Autumn has arrived and that can bring unusual weather and sudden changes in weather temperatures, wind and water which means everyone needs to be vigilant when being outside. Outdoor enthusiasts, including fishermen need to pay attention to these changes. Surprise storms of snow and dangerous fire 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 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 Henkel)
Tongue River Reservoir Raymond /Spencer/ Greg
Spencer reports, “ the weather has been nice this past week. The water temperature is still 42 degrees. We only had day users. We had people who were fishing from shore and some fished from a boat. I did not hear what they were catching but I would guess some bass and pike. The water level is low but staying steady. It is at 34.15. We pulled the dock today.
Reservation season has ended . It is first come first serve. The winter rates have started. The electrical has been turned off. Campers point 1 to 11 will still have electricity year around. The fish cleaning station is now closed. We only had one camper. “
Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Wade, Stephanie, Greg, Payton
Wade reports , “ the weatherman was right it did warm up this week. People were fishing but I did not hear anything on the catching.
The Marina is officially closed for the season. We hope to be open for ice fishing.
Rock Creek Marina- Monty LeTexier , Wyatt /1-406-230-1283 for Linda & Neil Marina number is 1-406-485-2560
Neil said, ” I talked to some guys who headed to the dam and caught five nice lake trout. We did not have anyone else fishing. It was windy a lot this week so they would have trouble getting out. The road is dry but has some ruts. “
We have closed the marina for the season, but fishing can still happen if the wind quits blowing. We just won’t have any services. For reservations for the ice fishing season call Linda at 406-230-1283.
To make reservations for next year , please call Monty at 406-465-0241.
Hell Creek Marina- Clint Thomas-Layne-Kaylor 1-406- 557-2345
Clint reports” the weather was warmer this week . I only saw a couple of guys that were fishing. They were chasing lake trout and did alright fishing . Not as many fishermen here, mostly hunters. We pulled the docks today. Then I don’t have to do it when the cold comes at the end of the week. “
We have changed our hours at the marina. We are open from 7 to 5 on weekdays and 7 to 6 on weekends.
Lake Ridge Motel Eddie and Carrie Mindt, Haley 1-406-526-3597
Eddie reports, “ the lake finally turned over. Some guys came in and they were snagging salmon. We also went out and got some salmon. The meat was dark, but it was firm meat. I have not heard of any walleye being caught. The laker bite is slow, some guys caught a few. They also caught some pike. The guys got the pike in the shallows using cranks.
I have sucker minnows and shiners so stop in for them. ”
We have stocked the tackle shop and you can find many things you need there. We have super Jumbo suckers, shiners, fatheads’ minnows, smelt and herring. We still have a few dates open for guiding. ”
Our hours are 7am-6 pm Monday through Sunday.
Fort Peck Marina Jessica & Scott Collinsworth 1-406-565-6283
Scott reports “ the weather has been brutal this week and we have not seen many fishermen , but the lake trout bite is starting to get going with the falling water temps.
walleye fishing- no report this week.
Northern Pike –no reports this week.
Small mouth- The fish have moved to 20 feet of water. You find them on the main lake points. Try using shiver minnows and jigs as the fish are liking them.
Lake trout- Lake trout fishing has started to pick up. The fish are hitting spoons and cranks in 10 to 40 feet of water. Fishing should get good this week until the cold sets in and the water temp cools off.
Salmon- Snagging was really slow this week for the few people that braved we the cold.
Water temps have been between 45- 46 degrees. “
Stop in the tackle store for up to date info on fishing along with all the gear you will need to catch any species of fish in Fort Peck Lake. We are here to help put you guys on fish. We are open 7 days a week as well. Monday through Thursday 7 to 9, Friday through Sunday 6 to 10.
Hope everyone has a great weekend. Good luck on the water and be safe.
