Eastern Montana Fishing Report for the Week of 5.12.14
By angelamontana

Posted: May 14, 2014

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, “Fishing has been good this week. One fisherman caught a 13
pound walleye on Sunday. There were a dozen walleye caught in the 9 to 10
pound size. They are shallow at 5 to 15 feet deep.  Guys are also catching
northern pike and some bass on the rocky points.  What’s  working are fire
tigers, chartreuse and lime colored.  The water temp in some places guys
have found has been 52 degrees this week with wind some nights.
Last week I heard they are fishing at Haxbey point and getting lake trout
20 feet deep.”

Tongue River Reservoir
Tongue River Marina  1-406-757-2225 Colton/Bob Pederson/Warden Jordan Straley

The Marina reports, “people are catching crappies and walleyes. They
are going deep using a jig and a night crawler or a jig and a minnow.
We have heard of only a couple of northern   are being caught with
smelt and cut bait. Some guys are trying small plastics and cranks.”
The Marina is now open with hours of 8 am to 6 pm.

Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir

Donna says,” It has been absolutely wonderful fishing this week. The
walleye are being caught in the bay right out here. Some are limiting out.
My son caught his fish in 4 hours. He caught some walleye, pike and bass.
They were all nice size.  Lucky point in the bay is fishing well.  Try
jigging or bottom bouncing. The weather has been beautiful.”

Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene Moore, of Lake Ridge says ”,The lake trout have started.  One was
caught that was 19 pounds. They are using a   hot lips deep diver, 16 to
20 foot deep.  One group used downriggers for lake trout 55 foot deep
using eagle eye flutter spoons and caught nineteen. You can catch some
northern pike 16 to 20 feet deep around Duck Creek. It is not as good as
it has been.  They are still using jigs with minnows and Lindys. Nights
have been still cold at 32 degrees. The reverse fire tiger is working and
I have some here. I have the only place you can get it. ”

Lake Elmo Billings
People are trying their luck at Lake Elmo. Not much success.
Shore fishing is bringing some success. The weather has improved the
success.

Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Maleri
The word from a few fishermen is that fishing is still slow. Walleye
fishing they say has definitely improved. Walleye and trout mainly are
being caught from boats. Shore fishermen are catching a trout or two.

Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-2261
“I drove over by the reservoir by Red Hill and it is real low.  Guys are
saying they are catching a few both at Deadmans and Martinsdale. They are
finding trout at the creek at Two Dot. A few fishermen are telling us they
getting a few trout at Achley and Hobson.    Some guys came in who have
caught nice fish at Fort Peck,” he said.  We do have night crawlers here
for sale.

Don’s Lewistown- Dale 1-800-879-8194

“Achley is good fishing using slip bobbers and night crawlers. The rainbow
trout are close to shore like 10 foot out.  They are mostly rainbows with
a few brown trout. At Spring Creek they are using beadheads and UV.  The
ultra violet spinners are working well. The Missouri has slowed and is not
as hot for catfish. Walleyes are  liking crawlers and minnows. Try from
Judith and Stanford and over by Fred Robinson Bridge for success. Some are
bank fishing at Crooked Creek with night crawlers and doing okay,” 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
“The Yellowstone has been good for catfish. The river is clearing some
right now so we will see what happens in the next week. The catfish
tournament was won by a total of four fish. Not much news this week,”
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

“Actually people are catching some nice trout off shore right now.  A fair
amount of perch are also being caught as well, Sharon tells us. We are the
only place where you can get a boat in but stop here for instructions.  If
you come by stop at the Silos to hear what is going on, not necessarily to
buy but to know what is happening. They said that they will be letting
water in but we only got 3 inches this last week so who knows. The weather
has been nice, sunny and warm.”

West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611

“Nelson Reservoir is starting to turn on for walleye.  They are catching
northern pike as well. One person caught a 29 inch walleye this week and
turned it loose. He was using bottom bouncers. He limited out that day but
when he went the next day he got nothing. It is up and down in success.
At Forchette they are catching some walleye. Some northern pike are being
caught with cut bait,” Jim reports.

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 am still hearing Cooney is pretty slow. Seems to be off
and on with the bite. The catfish is still biting around Huntley people
say. I heard they are catching cats and ling by Waco.”

Rich’s Tackle Richard  406-285-4540

At Canyon Ferry the water is really low. They are fishing from shore and
getting a few perch but good for trout. Water only went up a couple of
inches this week.

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

On the Stillwater the lower part from Absarokee to Columbus has a little
tint.  The upper part past Absarokee is clear.  Floating is good so far.
There have been a few march brown hatches.  It is mostly streamers or
nymphing that you will be using.  People are catching fish. The
Yellowstone is a mess.  It has a fair amount of debris   and is really
dark. You can still catch some near the banks fishing in the still water
deep on the bottom. For nymphng use the red green copper johns or a
Batman.  Try a marsh brown nymph or a Jack Cabe # 10.  Purple fly is also
working.   You are just going to have to take it day by day,” Bill 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
“The weather has been better. Fishing is good. Guides are having success.
Visibility is down at Soap creek because of rain runoff. It is sporatic
dry fly fishing right now. As of Wednesday the water will go up to 8500
CFS and they are saying it will stay there until after the runoff.
Inflows are coming up and the bulk is still to come. Use baetes and
midges. Try a Ray Charles,” 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.

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