(Report compiled by Carol Henckel)

With fall weather here please be aware that it can be unpredictable.  Enjoy yourself but remember alcohol alters your judgment so use it sparingly while enjoying the outdoors. Keep an eye on the weather as temperature, wind and precipitation can change quickly. Be prepared for all types of weather. 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 Show Crew.

Rock Creek Marina-Bill 1-406-485-2560
“Lots of northern pike being caught this week.  Someone caught a 44 inch ,
25 pound pike.  I went out with my buddies on Sunday and we got 25 pike,
lots of bass but only one walleye. The bass were eater size.  The water
temp is 55 degrees. I headed to the dam to fish.  The lake trout males are
moving in slowly.  I think the water is still too warm. If you are coming
up call to see if fuel is available. The marina is closed but I will be
around some of the time. The cabins are still open,” Bill said.

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

Bob says, “The weather has been great for fishing. Yesterday was a
perfect day.  There was no wind and 79 degrees.  Tongue had pretty good
fishing this week. They have caught some walleye and I heard of some
crappies being caught.  They are spotty but when you get in to them you
do real well. They are letting more water out so the rivers will be up.”

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

Fishing is good off and on depending on wind and temperature. Northern
pike are being caught.  Some nice small mouth being caught up the lake.
Going west about 14 miles they are catching some crappies.

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

Gene, of Lake Ridge says,” The lake trout are starting.  I know of a 22
pounder being caught and a few other nice ones. Northern pike, lots of
them and small mouth bass are being caught. They are using flutter spoons
and cranks going 15 to 20 feet deep. Very few walleye being caught. They
are snagging a salmon once in a while.”

Lake Elmo Billings

Not a lot of fishermen out there.  Those that have been out in the warmer
weather without wind are having some luck.
Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Maleri
Fishing has picked up from a boat.  The shore fishing has been okay.
Not as many rainbow trout fish being caught.  Some docks are still in.
Rock Creek and Marshall Cove are out.

Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-2261

Fishing has been strange this week. Word has it that if you went out on a
sunny day you often came home empty handed. If it was windy, rainy and
cloudy at Deadmans you caught a few fish.  Not real big fish they say. It
just does not make any sense.
Martinsdale still is not a place people are going. Not hearing any action.

Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194

“Spring Creek is good fall fishing.  Nymph fishing is doing real well
right now. Use blue wing olives.  There is bank and boat fishing starting
at Achley,” Dale says. Last week rainbow and sherbert colors were
working. They are catching catfish on the river.  Try using river rigs
and night crawlers.

Crooked Creek-Grant
No new report. The number to check if it is open is 1-406-429-2999.

Minnow Bucket-Eddie White  696-1281
“From Huntley to Custer is excellent for bass. We went out and got our
limit.  We got 3 ½   pound bass, sauger but only two walleye.  The
walleye were 4 to 5 pounds. We were using a jig and a minnow.
On the Upper Yellowstone they are really catching mostly small mouth bass.

We are in winter hours as of Oct. 1st.  Wednesday, Thursday and Friday we
are open 11 to 5. Saturday hours are 7 to 5 pm. Sunday to Tuesday is
appointment only. I have lockers and can put it in there for you just
call,” Eddie says.
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon

“ Canyon Ferry has been good fishing this week. The weather has been
strange. They are fishing going   northeast going deep.  They are
catching  walleye and rainbow trout. The fish have been average size.
The water is up and the docks are still in.  Our hours are 7 am to 7 pm,”
Sharon says.

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

“ The rivers have turned on.  They are catching cats, some walleye and
pike. I am hearing Nelson is good.  They are catching walleye,” Mindy
reports.
Another fisherman says worm and a minnow can really work for walleye
right now. At Forchette the water has warmed and fishing is active.  You
can catch bass, walleye, northern pike, drum and cats.

Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday. Stop in
any time
Billings-Scheels Josh

Josh says, “I heard Cooney hasn’t changed kind of slow. On the
Yellowstone guys are catching bass. Mostly from Hysham  to  Huntley. No
other guys talking fishing, mostly hunting this week.”
Rich’s Tackle Richard  406-285-4540

Guys are talking about the north end of Canyon Ferry. The water temp is
still 65. Catching mostly walleyes and rainbow trout.  If you go south it
seems you get only small ones and only a few large ones.

The rivers are good fishing right now.  The browns on the rivers are
running.  You can also catch some nice rainbows on the rivers now. The
Headwaters are also fishing well right now, “ Rich says.

Shop hours are Sunday 12 to 4 pm.  Closed Monday.  Tuesday to Saturday
7am 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

Bob says, “I went fishing yesterday with Chris.  It was great. On the
Yellowstone nymphing  is working well.  Fat Frank grape hoppers with
green copper were working for me.  He was using a thing-a-bob beadhead
rubber leg  prince nymph. The water is clear and looks really nice. The
Grinch streamer with dropper was also working. It is also good on the
Stillwater.  There are hatches happening around 10:00 am. Try using the
purple haze it has been working.  Most hatches try PMDs.  Something with
a white with a yellow body.  It is fishing well.”

We now are in fall hours in the shop and are open Tuesday to Sun. from
9 am to 5 pm. We are closed Monday.

Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375

Evan says, “The water is murky right now. Streamers is pretty good. Nymph
fishing is challenging.  Use 12 to 14 skud with a 18 size gray Ray
Charles.

The fish have been seeing the big one and then going after the smaller one
below.   The water is at 3250 CSF and will be dropped to 3000 CFS on
Wednesday morning. We are seeing tricots popping up on the river in the
morning if there is no wind. The browns are aggressive.  Use big
streamers, they are working better.”

Call if you need specific information.” Our shop hours are 7 am to 5 pm.
Monday to Sunday.