Summer is here. This year we are still having very unusual weather and that means sudden changes in weather and water. 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 and let others know where they are for safety sake when out and about. 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 1-406-230-1283 for Linda
Marina number is less reliable in winter. 1-406-485-2560
Monty reports,” right now the walleye bite is not bad. One fellow came in with two 29 inchers and two 19-inch walleye. He was fishing in the Rock Creek Flats area in 20 feet of water using a crawler harness. We have also seen some salmon caught. One guy caught a 18 pounder and a few others that were smaller. The guys were at 92 feet with the downrigger set at 75 feet. The bite is on. Of course you can catch pike using cranks. ”
Tongue River Reservoir Raymond /Spencer/ Greg
Raymond reports, ” The water temperature is 74 degrees. The elevation is 3424 right now and it is 6 inches up from normal right now. The fishing was a little better people say this week. I saw about ten walleye caught. were catching a few more walleye this week. They were catching a cat or two below the dam. People were catching the small mouth bass in the shallows. People caught a few pike as well. I saw a few perch caught as well. ”
**The reservation system is now in effect . We are part of a new pilot program that allows you to make a reservation one day ahead. We are hoping that this brings in people who have been unable to use the campground on short notice. Other spots like Campers Point, Sandpoint, Peewee, Rattlesnake, Peewee North, and River view below the dam are open to first come, first serve. They have no electrical. The docks are in.
Remember to check your regulations for the information for this region about what minnows you may use on Tongue. .
Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Wade, Stephanie, Greg, Fletcher /Warden Jordan Staley
Stephanie says , “ Fishing has been slow. They have caught only a few bass, northern pike, a few walleye and sunfish. Someone caught a nice largemouth bass that was 4 pound this week.
People have been using bottom bouncers to catch a few crappies at 25 to 20 feet depths. “
Hell Creek Marina- Clint Thomas-Layne-Kayler 1-406- 557-2345
Clint reports, ” the pike fishing is pretty good. Use bronze and black with worms. There are bigger ones all over the place. Go to depths of 10 to 25 feet depths.
The bass are at 3 to 20 feet. You can find them on the hump if they are feeding.
The walleye are spotty. The bite is fairly slow. They are at 15 to 25 feet. If they are feeding you can get a few but if they are not the bite is tough. It varies. The day before yesterday it was really good and then the next day the bite is not there. I will say it is better than other years for walleye, but it is not the June bite. ”
Hell Creek Marina is open 7 days a week.
Lake Ridge Motel Eddie and Carrie Mindt 1-406-526-3597
Carrie
reports, “ the salmon bite is progressing. The bite is a little better. They are catching mostly males. They are finding them at the base of the dam at depths of 180 feet. They are rigging down at 80 feet. The walleye fishing has been really good. Fishermen have been using bottom bouncers at depths of 20 to 26 feet depths. Use gold. Blue, or pink in a butterfly blade.
People are catching lake trout toward Hacksbee on the dry arm side. They are running 90 to 110 feet down using a down rigger and dare devil spoons. The bite is active.
No one is fishing for pike right now. Every day is different as is what will work to catch the fish right now.”
We can cover all your needs and if you want to charter a boat, we can help with that too. Our hours are 7am-6 pm Monday through Sunday.
Fort Peck Marina Jessica & Scott Collinsworth 1-406-565-6283
Open Thursday, Friday and Monday 9am to noon/ Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 9pm
Scott reports, “ salmon fishing this weekend was good. As sometimes goes the last two days have been slow for salmon. We don’t know why but maybe it is a moon faze. It might also be the water temperature which right now is 68 to 69 degrees. Usually at this time of year it is about 80 to 87 degrees.
The walleye fishing has been phenomenal . They are finding walleye at depths of 15 to 25 feet using a cracker and pulling a leach. By the way, right now I have plenty of leaches, but this will be my last I get in.
The lake trout are still at 120 feet of water and going strong. The pike are cruising in the shallows. Guys are catching small mouth bass towards Gilbert Creek. “
The bait and tackle store are open Thursday thru Monday, and we have everything you need for chasing fish on Fort Peck. We also have campsites available with power for anyone that wants to bring your camper to the lake. The spots are on concrete and right on the lake shore. You can access the lake right from your camper. “
Cooney Reservoir – Marina Matheson. Shauni, Cynthia, Jake
Cynthia reports,” the trout fishing is the same, no one is catching any. The perch and walleye seem to still be strong fishing right now. They are being caught all times of the day. People are fishing early morning and late evening right now. People are catching some walleye with leaches and a jig. Some are catching perch. Some people were catching a pike. The park is now fully open for use. There is no blue algae at this time. We also do not have a burn ban at this time.“
Please help keep the big fish in the water for breeding by releasing them. Remember, your dogs are welcome but don’t forget your leash.
