(Original photo above courtesy of davebrownoutfitters.com)

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 – 406-485-2560

“There are more open areas.  I have seen no fishermen this week.  The ice is way too unpredictable to be on,” said Bill.

Bob Peterson-Tongue River Reservoir

The ice is off from the Marina to the dam as of Tuesday.

Tongue River Marina  406-757-2225  Matt

We are open as of April 3rd! From the Marina to the Dam the ice is off.  I figure the South end will be open by midweek. The roads are good.

They are catching bass.

Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina – 406- 557-2345

Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir

We have heard that Hell Creek is open and Scheels has been told that as well. Some bank fishing can be done.

Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597

Gene Moore, of Lake Ridge says,”They are still fishing at Duck Creek and Flat Lake and they are catching an occasional walleye. The river is open down below Tailrace and the power house and I have seen some 10 pound walleye. Northern pike are moving into the bay. Lots of mud by the Lake where there is no gravel.”

Lake Elmo – Billings

Lake Elmo is clear of ice.  “People are trout fishing. There seems to be some fishermen out there,” Bob says.

Cooney Reservoir – Jenny

Jenny says, “The ice is still on a part of the lake but the warm weather has opened things up.”

Deadmans/Martinsdale – Justin

Deadmans has more open water so conditions are better.

Martinsdale The ice is going. Conditions are changing with milder temps.

Don’s Lewistown- Dale

We are still in between seasons but things are changing quickly.  On Achley the ice is off. It now is good fishing for both spin and fly fishing.  Spin casting with Power bait is working and fly fishermen are having good results with strip leeches and nymphs.

Spring Creek is seeing better fishing with midge action.  They are also using march browns and blue wings.

Stafford Ferry has no ice.   Missouri river is improving. It is open from PN to Fred Robins Bridge with sauger and catbait being caught.

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

Dave says, “The Missouri River is good fishing.   They are catching catfish, northern pike, walleye, and ling.  Lots of ice is clearing off.

Minnow Bucket-Allen Camarillo – 406-861-0156

“The river from Huntley East is clear and open. They say fishing is okay”, Allen says. “ They are catching walleye and catfish from Miles City to Forsyte. I have applications for the 7th annual catfish tournament at the shop.  It is boat only,” Allen explains.

Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon

“Lots of trout to catch,” Sharon says. At Broadway Bay you can get boats in.  I don’t know about Hole in the wall. Everything South is open.

West Side Sports Dan 1-406-654-1611

“Everything is in between. There is still ice on Nelson but people really should be aware the ice is queestionable Use caution,” Dan says.

Forchette road is muddy. Ice is not good.  Too unsafe to be on.

Billings-Scheels – Luckie

Luckie says, “I am hearing Tongue is open. They are catching bass and crappies right now. Around Miles City its open and it is good for walleyes.   At Fred Robinson there are some ice heaves on the ramp still causing problems.”

Nate says, “The Yellowstone River has been good fishing to Forsyte.  Very few walleye but lots of sauger.  People are fishing from the shore at Bear Lake catching rainbow trout.

Rich’s Tackle – Richard

“They are catching trout. I am seeing lots of limits from Harrison, Ponds, and by 3 Forks.   Walleye fishing is slow,” Rich says.