Butte Rec Report

The upper Wise river is running lower than last week and fishing is fair but watch out for area wildfires. The Wise River and Big Hole are copper to chocolate depending on your access point and plenty of water is flowing.

Large Double Body Epoxy Black Ants in size 6 or 8, black Salmonfly nymphs, and a few beadheads are good choices in the Big Hole. Fish are hugging the bottom so weight your nymph to get it down. A few Panther Martin and Mepps Spinners are showing promise as well.

(flyanglersonline.com)

Clark Canyon will be open below the spillway, and the Beaverhead will fully open this weekend. Egg Sacs and Night Crawlers should be good choices below the dam. Blue Winged Olives and a few caddis on sunny days with streamers fished along the banks will garner some excitement.

The Jefferson River has been good fishing in the Hells Canyon Area for bait fisherman or diving Rapalas on spinning gear. Mayflies and Caddis with Hares Ear nymph droppers are great choices around Silver Star.

The North West shore of Georgetown Lake will be open Saturday for fisherman. Please see regulations for areas closed for spawning trout.

Bozeman Rec Report

Fishing has been great as of lately, with the Mother’s day Caddis hatch over the past week. If you get into a big hatch, just remember that sometimes “not” matching the hatch attracts the attention of a feeding fish. Also, some subsurface emergers hung below your dry fly have been producing some great results. Fishing season officially opens on Saturday.

Gallatin River-biggiesbugs.wordpress.com

As of right now, the East and main Gallatin Rivers are running very muddy. Not too high, but dark and the fish are hanging in the pockets and next to shore. Some streamers may grab their attention right now.

The lower Madison is still pretty clear and probably the best chance of good fishing with reported Caddis hatches just before dark. The upper Madison opens to fishing this Saturday. The upper stretches were running a bit off color last weekend, and will probably still be quite fishable on opening day.

The Jefferson is also a bit off color, but seems pretty steady in terms of flow and fishability. The Yellowstone is the river that has really come up and dirty. Actually kind of at a dangerous flow right now, so word is to go to other spots and wait for the Stone to lower and the Salmon Fly hatch.

Hebgen Lake has iced off, and the fish are starting to cruise the shore lines. This is the time to get to Hebgen for some unbelievable fishing. I saw lots of Crayfish moving around on the rocky shorelines, so I am sure the fish will be targeting anything that looks like a crayfish.

The road to Hyalite Reservoir opens tomorrow, the 16th. I anticipate the lake is fairly ice free and the fishing will be outstanding for the next few weeks. Hyalite is a great place to fish from a float tube or pontoon boat, and of course Bob Ward’s has a large selection of both.

Yellowstone park waters open to fishing on May 25th, and we have park fishing permits in store.

The next big hatch a few weeks away is the annual Salmon fly hatch. We have a huge variety of Salmon Fly patterns, so get them early. Once the hatch hits, the anglers hit the fly bins and it will be slim pickings when you need them the most.

Report compiled by Carol Henckel

Please be advised that conditions can change daily so please call the contact person in the area you are planning on FISHING for current daily information. Weather is changing and some days wind can be a big factor.

Keep an eye on the weather while you are out there and stay safe.

Good luck FISHING from the Montana Outdoor Radio Crew.

Bill -Rock Creek Marina 1-406-485-2560
“Fishing was good yesterday (Sunday) there was no wind,” Bill says. The water temperature in the main channel is 52 degrees. Walleyes are being caught at 5 to 15 feet. Orange jigs with black eyes and minnows seem to work. Worm harness is working south on the point.

The week before they ran out of minnows half way through the week so call and check supply before you come up. Also check on available spaces as it has been really busy.

Tongue River Reservoir- Bob Peterson
Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Colton
“Walleye fishing has been fantastic. It has been really good using worm harnesses. Some people are using jigs as well as the water is nice and clear. Crappies have been just okay. Perch have been steady. They are small but good. As the water is warming they seem to be turning on, ”Colton says.

Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir
“Fishing has been pretty good overall. The Northern Pike and walleye are being found in shallow at 4 to 15 feet. The best places are Snow Creek and Sutherland. Small mouth bass are at 6 to 10 feet in shallow. Cranks are still working on pike. Dead Creek to Forsyte are also fishing well,” Clint says.

Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene Moore, of Lake Ridge says,” We finally have warm weather starting.
The dry arm is pretty dam good. Duck Creek, Bear Creek and Jennings Point are picking up for walleye and northern. They are using the usual, jigs and minnows and some lindy rigs with minnows. A ton of Northern Pike are being caught on the river and lake. Just a few walleye so far. Lake trout are picking up. Lindy’s are also working. Lake trout are picking up as well.”

Lake Elmo Billings
Lake Elmo is still lowered temporarily for the repairs. As of Monday the irrigation people have not started on the headgate to replace it. So we hope to see digging and action going on this week. You can still use a chair and a pole on the lowered water beach area. People can fish and are catching trout and a few catfish.
Cooney Reservoir – Jenny
Jenny says, “People have been reporting walleye fishing has been good.

With walleyes they are going deep with a minnow trolling. Trout fishing has also been good off the shore. The lake is rising slowly.”

There has been vandalism on the north shore campground. Someone tore down the fence and burned it. Anyone who knows anything please call Tip Mont.“

Deadmans/Martinsdale Justin

The river is still okay. The flows are low but some fish are being caught.

Fishing is so so at best at Deadmans. Some people are catching a few rainbows.

Martinsdale

It is picking up at Martinsdale. Some people are limiting out. Fishing is good from shore. You can’t use the boat ramp yet but you can launch off the point. Ramp still it is still too muddy.

The river has been good for browns. The spawn is done or almost done.

Don’s Lewistown- Dale
Spring Creek is fishing well. People are using the “local ties” as well as blue wings and nymphs. We are seeing some caddis action. ”Achley Lake is doing well. The water is lowering. You are not able to use a boat.

There has been no run off so it is tough launching. Shore fishing for trout is good bait fishing, spin fishing and also using flies,” Dale says.

The Missouri has been doing extremely well for walleye, sauger and catfish. Use standard catfish bait, fish the holes with live minnows for decent catching. The Missouri is slow for paddlefish so far.

Crooked Creek-Grant
Due to water levels being too low you cannot fish or use your boat at Crooked Creek. The marina will not be open. It is closed but cabins are still available for other uses just call 1-406-429-2999.

Lewistown Sports-Dave
There is a good hatch of may flies on Spring Creek and people are catching trout.

On the Missouri you can catch catfish, walleye and northerns off the bank.

They are trying a hook and sinker and minnows. There is low water on the river.

Minnow Bucket-Allen Camarillo 861-0156

The Yellowstone has turned high and muddy. It has been good for catfish,” Allen says. “The Big Dry Arm is hot I hear.” The Yellowstone Catfish Challenge Tournament was a success. They had 45 teams and was a great time.
I would say you should head to the lakes.

Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon

“Fishing has been absolutely excellent for walleyes. If you go shallow on the South end on both sides. bites. Rainbows are good fishing right now.

Everything is working right now cranks, bottom bouncers and worms. I have seen four 30 inchers this week. The Flamingo Grill is now open. Broadway Rod and Gun Tournament is moved to Canyon Ferry this year instead of Goose Bay on July 12 th ”,Sharon says.

West Side Sports Dan 1-406-654-1611

“Nelson is fishing better if you can get away from the wind. They are using bottom bouncers and night crawlers for walleye. Shad rap with crankbait is working for northern pike. Berkley flicker shads seem to be working well. Forchette-“The locals are just not going as it is just too low,” Dan says.

Billings-Scheels Lucky

Lucky says, “Fort Peck still has the spawn happening.

The count limit for paddlefish has been met. The Yellowstone and at Fred Robinson has raised 2 fet and is muddy,” Lucky explains.
Cowbells for rainbow trout are working on Martinsdale,” Nate says.

Waco by Custer is doing well for catfish right now.

Big Horn has been good for browns fly fishing.

“Tongue fishing for the tournament resulted in 86 fih caught with 27 walleye. No cat fish were caught,” Lucky said.
Rich’s Tackle – Richard

“Fishing has been pretty good this week around here. But I hear fishing is real good on Hebegan and Ennis. They are catching nice browns on worms right now. The water has turned muddy on the Gallatin, Jefferson and the Madison. The Gallatin is the worst for muddy water,” Rich says.
Yellowtail/ Big Horn –Dave Egdorf 406-665-3489
Bighorn River “The river is producing. There is lots of bug life and there are a lot of browns being caught ,” Dave says. Both ‘dry and wet’ midge patterns are working. The Reservoir is doing well with a minnow or jig especially close to the dam. The spawn is on. It is a mixed bag what you can catch.

