Report compiled by Carol Henckel
Please be advised weather is changing constantly and some days wind and even snow can still be a factor. High water conditions are dangerous as Spring weather is unpredictable. Enjoy yourself but remember alcohol alters your judgment so use it sparingly while enjoying the outdoors.
Keep an eye on the weather while you are out there, be prepared and stay safe. 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.
Rock Creek Marina-Bill 1-406-485-2560
Bill says, “This last weekend shore fishing was good. The back bay is all
open. The front Bay is 50percent open. I heard they are starting to
spawn. The dam is only 25 percent open. Alligator point has opened up.”
Bill wants people to know,” we will be officially open May 1st. Make
your reservations now. One month is already booked solid. We do have gas.”
If you need information leave a message on the answering machine and Bill
will get back to you.
Tongue River Reservoir
Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Colton/Bob Pederson/Warden Jordan Straley
The only report on Tongue River was a report from Josh at Scheels who just
went there. He went yesterday and said “it was slow fishing. He fished in
30 to 40 feet jigging, but it was sure slow.”
Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir
Clint says,” Hell Creek is open to the mouth. There is a little ice in the
main part. The West it open. Going East toward the dam is ice. There is
enough water to start fishing. The tough guy tournament is this weekend.
Call Joe Herbold to sign up in Jordan at 406-557-2383.” One of the workers
told me his wife caught a nice 20 pound northern pike off the bank.
Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene Moore, of Lake Ridge says,” On the lake you can fish the edges. In
the bay they are catching walleye and northern pike. There is still quite
a bit of ice but we are having wind. So that may open up more with that.
The river is open. Guys are still going to Duck Creek and Flat Lake. They
are going to the dredge cut. The pressure ridges are open. I think things
will be open by the weekend if the wind keeps up. ”
Lake Elmo Billings
Lake Elmo has open water. Slow fishing right now from shore.
Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Maleri
We finally have open water. So we have some fisherman trying their hand
but haven’t heard any results.
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-2261
Deadmans and Creek through Two Dot are wide open. Heard they are catching
nice trout from shore, Ken said.” At Deadmans the water is up.
On Martinsdale there is no ice.
On the Upper Musselshell they are using lures and spoons catching browns.
Don’s Lewistown- Dale 1-800-879-8194
“It is open. Ice is off. They are catching fish off shore.
The mountain lakes still have ice. They let out the dam so the river is
murky. I figure one to two weeks to be good,” Dale says.
Crooked Creek-Grant
The marina is not open. It is closed but cabins are still available for
other uses just call 1-406-429-2999.
Minnow Bucket-Eddie White 696-1281
“You can get catfish fishing on the Yellowstone. It has been good. Ling
fishing is done I think. Not hearing about walleye or mall mouth yet,”
Eddie says.
Eddie White is the new owner of the Minnow Bucket. Please note the new
phone number to call. The hours are Tuesday to Friday 11 to 7 pm, Saturday
7 to 7 pm and Sunday 7 to noon.
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
“Canyon Ferry is completely open. Water is low, real low. If you go out
talk to us first because of low water. Stay north as you get out of the
bay as it is less than 2 to 2 ½ ft. deep going out. Just ask first. At
Pond #1 a fisherman caught 7 walleye yesterday. Off shore guys are
catching nice rainbows. Sharon said, ”Call us for conditions of water
depths at the Silos. We will give you the latest word.”
West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611
“Ice is off Nelson. We have had wind lately. It is still cold. I have
only seen a few fishermen; it just is too cold for comfort. Small mouth
have been active I hear. They are using jigs trying for walleye”, reports
Jim.
West Side Sports has a new owner. Jim Mayer, the new owner, says, “my
hours on the shop will be 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and we will be closed
on Sunday. “Stop in any time,” Jim says.
Billings-Scheels Nate/Josh
Josh says, “I went to Tongue but it was slow. I tried jigging at 30 to
40 feet. I was using grub tails, chartreuse glass widow.”
I heard Martinsdale is slow. Catching some rainbow trout using garlic
and night crawlers, “Josh says.
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
“At Canyon Ferry you can get in but you have to be real careful. By the
Silos it is real low. The only place to get in is by the Marina at the
North end on West side, Just have to be real careful or you will ruin
your prop or trailer. They are still letting more water out,” Rich says.
Shop hours are Sunday 12 to 4 pm. Closed Monday. Tuesday to Saturday 7
am to 6 pm. You can always call ahead if you are coming through and need
something on off hours and we may be able to help.
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977
“The Stillwater is getting clearer. It is less clear below Absarokee. You
have less visibility. Dry fly fishing is minimal to nonexistent. You
will see occasional midges. The water is very cold. The bugs are retarded
so everything is slower. It would help if the nights stay cool. I think
the Mother’s Day caddis may be really slow or we may skip it all together
I am afraid. If you notice the water is green fish. If it changes to a
slight brown color you may have a real short season. On the Stillwater,
use standard nymphing. You might try midges as the water warms up during
the day. Sometimes streamers will work and wooly buggers. The rivers are
open to fish and floating at this point,” Chris said. We now are in Spring
hours during the week in the shop and are Tuesday to Sun. from 9 am to 5
pm. We are closed Monday.
Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375 Rich
“Two days ago the waters came up. Good nymph fishing right now. The
clarity is good. Some days you can use baetes. It depends on wind and
weather. Whatever you do “be mindful of high waters”. Dry fly fishing is
sporadic using may flies. They are catching both rainbows and browns,”
Hale said. Call if you need specific information. Our shop hours have
changed and we are open 7 am to 5 pm. Monday to Sunday. Call for
information.
