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,” we just had two guys from Wyoming who came in with a huge 4 -pound bass, a 32-inch walleye, two 32 -inch walleye and a 29 -inch walleye. They threw all of them back and kept seven keepers that were 14 to 16 inchers. They were using flicker minnows at depths of 20 feet depths. They headed toward the dry arm, Rock Creek and Box Creek going north. Fishing has been pretty good. You can catch pike using cranks. With the big weekend coming up we still have some cabins and camp sites available. “

Tongue River Reservoir Raymond /Spencer/ Greg

Raymond reports, ” people were not doing bad fishing for bass according to the people I talked to. The water temperature is 73 degrees. The water level is now at normal level. The fishing was a little better people say this week. I have seen a little more fish caught this week. A few walleye , pike and even a blue gill. “

**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

Fletcher says , “ this week I have only seen bass caught. That bite has been good for them. The other fish bite has been slow. People have been jigging with worms and leeches. You really can catch them anyway just drop the line to the bottom with a split shot.

We have the band coming and playing on Saturday at 5 pm. The band is Roy Buzzard and the bones. They are fun to listen to. Of course we will have the grill going. “

Hell Creek Marina- Clint Thomas-Layne-Kayler 1-406- 557-2345

Clint reports, ” the pike have been fishing pretty good. The bass bite has been pretty good. The bass are at 3 to 20 feet. They are on the hump if they are feeding.

The walleye bite has been pretty slow. One day they bite in the shallow and the next time it is in the deep. The water is just starting to get ready to turn over. They are catching them going east about 5 to 6 miles out. Fishermen are finding the pike using cranks at 20 feet. People are the bass in the sunken islands and drop offs. The walleye bite is hit or miss right now. They are finding them going 20 miles west and five or six miles to the east. ”

Hell Creek Marina is open 7 days a week. ­­­­­­­

Lake Ridge Motel Eddie and Carrie Mindt 1-406-526-3597

Jamie reports, “ the salmon fishing has been good. They are catching mostly males. Guys are fishing for them at the base of the dam and even at Duck Creek. They are rigging down at 60 to 90 feet with an overall depth of 180 feet. The walleye fishing has been really good. Fishermen have been using bottom bouncers at depths of 20 to 26 feet depths. Fishermen are using blue, or green this week. Guys are using flies and cut bait and a pink squid. Some one caught a 21-pound male but they said they we

re catching female as well.

People are catching lake trout running 100 to 115 feet down using a down rigger and spoons. People are doing well as the bite is good.

The walleye bite is just fair. We have had rain and some wind this week. Today it seems to have died down some.”

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, “ the last 2 to 3 days we have had wind so getting out on the water was difficulty. That weather has made the bite up and down. We have seen a few more females caught this week. Before that salmon fishing was good. Today (Wednesday) the weather is calm so people are going out and we will see what is caught. It is predicted to be good weather the rest of the week. They are getting a bite at 45 to 90 feet. They are biting on Apex spoons, a squid in blue gold, the blue Hawaian and blue Jack cut plugs. The water temperature which right now is 68 degrees.

The walleye fishing has been good. They are finding walleye at depths of 15 to 25 feet using a slow death or a smiley blade.

The lake trout are at 100 to 120 feet of water and going strong.

The bass are fishing okay down the lake and towards Gilbert Creek.

The pike fishing has been really good as well. It just has been a good week. “

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,” I final saw two trout caught . The guys were using worm harnesses. It was a morning bite, Trout fishing has been really dead this season. I have heard of walleye being caught at Marshal Cove and at the dam. People seem to be fishing early morning and late evening right now. People are catching walleye with leaches and a jig. 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

FWP staff reports, “ Cooney is pretty full now. The hail and cold weather made the algae disappear and the warning signs have been removed. Yesterday, I saw someone enjoying a swim. Today there is a fisherman fishing off the pier. With school starting the number of people out has definitely changed.”

Be aware of fire danger especially with the heat. We hope you will use caution.

Deadmans Tony Stefani/ Pat

Tony says, “ Word has it that Deadmans has been slow fishing . The water level is at normal level or maybe a little higher.

Broadwater Pond is still fishing good. I got to see and talk to a 4 -year old who caught an 8 pound rainbow trout yesterday at the Pond. “

Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner bar Lavina 406-636-2261

Terry says, “ all I heard this week was from guys who bought worms and were heading toward the Musselshell but they did not report how they did. No one else told me about fishing. “

Checkerboard Inn Checkerboard, MT Rick and Judy Geordge 406-572-3373

Judy reports,” we had 34 degrees last night and there was frost on the window of the car. I talked to a couple guys who fished and said it was fair fishing. They fished at Bair, Martinsdale and Sutherlan . They said they caught three nice ones. At Martinsdale someone said they also caught some small ones.”

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 , “ The fishing has slowed down. We definitely had a lot of rain this week.

Spring Creek- Spring Creek is fishing well right now. You can either use spinners or flies. People are seeing grasshoppers now.

Crooked Creek- fishing was okay this week. Guys are catching crappies. Some nice ones.