Willow Creek Reservoir- “They are catching nice big rainbow trout. Four days ago one trout was caught in the double digits was caught. A really nice one, “ Dave says.

Butte

Delmoe Reservoir was good fishing this past week from the bank. Orange Garlic marshmallow and night crawlers worked well on the cutthroat trout. Spinners were working well on the north shoreline near the stream entrance.

The Ruby Reservoir has been good to excellent fishing for small rainbow trout using night crawlers and crank baits. Browns and Rainbows are being caught below the spillway.

The Beaverhead River has been excellent fishing on sunny warm days for the fly fisherman. Blue Winged Olive emergers or dries have been working well. Crank baits like jointed Rapalas or Salmo Bullheads are working well.

A small stonefly hatch on the Upper Wise River brought the trout to the surface this past week for a feeding frenzy lasting several days. Helgramite or Dark Stone Emergers were a good nymph combination.

The Big Hole has been fair fishing near the Salmon Fly Bridge at Melrose for a few Brown Trout. San Juan Worms and Flashback Nymphs are good choices.

Bozeman

photo: wildlife.site88.net

The Upper Madison is fishing well. Nymphing the deeper water with stonefly-beadhead droppers or worms and eggs will get you some.

If you’re hitting the Lower Madison, dead drifting crayfish with a worm or a lightning bug is a good option. If the clarity gets worse, throwing brighter stuff with hot beads can do well for you. Streamers are also an option, try black, yellow or white when the river gets some color to it.

On the Yellowstone streamer fishing has been decent at best. Nymphing has been the same with less than stellar action, but has been a little more reliable than the streamer fishing. With nymphs try some stonefly patterns followed by some Baetis or caddis patterns. The dark and natural like olive, black, and brown, have been the best streamer colors.

The Gallatin is good right now. Nymphing is again your best bet with the regular stonefly-beadhead attractor dropper stuff. On overcast days some BWOs and a few March Browns have been out, and you can usually find some fish eating on top.

(Report compiled by Carol Henckel)

Please be advised that conditions can change daily so please call the contact person in the area you are planning on FISHING for current daily information. Weather is changing and some days wind can be a big factor.

Keep an eye on the weather while you are out there and stay safe.  Good luck FISHING from the Montana Outdoor Radio Crew.

Bill -Rock Creek Marina 1-406-485-2560
The fishermen have been out this week. It has been windy. I saw someone bring in a 31 ½ inch walleye. Some are getting their limit. The water temperature in the main channel is 47 degrees and in the bay it is 50 to 52 degrees. They are using jigs and minnows for walleyes and when they catch a northern pike it is on minnows. The spawn is slow. They are fishing in 4 to 10 feet of water towards shore. We are now open as of May 1st and taking reservations at this time.

Bob Peterson-Tongue River Reservoir

Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Greg

“Fishing has been quiet. We have seen a few crappies and some small mouth being caught. They are using the usual jigs with minnows and just plain night crawler,” Greg says. He explains, ”We had a multi species tournament this past weekend with 38 boats and half caught fish and half got skunked. It was a great event. We are now open.

Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir
Northern Pike has been good. Sutherlnd has seen some lake trout.

Otherwise you can catch a few rainbow trout as well. Snow Creek is the best for walleye fishing using jig with minnow and a bottom bouncer has worked some of the time.

Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene Moore, of Lake Ridge says,” Fishing has not been bad. Duck Creek, Skunk Creek and Flat lake is picking up for walleye and northern. They are using the usual, jigs and minnows and some lindyrigs with minnows. On the river they are catching Northern Pike on smelt and minnows. Lake trout are liking flutter spoons. I have seen 3 to 15 pounders. The depth has
been 35 to 40 feet off of Haxby Point. ”

Lake Elmo – Billings
Lake Elmo is being lowered temporarily for repairs 6 to 7 feet. It was started last Thursday. It is dropping slower than what was predicted. As of Monday it has only dropped 2 feet. Crews are already working but people are still fishing. The weekend had lots of people fishing. Trout are being caught. People are fishing if they can handle the cold.

