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,” the bite is still on. People are using cranks for walleye and using colors chartreus and orange to catch them. They are finding the walleye going north and at Spring Creek at depths of 15 to 20 feet. They are catching pike and bass. The pike bite is better going south. The bass bite is not bad right now. We had someone who caught a 4-pound bass a little less than a week ago. “

Tongue River Reservoir Raymond /Spencer/ Greg

Spencer reports, ” only a few crappies are being caught. We are seeing lots of bass being caught. The water temperature is 90 to mid-90’s . The water level is dropping a couple of inches every day . The walleye bite seems to have dropped off. “

**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 walleye bite slowed down a little this week, but it was still decent fishing. They are not always small. We caught a 33 incher and a 31 incher. They are actually starting to go back to shallow water like 13 to 15 feet depths. If it is sunny and you are out further some people are finding them out in 20 to 25-foot depths. Cranks seem to be working better but I did talk to a few guys that caught some with bottom bouncers.

As far as pike fishermen they are catching them in 8 to 12-foot depths.

The bass are hard to find right now. You can find some on the main lake. If you head to the narrows you can go to 10 points and not get anything. You have to do quite a bit of hunting but once you find them there are many of them. The fishermen who find them are finding many fish. Fishing has not been bad in August partly because we did not have high hot temperatures. We have had cooler temperatures, cloudy skies and some overcast days. ”

Hell Creek Marina is open 7 days a week. ­­­­­­­

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

Carrie reports, “ the walleye are at 25 to 30 feet depths. People are using crawlers with bottom bouncers. You can also find pike and bass at the same depths. The salmon fishing is not hot and heavy. People keep talking about the magnetic storms we have had changing things. Guys are fishing for them at the face of the dam. They are rigging down 145 feet with an overall depth of 60 feet using a cannon ball.

People are catching lake trout running 110 feet down using a down rigger and spoons. People are doing well as the bite is good. ”

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

(unable to get a report)

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 Hawaiian 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

Marina reports,” we have seen a lot of trout caught . The guys were using worm harnesses. The bite is a morning bite, an evening or night bite they tell me because of the heat of the day . Many have been fishing from shore hitting the deep water out from there. The walleye are being caught in the colder water at the dam. People are catching walleye with leaches and a jig. “

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

Bob reports, “ Cooney is pretty full now. The blooming algae is no longer a concern. The conditions and testing have shown that circumstances are not right for any toxins to be released in the water. The testing found zero toxins in the water in fact some people are actually safely swimming. The warning signs have been removed. Yesterday, I saw someone enjoying a swim. Today there is a fisherman fishing off the pier and an osprey is busy catching a fish. 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

Word has it that Deadmans has been better fishing from the shore . The water level is at normal level people have said.

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

Terry explains, “ I had some guys buy worms and headed to Deadmans. They fished from shore and caught a half a dozen fish.

Broadview pond has been mossing up, so some fishing is tough to do there like fly fishing. “

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

Judy reports,” some fishermen came in and said they did pretty well catching fish this weekend. They fished at Bair, Martinsdale and Sutherlan . They said Sutherlan was better fishing than it has been. ”

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- On Spring Creek fishing with hoppers was doing pretty good.

Achley- Achley is slow fishing for both rainbows and muskie. Not much catching happening.

Hanson Dam-the best time to fish right now is in the early morning and late evening. I have heard as many as 12 trout caught.

Missouri-The Missouri is really running mossy, so it is tough fishing “

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

The marina is open and in full swing now. We are open 7 am to 7 pm every day.

Slim says, “ Fishing from the bank has been pretty slow. People caught a few northern pike and crappie on a worm or herring. In a boat guys are heading to Lost Creek down to Helman’s Point. They are using cranks or flicker shads. They are catching walleye, northern pike and crappies. The crappie bite is has not slowed. The water has dropped, and the temperature of the water is 74 degrees. Since Friday it has dropped to 70 degrees. ”

Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon

Sharon reports, “fishing has been pretty good . The walleye bite has been good just about anywhere. The South seems to be good. The trout fishing seems to be better further north. The perch are being caught just about everywhere. The water is reasonably clear we are not seeing algae. There are 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 continues to be good. Nelson is still full . Fishermen are using a minnow and jigging. If they go deeper, they are using something bigger. They are catching walleye, perch and some small northern pike. Use a bottom bouncers and worms.