Crooked Creek Marina, Winnett, Montana
James(Slim), Carri Craig, Rick, Gary 406-429-2999
Gary says, “ we had only a few boats out at Crooked Creek. Last week we had 2 inches of ice but it has melted so guys could get out. The ones that went out caught a few fish. I know they got a 23 ½ inch walleye. Guys just have to be in the right spot to catch them. The pike they caught were varied they said. They headed towards Anderson point. The guys caught them on minnows and we just got some in. The water is down some. You have to watch for obstructions because of the lowered water. “
Our hours are 7 to 7 now 7 days a week. I am so looking forward to seeing everyone. Please just remember social distancing.
Hardware Hanks- Kolin Mahan/ David 654-1712
Open 7:30 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday/ 11am to 3 pm Sunday
Kolin reports, “ some fishermen have headed to Forchette. More hunters fished in the middle of the day after hunting. They were working the points and jigging. Only an occasional walleye was caught.
Nelson- The water is very low at Nelson. Right now you can’t use the Headgates. They concrete is crumbling. You need to use the State Park way. People are fishing from shore. The water is too low to put a boat in. “
Cooney Reservoir – Marina Matheson, Jake, Cynthia
According to another source the trout fishing has been consistent. The perch bite they say picked up a little. A few fishermen caught some walleye with jig wraps. A Thomas Cyclone has been catching rainbows or browns. The docks are still in and the boat ramp is still open for use. If you need to use the ramp, please bring sand or tire chains as it can get slippery at times. The water level has not changed much.
The fish cleaning station is turned off. A reminder for everyone. Please pack in and pack out your garbage.
Billings Yellowstone fishing-
I still heard from some guys who fished the water by Huntley. They did okay fishing for sauger and small mouth bass. Some went as far as Miles City.
Lake Elmo FWP Bob Gibson
Bob says , “ there have been a few people fishing Elmo since the weather got warmer. They have been fishing from shore or the pier. I did not see any one catching but I was not around much this week to see. The lake is down 2 feet now.
The draft environmental assessment is out discussing the process of draining Lake Elmo, precautions to keep Asian Clams from spreading during draining, disposition of fish and aquatic species now in the water, repopulating fish in the lake in 2022 and effects of the various projects.
The full 60-page environmental assessment, including preferred alternatives, is on the FWP website at http://fwp.mt.gov and follow the links to “news,” “environmental assessments” and “restoration & rehabilitation.” Or click on:
http://fwp.mt.gov/news/publicNotices/environmentalAssessments/restorationAndRehab/pn_0186.html
Comments are due by Nov. 18, 2020. Phone questions may be directed to Mike Ruggles, FWP’s regional fisheries program manager, at 406-247-2961 during normal business hours. Comments may be emailed to fwpregion5pc@mt.gov or mailed to : Mike Ruggles
Montana FWP 2300 Lake Elmo Drive Billings, MT 59105 .”
The FWP office is open. We ask people to please use distancing as you recreate.”
Deadmans Tony and Pat Stefani
Pat explains,” The weather was nice this week, so some people took advantage of it . A few people were out trying to catch salmon. I don’t know if they caught anything. “
Cozy Corner bar Deadmans/Martinsdale Lavina 406-636-2261 Terry
Terry reports, “ the only word I heard on fishing came from a couple of guys that headed to Deadmans. They said the kokanee have picked up. They came home with some. Decent ones.”
Checkerboard Inn Checkerboard, MT Rick and Judy Geordge 406-572-3373
Rick reports, “ The Checkerboard Inn is closed for 14 days or so because both Judy and I have tested positive for Covid19. So sorry for the inconvenience. ”
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
Colby reports ,” Not very many people talking fishing.
Missouri- The Missouri is cloudy and has plenty of moss. Tough fishing right now.
Carters Pond- People are fishing at Carters Pond. They are doing well catching some nice rainbow trout. “
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
Sharen says, “ we had a few people here. The last two days I saw some boats on the water. The trout fishing has been decent. I have not heard of any walleye being caught. They say you really had to work for the fish. The docks are in and the ramp is clear so you can still launch. “
Sharon says stop in at the shop or call 266-3100 and she will give you any information you need. The Marina is open. Hours are 7 am to 7 pm. The Pelican is now closed for the season
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540 Rich
Rich says,” I did not hear anything on Canyon Ferry this week. The river fishing has seemed okay. The rivers are not up much, they are still low. I do not see any ice on them.