Lake Elmo FWP Bob Gibson
Cooney is now full. There are lots of recreation people on the water. Only a few fishermen fishing. No word how they are doing. With school starting the people out will definitely change.
Bob wants to remind people that the Bundy Bridge still does not have any boat access.
Be aware of fire danger especially with the heat. We hope you will use caution.
Deadmans Tony Stefani/ Pat
There are still lots of people out at Deadmans on the weekend. Probably because it is one of the last weeks before school starts. There were plenty of people recreating. The boat fishing has slowed down it appears from what people have said. I heard someone caught a trout but not very quickly. “
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner bar Lavina 406-636-2261
Terry says, “ all I heard this week was a couple guys went to Martinsdale because they bought worms, but they did not report how they did.“
Checkerboard Inn Checkerboard, MT Rick and Judy Geordge 406-572-3373
Judy reports,” a couple guys went out to Bair and Sutherlan but they caught only a few fish. The water level is still good. It was cold this weekend up here so that may be why fishing was slow.”
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 , “Spring Creek- Spring Creek is decent fishing right now. Whether you are using spinners or flies. People are seeing caddis and grasshoppers now.
Crooked Creek- fishing was good this week. Guys are finding a good crappie bite. They are also catching walleye and northern pike. You don’t have to go far from Crooked Creek to find the fish we are hearing.
Achley- It has been slow fishing at Achley. Only a few guys are catching some tiger muskies.
Missouri- The Missouri has mossed up, so fishing has slowed down right now. “
We do have smelt, worms, meal worms, maggots and wax worms. We have live minnows.
Crooked Creek Marina Winnett, Montana James (Slim) and Abbie Craig, Carri Craig 406-429-2999
Slim says, “ I am back at Crooked Creek, so the marina is open as of today (Tuesday) . Thank you to everyone who has been so kind. We are open 7 am to 7 pm as of today.
I have been told that this past weekend fishermen went to Lost Creek and found bigger walleye. Someone caught a 10 ½ pounder. Most of the eater size seem to have moved west and deeper they say. The crappie are still hitting good they told me. The pike bit is not hot and heavy pretty much hit and miss right now. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 17th for Ron in Lewistown. I. Slim will return to Crooked Creek to manage the Marina and campsite on August 19th.
We are planning a boat procession on the 25th of August to honor my dad from 9 to 11 am. It is also mom’s birthday, as well.
In leu of honoring Ron donations can be made to the Crooked Creek Walleyes Unlimited or the Lewistown “Tough enough to wear pink” charity. ”
****The crew of the Montana Outdoor Radio Show continue to have our thoughts and prayers with you all. ***
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
Sharon reports, “ Fishing has been pretty good this week. People were catching lots of walleye and perch. The guys are heading south to Goose Bay. Our water is clear and is 70 to 71 degrees. There is no algae on this end. The other end has some but not us right now. Water temperature might be why. The walleye are at depths of 25 to 30 feet. People are having the best luck at mid-lake using bottom bouncers. Trout are being caught often. ”
The Marina is open. Hours are 7 am to 7 pm.
The Flamingo is closed.
West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611
Cindy reports,” Nelson is still pretty good fishing. I talked to a couple people who caught a small northern. They also caught five nice walleyes. They used a bottom bouncer with a worm harness. The water levels are staying the same. Bring your mosquito repellent. ”
Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Billings-Scheels Jayce, Tanner, Matt
Jayce reports, “
Stillwater- The water on the Stillwater is down. Fishing is good on the Stillwater. People are catching nice brown trout on hoppers and streamers in brown and yellow
Fort Peck – I talked to someone who caught one nice salmon fishing at Fort Peck near the dam. I heard it was sometimes good some days, but you had to work for them.
Crooked Creek- The walleye fishing has been good some guys have said. The crappie fisherman say they have been doing well with cranks.
Cooney- Guys are using a Rapella in a size 7. People have been catching small walleye pitching toward shore. It has been quiet nothing much going on right now I am told.
Yellowstone- West of Columbus the fishing has been good with hoppers and streamers.
The Yellowstone by Hysham is fishing good for cats. Only a few walleyes and sauger have been caught. The bass fishing was slow this week.
At Martinsdale guys are fishing off the bank and catching. They are not catching from the boat right now. “
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
(No new report as Rich is out of town)
Canyon Ferry- People at Canyon Ferry are catching walleye. They say the fishing is pretty good. Not a lot of big ones but they are catching. The water is high. They are also catching northern pike .
Rivers- The Jefferson and the Gallatin are down. The rivers are getting mossy but fly fishing is still good. Spinners are hard to use.