Cooney Reservoir – Jenny
Walleye fishing has been slow. Rainbow trout are being caught at Fisherman point. The roads are good and all docks are in. Not much catching going on though.

Deadmans/Martinsdale – Justin
It has been better fishing on the reservoirs even though It has been windy. Fly fishing on the river has been decent.

Deadmans has open water. Not much fishing going on.

Martinsdale –  There is still no launching at the ramp still it is still too muddy. You can get on elsewhere. They have been catching here and there.

The river has been good for browns. The spawn is done or almost done.

Don’s Lewistown- Dale

At Achley Lake bait fishing is doing good on nightcrawlers. If they use a fly rod tey are using wooly buggers and a leach pattern.

Spring Creek is doing well with nymphs. On Fred Robinson and Slippery Ann they are catching walleyes, sauger and catfish with live minnows. Dale exclaims, “People are catching fish!”

Crooked Creek-Grant
Access for fishermen is not there. Water levels are going to be an issue this spring. There is no water. No supplies or owner available.

Lewistown Sports-Dave

Paddlefish opens on Wednesday. There is low water on the river.

Minnow Bucket-Allen Camarillo 861-0156

“ The catfish are biting,” Allen says. “Fishing has been good since the weather warmed on the Yellowstone. They are catching small mouth and catfish on minnows. It seems to be better at night. It is just a patter of finding a good spot and you are catching.”

Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon

“The wind has been a part of fishing this week but the fishing has been good on the West end. The east side pond is producing fish if you go shallow, like 4 to 5 feet deep. They are about to spawn. Someone caught two 31 inchers and a 30 incher. You can catch lot of rainbow trout. We are trying to get the word out that the Broadway Rod and Gun Tournament will be held at Canyon Ferry this year instead of Goose Bay on July 12 th ”,Sharon says.

West Side Sports Dan 1-406-654-1611

“Wind has been blowing this week. Nelson is picking up. People are using bottom bouncers with a nightcrawler for walleye on Nelson. Crankbait is working for northern pike. Everyone is playing it by ear, “Dan says. We are just waiting for Spring,” Dan says.

Forchette “The road is very muddy. It is really low,” Dan says.

Billings-Scheels Lucky

Lucky says, “Tongue was good fishing for the tournament this last weekend.  Eighty fish were caught. The perch are spawning. Northern pike have been small so far. Going deep seems to work. We were kind of surprised they caught quite a few walleye and crappies with bottom bouncers. The rivers didn’t get dirty so fishing has been excellent. The Fred Robinson is good. Rosebud has been up and down for fishing. On the Yellowstone catfish and bass were on the rise.”

Rich’s Tackle – Richard

“Wind has been a problem but mornings are better. But the weekend is going to be warm. They were catching male walleyes on Lake Helena. They are getting 14 to 18 inch fish. Silos has produced walleye 7 to 14 inches.

The trout are biting. They are limiting out. ”

Finally warmer spring weather has moved into Western Montana. It is not exactly a heat wave but compared with what we have been experiencing lately with snow showers, cold winds and below freezing temperatures, it is nice to see higher daytime temperatures. Despite the colder weather I have received some excellent fishing reports from throughout Montana.

Browns Lake has been ice free for a couple of weeks and boat and shore anglers are doing well according to Bill Brown from Bob Wards in Missoula. Boat anglers are trolling a couple of colors with a long leader and a clown colored needle fish. Leach pattern fly also works well on the lake. The shore anglers are fishing for the trout that are near the shoreline on the south end of the lake.

The perch bite in east Polson Bay on Flathead Lake should be going strong once the water starts to warm up in the 50’s as the perch coming into about 4-6 feet of water to spawn.

Chancey Jeschke from Snappy Sport Senter in Kalispell had this fishing report on the Montana Outdoor Radio Show, “I have been getting good reports from Hubbard Reservoir producing rainbows and occasional kokannee. Most guys are bait fishing using worms, marshmallows, and power bait. Over east on off the mountain the west end of Duck Luck was open and folks are dry Fishing. Lake Francis by Valier is open for walleye and northern pike.