People are still finding fishing good at Forchette. The fish seem to be transitioning to minnows now.

Bring your mosquito repellent. ”

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 again and fishing was good. I did really well in every hole and used hoppers and a few dry flies.

Boulder- Fishing is good. People are using hoppers and small caddis flies.

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

Yellowstone by Park City- The fishing was slow. There seemed to be no hopper action.

Tongue River- Fishermen are saying they caught more bass than anything else. I will say it seems more guys heading there right now. “

Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540

Rich reports,” I heard that Canyon Ferry has been fishing pretty good. They are catching lots of small mouth. They have been doing pretty good on perch on the south end or mid lake.

On the Madison people are fly fishing and doing well going south.

The Jefferson is pretty weedy.

I am also hearing the Gallatin is fishing decent going east .”

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

Jim says,” Hoppers are still doing pretty well on the water. Try the colors peach, purple and tan. On the Yellowstone use a purple haze. Try a small dry in the evening. Use a pheasant tail or something copper in the middle of the day. In the early morning try using a hopper there with a dropper. Purple really is working. 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. 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 off color and starting to moss up. Hoppers are not working well. You do see tricot in the morning. Streamers are working slow right now. “

Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375 Rick/Stephanie/

Stephanie says, “ fishing is okay right now. The water is a little off color and the grass is starting to break up. There are tricots in the early morning especially the lower part. We see caddis in the evening. The water level is 3200 CFS. Nymphing has been pretty good. Some people are catching. It does seem sporadic some days. Some guys are doing well, and some others are not. There are lots of hoppers out there. X89 ”

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 9/3/19

Montana

Upper Madison: Hoppers are still the name of the game on the Madison right now. Cold mornings have been making way to sunny and warm afternoons and we should have at least a few more hot days yet this week. The fish are definitely more leerier of hoppers than they were 2-3 weeks ago and there seems to be definite bite windows throughout the day versus the all-day action we were spoiled with for a while. Have plenty of different colors and patterns to try until you find one that’s working, but also just fishing hard and trying to get your fly in front of the right fish at the right time is most of the battle. Smaller ants, beetles and bee patterns have all been good options as a dropper if you don’t want to fish a double hopper rig. As for the nymphing, smaller baetes and midge patterns will produce all day action.

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 Black/Olive Zebra Midge

Hebgen: Trico spinners and callibaetis have been providing plenty of dry fly opportunities on the lake as of late. Start the morning hunting fish sipping spinners and then look for callibaetis to start coming off sometime between 11 and noon and hope the wind stays down. Be sure to keep an eye out for flying ants out there as well. The fish seem to key in on ants especially well when they are present on the surface. The Madison arm has probably been most consistent, but any spot can be just as good on any given day.

Flies: #16 Callibaetis Parachute, #16 Callibaetis Sparkle Dun, #16 Callibaetis Cripple, #14-18 Arrick’s Ant, #18-20 Rusty Spinner, #16 Turkey Callibaetis

Gallatin: Terrestrials and attractors should have you covered for dry flies both inside and outside the park. A spruce moth would be a great option around Big Sky and in the canyon stretch. Nymphing and streamers will also provide you with some good action if the fish aren’t looking up. If it’s running clear, never hesitate to check out the Taylor Fork as well. This small creek is always a lot of fun.

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: Be sure to have some terrestrials and attractors if you’re heading over to Lamar Valley. There’s a chance of rain later in the week so be sure to check the flows before heading over. Really focus on getting a nice, drag-free drift. At this point in the season the fish that would eat with abandon in July are a bit more picky now. A tungsten head dropper is never a bad option if your’e getting refused or having trouble getting them to come up.

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