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977 ,Bill, Ken, Jasmine
Ken says,” The one word for this week is Hoppers. Use them wherever you fish. There is no reason to use anything else. Just use the standard hopper patterns. The Stillwater and Yellowstone river are good or great right now. “ Last week guys were using a long hopper with a Copper John as well.
Remember as the water warms up be careful not to stress the fish too much.
Montana Adventures and Angling in Fort Smith Beau McFadyean 406-855-3612
The fishing was again decent on the Big Horn. The water is just starting to get murky. Hoppers are working. You can use nymphs in black or tan. There are some caddis. You do see tricot in the morning. Streamers are just not working right now. Fishing action at this time is happening between 9 and 3 pm.“
Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375 Rick/Stephanie/
Janet says, “ people are saying fishing is good right now. Hoppers are working well in the sunlight. The dries are coming on. The tricot are out hit or miss. We are seeing black caddis in the evening. Nymphing has been pretty good. Try a pheasant tail with a little green and black. Last week terrestrials with a royal or a stimulator in orange or yellow. ”
Our hours are 8 am to 12 every day.
Madison River Outfitters- West Yellowstone – Tom Forsberg. Open 730am-9pm 406-646-9644.
West Yellowstone Area Fishing Report 8/12/19
Montana
Upper Madison: After a stellar week of terrestrial action on the Madison, the fishing the last two days has slowed slightly. This is likely due to the cold overnight and morning temps we had over the weekend. The forecast for the upcoming week looks like a return to sunny and hot conditions and things should get rolling at full speed again. If you’re floating, fishing the middle has been as effective as the banks, if not more so. There are still plenty of epeorus spinners around in the evening starting around 6 pm. A rusty spinner should be productive. Smaller nymphs will also produce throughout the day.
Flies: #10-12 Pink/Tan/Yellow Thunder Thighs, #10-12 Morrish Hopper, #14-16 Arrick’s Ant, #16 Nyman’s Flying Ant, #14-16 Bogus Beetle, #12-16 Royal Trude, #16-18 Rusty Spinner, #16-18 Purple Parachute, #16 Lake Prince, #16-18 Shop Vac, #16-18 Red Neck, #16-18 Green/Black Lightning Bug, #16-18 Guide Dip/$3 Dip, #16-18 Krystal Dip, #16-18 Soft Hackle Hare’s Ear, #18 Zebra Midge
Hebgen: Hebgen has been getting more and more consistent where calllibaetis are concerned. It’s been nice to see fish coming up more than once and to have some targets to cast to. Not every morning has been good, but you won’t know until you go. If things are a bit slow, getting a turkey callibaetis suspended near a pod of rising fish can be very effective.
Flies: #16 Callibaetis Parachute, #16 Callibaetis Sparkle Dun, #16 Callibaetis Cripple, #16 Turkey Callibaetis
Gallatin: Terrestrials and attractors will produce throughout the day both in and outside the park. Outside the park in the canyon stretch, start looking for spruce moth activity in the afternoons as they can provide some lights out fishing.
Flies: #12 Morrish Hopper, #10-12 Thunder Thighs Hopper, #14-16 Lime/Royal Trude, #12-16 Parawulff, #14 409, #8-12 Royal/Peacock/Golden Chubby Chernobyl, #16 Tan X-Caddis, #14 Elk Hair Caddis, #14 Tan/Orange Spruce Moth, #16-18 Rusty Spinner
Yellowstone National Park
NE Corner: At this point in the season terrestrials and attractors will provide most of your dry fly action, though there still could be a few mayflies and caddis hanging around. Make sure you are getting a good drift as this can become the difference between a great day and a so-so day on these rivers this time of year.
Flies: #10-12 Pink/Tan/Yellow Thunder Thighs, #10-12 Morrish Hopper, #14-16 Arrick’s Ant, #14-16 Bogus Beetle, 12-16 Royal Trude, #12-16 Parawulff Adams, #12 Missing Link Green Drake, #14-16 Missing Link, #16 PMD Sparkle Dun, #16 D.O.A. PMD Cripple, #16 Tan X-Caddis, #14 409, #12 Quill Jig, #12 Lucent Jig, #16 Olive Biot Czech
Yellowstone above the Falls: The fishing always gets a bit tougher here this time of year. That being said, if you can find a fish to target, I would say that it would likely eat a well-presented hopper, ant or beetle. A drake spinner would also still be able to fool a few fish.
Flies: #10-12 Morrish Hopper, #14 Bogus Beetle, #14-16 Arrick’s Ant, #12 Chutes Green Drake, #12 Missing Link Green Drake, #12-16 Rusty Spinner