Shelby from the Rocky Mountain Supply reports that Clark Canyon Reservoir is the place to be. “I talked to some anglers that fished the lake and they just hammered the trout with worms and Colorado spinners. The Big Hole River by Dillon is also fishing great using skwalas with a purple tint.

Scott Anderson from the Montana Fishing Company reports that Noxon Reservoir should start fishing well for northern pike once warmer weather settles in the area.

Speaking of Noxon, this Friday and Saturday, April, 26- 27th, members of the Noxon Warm Water Fisheries Association are having a Spring Fling that will include a walleye fishing derby and barbeque.  This would be a great event for anglers to attend that would like to learn more on how to go about catching walleyes in Noxon Reservoir. You can bet that there will be some good walleye fisherman sharing their fishing techniques and locations of where to fish for walleye on the lake. The derby is limited to 30 participants or 15 two person teams. Sign up and rules meeting will be at the Lakeside Motel and Resort in Trout Creek from 6-7pm Friday evening April 26, entry fee is $40 per team. The fishing derby will start at 8am Saturday and end at 2pm. It is a catch and release tournament with all fish being released. At 6pm on Saturday, at the Lakeside Motel, there will be a barbeque with raffles, silent auction, and giveaways. One of the prizes to be given away will be a guided fishing trip with Professional Fisherman Dale Gilbert. All the proceeds will go to the Sanders County Sherriff Relief Fund. For more information contact John Harris at the Lakeside Motel (406) 827-4458.

(Report by the Captain)

“You should have been here 2 weeks ago!” Despite the colder weather, fishing has been quite good. I have fished several spots and have been having good success.

The West Gallatin River is running clear and cold. When the wind slows and the sun peaks out, the trout are readily taking midges on the surface. Virtually every rising fish will take a well presented fly. I have been using #14-16 Griffiths Gnats with a short dropper. Use a soft hackle or emerger in size #16. Something gray or brown did the trick. Don’t forget to sharpen your hooks. I also had to tippet down to 3-4 lb. test. Tie clean knots and don’t horse the fish.

The Lower Madison River has stayed very consistent. On the top, use small stoneflies and the same midge rigs. Ennis Lake has turned over so nymphing with crawfish, dead drifting buggers has been working well. I used a dark brown conehead Madonna with a lightening bug dropper and had steady luck. When you find one fish, you will find more.

A lot of guys are drifting but I have found better fishing from the bank. Almost no pressure has been on the upstream river on the right side since most guys can’t nymph left handed. Try it and see if you can adjust your casting. It will pay off.

The Upper Madison River is fishing well. I am seeing Baetis and even a few caddis. There is also a nice mix of assorted mayflies and small stones. Fish near the rock walls above the Burnt Tree access. The rocks seem to hold the heat and stimulate bug action. Stalk the fish and walk easy. I am not yet drifting. Instead, slowly work the best water and look for active fish. I am catching fish regularly while covering less water. I am seeing a few rainbow trout redds and some spawning fish. Watch where you step to avoid damage to future fish.

Egg and worm patterns are working well for a nymph choice. Pre-rig your nymphs and roll them up into a tippet bag. This way you can quickly change from a dry fly set-up to a nymph set up with just one knot. I wrap the double fly rigs onto a piece of cardboard that fits into the tippet sack. This is a HUGE timesaver.

The Yellowstone River has been productive and more comfortable to fish. The relatively low water makes for easy wading. On cloudy days, the Baetis are rocking. I fished upstream from Pine Creek and Mallards Rest with awesome results. Again, try and embrace the upstream river right bank. Don’t forget to try olive and black conehead buggers. Strip them as streamers and dead drift them as nymphs. A Copper John or Lightening bug will give you more action.

Don’t forget to sharpen your hooks regularly. This one tip will give you three times the hook ups. Also try to forgo the strike indicators. Instead use your dry fly Aquel floatant to grease the terminal 5 feet of your fly line and upper tippet. This will float well and creates an indicator 5 feet long.

The weather is lousy but is supposed to get better in the next week. Hit the rivers before the snow melt off turns the water cloudy and colder. Despite current weather conditions, fishing is good. If you wait for the “Perfect Conditions”, you will spend more time not fishing. Learn to be adaptive and dress for comfort.

Polaroid glasses are a must for spotting fish, even in the snow. Try the amber colored lenses for better contrast. Remember that any time fishing beats working!

