(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 Crew.
Rock Creek Marina-Bill 1-406-485-2560
“We have had 4o mph winds this week. We had a bit of ice forming on the
back bay but it is gone now. The wind helped with that. Of course we have
snow. The wind has caused drifting. We just came from town and got stuck.
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
Staff says,” We have had a little ice. On the South edge a few people are
using the walk in access gates to try ice fishing but it is pretty thin
and I haven’t seen any catches.”
Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir
Megan says, “Hell Creek has been windy in fact we have white caps in the
bay right now. It is 40 degrees today. We have no ice right now. All we
have seen is 3 boats of hunters heading out. No fishermen out there.”
Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
**Unable to get a new report this week. Last week Gene, of Lake Ridge
said,” It has been real cold. I have gone pheasant hunting which has been
good but really really cold. But the lake trout has slowed some.
Yesterday it was 10 below all day with 28 mph wind so the fish have been
safe.”
Lake Elmo Billings
“There is solid ice on Elmo. The only ones using the ice are ducks and
geese. It is not ready to be walked on as of yet,” Bob reports.
Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Maleri
Staff says,” All docks are out now. A few fishermen are taking their
boats out with ropes. They are catching a steady average of trout and
walleye. I would say we have mostly shore fishermen.”
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-2261
“Someone went up to Deadmans lake and found not much ice on it. The ice
was just bunched up near shore line. There was still a lot of open
water,” staff says,
Staff says.
Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194
“Spring Creek was mostly nymph fishing again this week. It has been
pretty quiet.Try small mepps, rainbow cranks and the always good worm and
bobboer. Haven’t heard a word on Achley,”Staff says.
Crooked Creek-Grant
The number to check if it is open is 1-406-429-2999.
Minnow Bucket-Eddie White 696-1281
Eddie says ,“I found Tongue has very little ice. A friend found 4 ½
inches right at shore. But it drops to 2 ½ inches soon after. So be very
careful and watchful. Don’t go unless you know conditions. The
Yellowstone has lots of ice chunks right now.”
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
Sharon tells us,” The ice down from the Silos is 3 inches. We actually
had someone ice skating yesterday close to shore. They were trying
fishing a Hozer. They are ice drilling and the whole thing. Don’t know
if they caught anything. Make sure you call for conditions before you
come as things do change quickly.”
Hours are 7 am to 7 pm.
West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611
“There is fishing on Nelson we hear. They have ice between 3 and 7
inches. I have no news that anything has been caught, maybe next week,”
Jim reports.
Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday. Stop in
any time
Billings-Scheels Josh
Josh says, “No one is talking going out to fish with the cold weather
this week. Most of the guys are thinking ice fishing. So they are
picking items up at the store. The only thing I have heard is that ice
is forming on Tongue, some say 3 inches but not ready to go on.”
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
Rich says, “Canyon Ferry has some ice but not sure it is ready to get on.
The rivers are froze over specifically the Jeferson and the Madison. Lots
of ice jams.”
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
Chris says, “The rivers, both the Stillwater and Yellowstone are slushy.
So it is real slow. There is a bit of ice built up but not a lot. You
could probably get out in some places but you sure have to be careful.
The snow makes things slick as well.”
We now are in fall hours in the shop and are open Tuesday to Sat. from
9 am to 2 pm. We are closed Monday and Sunday.
Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-237
Hale says ,”The river is still at 3,000 CVS. The water is clearer now.
The clarity is better significantly. Fall streamer fishing is good. The
browns are starting to spawn. Nymph fishing is working as well. Try scuds
or gray Ray Charles. We tend not to get ice up here you might find some
down at Hardin but not here.”
Our shop hours are 7 am to noon now Monday to Sunday.
