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
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
Jordan says, “Not much fishing going on. The South end is frozen all the across. It is not safe yet. There is some ice forming in front of the Marina. Out further the north end is open. ”
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 explains, “We are getting closer to having ice. It is slowly starting to form up. I think if we give it 2 to 3 weeks people will be ice fishing. There is some ice firming up on the edges and on the south
end. The south end is still not safe to get on. Once we have ice we will be open and will be stocked with multiple size minnows.
We have now closed the Marina until there is a need during ice fishing season.
Hell Creek Marina- Clint Thomas-Layne 1-406- 557-2345
Clint says,” Northern pike are still biting. Try a spoon. Some lake trout are 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
Jamie says, “Lake trout fishing has slowed. They are finding them at 15 feet. Use cranks or spoons. Not many fishermen were out last week because of the holiday, hunting and windy conditions. ”
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
John said, “People who have shore fished have not had any luck. They are just not catching any fish from shore. Some people have caught walleye and trout. You have to go 25 feet or deeper. There is no ice starting now. “
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
Staff says, “There is no ice on Elmo. The warmer weather has caused it to leave. Not any boats or fishermen out fishing. “
Deadmans Tony Stefani/ Pat
No one has been fishing this week. It just has been very quiet. The only one fishing was the eagle. It was fun to watch him,” Pat tells us.
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-22
Terry explains,” I have heard there is ice forming on the shore at Martinsdale and Deadmans. It is not thick enough to do anything on. It is starting to ice over but still open in places. “
Checkerboard Inn Checkerboard, MT Rick and Judy Geordge 406-572-3373
Rich says, “Bair has ice forming but still has some open places. It is not completely iced over. I heard Sutherland is completely iced over. Neither place is good enough to get on and fish as it is thin ice. Elk hunting has been good. ”
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.”
Scott reports, “Guys are going out on the Missouri. They are catching walleye. Use a jig and a shiner. Go to 12 to 20 feet depths. We have minnows here.
I have not heard of anyone fishing at Spring Creek.
At Achly ice is forming but not safe yet. ”
Crooked Creek Marina Winnett, Montana James (Slim) and Abbie Craig, Carri Craig 406-429-2999
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 no ice. We are seeing more shore fishermen. A few boats are going out. There are trout being caught. It is good trout fishing. Feel free to 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,” On Nelson there is ice and it is frozen over. Nelson has 2 inches of ice. The ice is clear. It definitely is fresh ice. On the West end has stronger ice and has been on the longest. You can get out on it. The ice goes out to Outhouse Bay. On Forchette I believe it is still open. Last week they were fishing for walleye and getting some. They are jigging with a minnow. On Forchette the walleye were at 45 feet last week. 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
Jayce reports, “I had some guys heading to Yellowtail. They had caught a few sauger and ling there.
On the Yellowstone on the lower section around Hysham guys were still catching sauger. The walleye were a slow bite. A few ling have been caught.
Two guys told me that they went fishing at Georgetown. They were catching a few. “
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
Rich says,” I had two guys come in for worms and head to Canyon Ferry. They caught some trout at 15 to 20 feet depths from their boat. The walleye were at 40 to 50 feet. . 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.
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 on the Big Horn.
Some say on the Missouri they have been getting some fish.
On the big Horn the water is clear. You can see some action wade fishing. Look out for spawning beds.”
Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375 bn
Colleen says,” the water is clear on the lake but the water is still a little murky on the river. A few guys have said nymphing is hit and miss. Streamers are working but not in bright colors. Rather use ne that looks like a silhouette. There have not been a lot of people fishing. ”
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
Nymph fishing has been the most productive. Sunny, calm days will bring the midge hatch on in the middle of the day. Fishing with olive streamers has also been good.
Yellowstone Park
All fishing in Yellowstone is closed until 2019.