Tight Lines,
Montana Grant

Canyon Ferry: Rainbow trout are cruising north end shorelines and fishing has been fair throughout the reservoir. Shoreline anglers are doing well at traditional access points using worms, spawn sacks or various bead head nymph patterns. Inclement weather has kept most boat anglers at bay and there has been no report from anglers searching for walleye, yellow perch or ling. Adam Strainer, FWP, Helena

Hauser: Rainbow fishing is good at the Causeway Bridge and York Bridge while using egg sacks, Power Bait or Purple Leech Flies. Boat anglers are finding rainbows while trolling cowbells or rapalas in the Causeway Arm. Lake Helena is producing a few walleye for anglers trolling orange or green and yellow crankbaits. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena

Holter: Good rainbow fishing can be found while trolling gold/silver crankbaits, Rock ‘N Rolls or Thomas Lures throughout the reservoir. Shore action is fair around Holter Lake Ramp, Log Gulch and Black Beach while using flies, San Juan worms or egg patterns. Not many rainbows have come into shore yet, but they will as water temps warm up. Walleye fishing is slow. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena

(Report by Adam Strainer and Troy Humphrey – Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks)

Anglers are hoping for a bit warmer weather to enhance  conditions but reports are still good. Check out Scott Anderson’s fly fishing report from earlier this week here, along with eastern Montana fishing here ,and a full audio report from the show here.

Spring turkey season started last week and we featured Keri Peterson, a 13 year-old Montana hunter, who bagged her first turkey. Read about her hunt here if you missed it the first time. Black bear season also started last week, and we have seen a lot of bear activity around the state. Two reports of bear attacks and unexpected encounters were reported.

See our report of a turkey hunter’s run in with a grizzly here. A Pablo man also encountered what he thinks is a grizzly and was attacked in a residential area of the Flathead Valley. This story drew a lot of interest on our website and if you haven’t read about it yet, be sure to click here.

Other signs of spring are popping up including wildflowers all around western Montana. See pictures of some of the first to bloom here on our post this week. Yellowstone is also responding to the spring weather and opened the west entrance roads. You can find out which ones by clicking here.

The most popular story featured on montanaoutdoor.com this week was a traffic jam caused by a HUGE herd of elk outside Missoula. See this fantastic photo which was shared by a listener here.

And of course we want to expand our Montana Outdoor Radio Show family so be sure to tune in and listen every Saturday morning. Find out where to tune in here. You could even win something like Doug Wixson from Glasgow and Rob Duddley of Great Falls! They were the latest winners on the statewide trivia we do twice every Saturday morning. Les Cox of Great Falls was our weekly Montana Club winner and Big Daddy Riley  from Hamilton won himself a Pelican Elite Cooler.

We promise to keep more stories and updates on Montana outdoors coming at you all week long. Just find us on Facebook here or follow us on twitter.

Follow @MTOUTDOORRADIO

Report compiled by Carol Henckel

Please be advised that conditions can change daily so please call the contact person in the area you are planning on FISHING for current daily information. Weather is changing and some days wind can be a big factor.

Keep an eye on the weather while you are out there and stay safe.

Good luck FISHING from the Montana Outdoor Radio Crew.

Bill -Rock Creek Marina 1-406-485-2560
“I am looking at snow. We got 3 inches. The ice is off in the back and front bay as far as I can see. I again have seen no fishermen this week.

Just getting ready for opening May 1st,” said Bill.

Bob Peterson-Tongue River Reservoir
“We are having flurries right now . The ice is off but no fishing. It has just been too cold,” Bob says.

Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Colton
We are open but just have snow and cold. The ice is off.

Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir
I am open and will be here all season. I have not sold the place as the rumor has said. Doing a lot of maintenance to get the place ready. Ice is off Hell Creek and it is open. The only ice left is down by the face of the dam and between Devils and Timber Creek there is a patch of ice.

Some are bank fishing. Tough Guy is this weekend but we have had rain, sleet, snow and wind.

Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene Moore, of Lake Ridge says,” The weather sucks! We got 8 to 10 inches and have drifts and wind.”

Lake Elmo Billings
People are actually catching trout. They are out if they don’t mind the cold weather.

Cooney Reservoir-  Jenny
Jenny says, “The ice is off and before the cold weather It had picked up.”