We have decided to close the shop for the season from October 15th to April 1st, 2021. ”
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977 ,Bill, Ken, Jasmine
Jasmine says, “ people are talking about the algae grass on the Big Horn. The Stillwater and the Yellowstone are clear and have come up since the last storm. People are nymphing or using streamers. Both techniques are working about the same. For nymphs use anything with legs. Try Princes, Batmans or grittles. If you use a streamer try a size 8. The browns are done spawning. Twin Bridges access is still closed. Our hours are now 10 to 2 pm. ”
Need a guide? We are still taking people out. Call us to make an appointment for guiding.
Montana Adventures and Angling Beau McFadyean 406-855-3612
Beau reports,” the Missouri River was tough fishing and the water is murky.
On the Big Horn nymphing is tough. The grass is breaking up. Try a worm pattern or a sow bug in tan. Streamers. Worked better. You catch either small or large browns nothing in the middle.“
Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375 Rick/Hale/ Stephanie
Stephanie explained,” I fished the water and pulled streamers. Nymph fishing was okay. The water is off color. The grass is breaking off. I didn’t have trouble fishing . It is not thick. The CFS is 2400 right now. Some good size fish are being caught. The lower three has less grass. With nymphs try using a tan or gray Ray, a pink or orange scud. Try some two tone worms or a baetes pattern.
The river is open throughout and all fishing access’ sites on the big Horn are open. We would love to have you come to fish. “
Our lodge is open so you can stay with us. We would love to have you go fishing here and we are making sure to follow the procedures to keep people safe. Our shuttle service is available. Call and talk to the shop to get information you need.“
Open 8 am to 12 every day.
Madison River Outfitters- West Yellowstone – Tom Forsberg. Open 730am-9pm 406-646-9644.
This will likely be our final report for the year. Nothing will change too much over the next few weeks as far as the fishing goes, so whether you like to nymph, swing or throw streamers get out there and get after it and let us know what you are catching. We will try to send out reports when we can through the winter and let everyone know how the fishing is. Thanks for a great season and for reading along. Have a great winter and we will see you in the spring!
Here is the last report -West Yellowstone Area Fishing Report 10/26/20
Montana
Upper Madison: Nymphing continues to be your best tactic for catching fish throughout the day. Rubber legs and a smaller attractor or baetes nymph will be successful and a zonker/sculpin dead-drifted under an indicator has had its moments this past week as well. We have been seeing some baetes coming off the past few days and should only see more this coming week with the forecast calling for rain and snow most days.
Flies: #16-18 Krystal Dip, #14-16 Green Machine, #14-18 Red Neck, #16 Olive Hot Spot Perdigon, #14 HoloPoint, #16-18 Shop Vac, #16-18 Olive S.H. Hare’s Ear, #16 Shop Vac, #12 Black Sili Legs, #18-20 D.O.A. Baetis, #18-20 Baetis Sparkle Dun
Yellowstone National Park
Madison/Firehole: This weather we have had for the past week seems to have helped push a few more fish upriver and get the fish that are currently in the river a little more active. This week should be more of the same with rain and snow in the forecast. Look for baetis on the Firehole and swing soft hackles anytime else.
Flies: #8-12 Partridge & Peacock, #8-12 Partridge & Orange, #6 Sparkle Minnow, #8 Simi Seal Leech, #8-12 Black Sili Legs, #14-16 Red Neck, #14 Holo Point, #12 Tan Elk Hair Caddis, #18-20 Baetis Sparkle Dun
Slough/Soda Butte/Lamar: There is still some good dry fly fishing and solitude to be had in the NE corner this time of year. Afternoon baetes will provide most of your action up there, and when they aren’t, you can always try dry dropper or small streamers as well.
Flies: #18-20 D.O.A. Baetis, #18-20 Baetis Sparkle Dun, #14 Holo Point, #12 Spanish Bullet