Achley- It is again slow fishing at Achley. Not much catching. “

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. The marina is open and in full swing now. Thank you to everyone who has been so awesome and came for the memorial boat regatta in honor of mom’s birthday and dad. We are open 7 am to 7 pm everyday.

Fishing from the bank has been slow. One person caught an 8-pound cat yesterday from the bank. Boat fishing is still good although it was slower because of the rain on some days. The water is getting ready to turn over.

People have caught walleye, crappie, bass, perch and pike. All of the fish have been in 20 to 25 feet of water. The walleye fishing has been close like 10 miles away from the marina. They have been down in the Narrows as well. Bass fishing has been doing really well. People are using cranks and plastics. The walleye and pike are being caught on jigs worms pitching toward shore. Some were using bottom bouncers going deep.

In lieu of honoring Ron donations can be made to the Crooked Creek Walleyes Unlimited or the Lewistown “Tough enough to wear pink” charity. ”

Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon

Sharon reports, “ I can tell you this week was good fishing . People were catching lots of walleye and trout. The guys are heading south to Goose Bay. Our water is fairly clean and the algae has cleared some on the other end. The water temperature is 70 to 72 degrees. There is no algae on this end. ”

The Marina is open. Hours are 7 am to 7 pm.

The Flamingo is closed.

West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611

Jim reports,” Nelson has good water levels in fact it is up a little . It is still pretty good fishing although it has slowed a little. People have gotten their limits in a day many times. Fishermen often used a bottom bouncer with a worm harness. It has rained some this week. Bring your mosquito repellent.

I haven’t heard of anyone going to Forchette to fish.

I have heard reports of salmon being caught at Fort Peck dam by some of my customers. ”

Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday.

Billings-Scheels Jayce, Tanner, Matt

Jayce reports, “

Rock Creek by Joliet- I went fishing at Rock Creek and used hoppers and a few dry flies. I also used parachute Adams. It was low but decent wading.

Stillwater- The water on the Stillwater and Boulder is down. Fishing is good both places. People are catching nice trout using elk hair and small caddis flies.

Crooked Creek- I heard the crappie fisherman were doing well with cranks.

Yellowstone- West of Columbus is good for floats. The fishing has been good with hoppers and streamers.

Cooney- The fishing at Cooney has produced small walleye at 20 to 25 feet using cranks. Some people caught perch but not a lot of them. “

Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540

Rich reports,” I spent 3 days at Fort Peck at Forchette. I would say it was really slow. We threw everything in the tackle box at them and we got only a few. It was really slow. We caught a total of 7 walleye in 3 days. We did catch some bass. I did hear some guys caught walleye at the Pines.”

Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977 ,Bill, Ken, Jasmine

Ken says,” Hoppers are still working. Try the colors peach, purple and pink. On the Yellowstone it is better fishing toward noon. Use a hopper there with a dropper and purple really is working. Use a pheasant tail or a Sarker and red copper Johns. Both rivers have dropped and it is good floating and wading. “

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

Beau says, “ the fishing has been okay this week. I have had clients every day. It has been slow nymphing. Use an orange scud in the morning. You can use a pheasant tail and hoppers are working okay. The water is a little off color and the grass is not bad. Hoppers are not working real well. The fish just are not going for them right now. 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/

Rick says, “ fishing is pretty good right now. There are tricots in the early morning especially the lower part. They seem to stop at 10 or 11 am. We have seen some caddis in the evening. Nymphing has been pretty good. They seem to be deeper. Orange scuds have been working. For the caddis in the evening try a gray Ray, a tan pheasant tail or a nymph in a caddis pattern. 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 8/27/19

Montana

Upper Madison: The hopper and terrestrial bite remains strong on the Madison. A rig with a hopper and an ant or beetle dropper has pretty much been all you need. Some of our guides have even been doing a double hopper rig with one big hopper and one small one and having good success. Something to keep in mind with these cooler mornings is that it will often times take until late morning or early afternoon for the bite to really get going. The nymph bite will be pretty consistent throughout the day. As usual for this time of year, smaller nymphs in the 18-20 and a good drift is key.

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: Callibaetis have been pretty consistent this past week when the wind has stayed down. The mornings have been little chilly so you can expect them to come off a little later in the morning or early afternoon. There have been plenty of trico spinners in the Madison arm and a smaller rusty spinner pattern has been working well for us. Quake lake is another fun option this time of year as well whether in the morning or evening, as long as the wind is down. If you get lucky and can find fish eating spruce moths on Quake, the fishing can be pretty lights out.

Flies: #16 Callibaetis Parachute, #16 Callibaetis Sparkle Dun, #16 Callibaetis Cripple, #18-20 Rusty Spinner, #16 Turkey Callibaetis

Gallatin: Nothing much new to report for the Gallatin. Terrestrials and attractors will fish well both in and out of the park stretch. Make sure to be on the lookout for spruce moth activity around Big Sky.

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, #14 Tan/Orange Spruce Moth

Yellowstone National Park

NE Corner: Terrestrials and attractors should have you covered. A good drift becomes more and more important at this point in the season as they have seen a lot of flies up until now. If you’re getting refusals or just can’t fool them, try a tungsten dropper off a chubby or hopper.

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, #14 409, #12 Quill Jig, #12 Lucent Jig, #16 Olive Biot Czech