if they caught anything. The water level is holding. The docks are still in.
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
Wade says, “None of my friends went fishing this week. Hunting was their choice. The weather was cold and unlike others we just got a skiff of snow. The docks are still in so you could hit the autumn fishingif you don’t mind the cold. ”
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,” If guys came to hunt a few threw a line in as well. People are catching northern pike. They are at 14 to 18 feet depths using spoons. If it is sunny they move to 6 to 10 feet depths. Use cranks then. Walleye fishing was tough. “
The Marina is open 7 days a week, 7 am to 6 pm.
Lake Ridge Motel Eddie and Carrie Mindt 1-406-526-3597
Carrie and Jammie say, “ Lake trout fishing has been good. They are finding them anywhere from 40 feet up to 10 feet. Use cranks or spoons. Not hearing much about salmon. They are just spearing a few. You have to pick and choose as they are starting to die off. Some fishermen are catching some walleye fishing in the river. They are picking a few up but is really slow. Some days it has been tough to get out. The wind has been blowing 50 mph on a few days. ”
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
Aaron reports, “There has been no boats out here this week. The water is low and still dropping. The water is 62 degrees. We had quite a bit of wind this week. We only got an inch and a half of snow last night.
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
The weather has been such that there were few people on the water this week. With the snow and wind the ducks and geese are the only ones out.. The lake level is still full.
Deadmans Tony Stefani/ Pat
There has been no one out braving the cold this week. We had lots of wind, rain and even snow this week,” Pat tells us.
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-22
Martinsdale had wind this week so getting on the water was tough. No one I talked to could get on the water.
Checkerboard Inn Checkerboard, MT Rick and Judy Geordge 406-572-3373
Judy says, “I heard the first day of the week someone tried heading to Bair. No fishing there. No one headed to Martinsdale as it was pretty windy.”
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, “Not many fishermen coming in. When it is cold and we get snow no one wants to go out to fish.
About all I have heard is that on the Missouri river people are catching some walleye and sauger. I hear it has been decent . The water is mostly clear. They are using live minnows or plastic with a jig.”
Crooked Creek Marina Winnett, Montana James (Slim) and Abbie Craig, Carri Craig 406-429-2999
Carri explains,” We had one family group come to fish. One person caught a 4 pound bass . He was delighted. A 35 inch pike was caught as well. The fishing was pretty good despite the wind and cold. The fish are shallower. The bite is still really light and so you have to be very alert or you don’t catch any. 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
Fishing has been pretty cold. Not many people were out. You can still throw a pole in from shore. Trout fishing was okay this week. 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
Dan reports,” I have not heard much on fishing. Right now I think Nelson has slowed down some. We are getting our first snow and it is pretty cold so no one wants to do much fishing.So far it has snowe about ¾ of an inch. “
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
Jayce reports, “On the Yellowstone around Forsyte and Hysham guys were still catching sauger, and walleye. They are saying it has slowed down. They are using jigs with minnows.
Snagging for salmon I hear is slowing way down at the dam. People are saying the fishing for lake trout is still happening at Fort Peck dam. It is decent fishing. ”
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
Rich says,” Nothing heard from people about Canyon Ferry. The weather has slowed down going out and fishing. Not much information around there right now as most are hunting.”
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977 ,Bill, Ken, Jasmine
Chris says, “There is not much to report. I went on the Yellowstone things are a toss up, one day up and one day down. It is fishing okay. You get lots of white fish. Use fall patterns. Use small streamers.
The Stillwater is still low. Anyone going to the Stillwater is wading or walking to fish. ”
We are open Monday to Sunday from 9 to 5 pm.”
Montana Adventures and Angling in Fort Smith Beau McFadyean 406-855-3612
Beau says,” I was again on the Missouri this week. The Missouri is fishing well. Nymph fishing is working . Use a Zebra midge. There is a pseudo hatch and baetes hatch coming out around noon time. There is also a caddis hatch later in the afternoon. The water is crystal clear. “
Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375
Rick says,” A few guys have said nymphing is a little better. Especially out of the boat. Nymphing is working well. There is a lot of grass so you do better out of the boat so you can fish spots. Try Nymphing it is what is the most successful. Use the gray rays, tan rays and baetes patterns. If it is warm you see a baetes hatch early am. ”
Our hours are 8 am to 5 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
Midges have been hatching most days just before noon with Blue winged olive mayflies starting soon after noon. Dry fly activity can bring up fish through the afternoon depending on the weather. Streamer activity can be good throughout the day.
Yellowstone Park
Be sure to check current road conditions before heading to the park. The Madison in the park is still producing some nice fish. Lower elevation streams in the park have had great hatches of blue winged olive mayflies during the late mornings of most calm days. Recent low temperatures have greatly reduced the insect activity on the higher elevation streams in YNP. Don’t forget your vibram soled boots and bear spray!