Deadmans/Martinsdale – Justin
Fly fishing on the river has been decent.

Deadmans has open water. Cold weather has stopped any fishing.

Martinsdale Conditions are constantly changing with temperatures getting cold.

Don’s Lewistown- Charlie
You cannot get out. Weather nasty up here. The only productive place has been Achley Lake and fly fishing.
We hear Crooked Creek has a half mile of mud to the mud. You cannot use it.

Crooked Creek-Grant
Access for fishermen is poor and water levels are going to be an issue this spring. No supplies or owner available.

Lewistown Sports-Dave
No news weather too bad.

Minnow Bucket-Allen Camarillo 861-0156
“Fishing has slowed down because of the snow storm. The catfish were turning on,” Allen says. “The applications for the 7th annual catfish tournament are here. The fishing was steady on the river before the storm,” Allen explains.

Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
“It was 39 degrees here. We have had wind. Not a lot of people out. Trout are out there but no one out,” Sharon says.

West Side Sports Dan 1-406-654-1611
“No one is out fishing. Winter has come back. No one is using a boat on Nelson right now,” Dan says.
Forchette “The road is very muddy. They got more snow. It is really low,” Dan says.

Billings-Scheels – Lucky
Lucky says, “Tongue was good fishing before the weather. Northern pike have been scarcer it seems. Rosebud has been up and down for fishing. On the Yellowstone catfish and bass were on the rise. The weather has changed conditions”

Rich’s Tackle – Richard
“Burr! It’s cold out there. They were catching male walleyes on Lake Helena. They were getting 14 to 18 inch fish on Thursday and Friday last week I heard.”

Yellowtail/ Big Horn –Dave
Yellowtail A group of fishermen did well jigging with minnows the other day in a short time for walleyes.

Big Horn is fishing good on both stretches.

I will be selling minnows. Call ahead at 665-3489 I am opposite Two Leggins right down from the Yellowtail. There is a sign on the highway.

Chancy from Snappy’s
Chancy at Snappy’s says the ice is all gone. Hubbard Reservoir been producing rainbows and kokannee. Most guys trout fishing from the shore bait fishing. Beaver Chain Lakes kind of the same thing, bait fishing off the shore out of Whitefish about 10 miles. Murray Lake, Beaver Lake, and Little Beaver Lake they’re all doing really good. There are some nice really big fish in there. Bitterroot Lake sounds like it’s all open. No reports on kokannee yet, but folks been fishing it for rainbows. McGregor Lake doing pretty good fishing for rainbows. Perch fishing East Bay is still doing well. Echo Lake been hit pretty hard for bass, perch, and pike. Croppy fishing McWinneger Slough, just past Snappy’s, been producing bass, perch, and some nice pike. Church Slough off the Flathead River is open now, so you should be able to put in a small boat. The main boat launch may be blocked, but you can put in a small boat in there off the river. Sounds like the pike are starting to bite. Nice reports on Kookanusa, for kokannee for those vertical jigging, and some trout for those trolling. River fishing been slow it’s a bit high and murky, but should be clearing up before too long.

Leonard from Roberts Bait and Tackle
Leonard from Robert’s Bait and Tackle says despite the snowy weekend folks are still going out. The ice is gone now all over. Fishing wise, folks been picking a few walleyes up on Holter. Haven’t heard a lot on Piscan & Bynum. Francis been a couple boats, but been pretty slow with the lake way down. Tiber’s been hit and miss. Down below the dam quite a few trout being caught down there. Riverwise, reports are good for sauger, bass, and a few sturgeon. If you have any questions or need rod & reel repair call Leonard 406-454-1877.

Shelby from Rocky Mountain Supply in Dillon
Shelby from Rocky Mountain Supply in Dillon says he went out to the Beaverhead and be aware of the fishing regulations for where you are at. Shelby had a couple guides tell him the squallas dry and chubby chernobyl the purple and brown patterns are just hammering the fish in the big hole. The wooly buggers in the Beaverhead have been producing. All the ice is off the lake. Reports of the best for ling is around the East side of the island, and most of the people catching trout are down around the South side of the lake. If you’re in the Dillon area, stop into Rocky Mountain Supply for more information or call 406-683-2308.

(Report compiled by David Lee)