With spring 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. 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.
(Report compiled by Carol Henckel)
Rock Creek Marina-Bill 1-406-485-2560
“We had someone catch a 43 inch, 21.3 pound northern pike. One fellow
took his 4×4 out on the ice and said he could feel the waves under the
ice. At this point I think there is no more ice fishing. I know I sure
would not go out on it now. The points are definitely opening up. They
are predicting Sunday, Monday and Tuesday but I don’t think that is going
to change things,” Bill said.
The marina is closed but I will be around some of the time this winter.
The cabins are still open,” Bill says
Tongue River Reservoir
Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Colton/Bob Pederson/Warden Jordan Straley
Bob says,” We have one inch of snow as of last night. Ice is so bad we
did not see a fishermen. There were big winds an the edges are opening
up. Campers point still has ice but it is not useable. You might be able
to shore fish in places. ”
Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345 Craig Putchat-Park Office
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir
“Right now there is not fishing going on. The fish is too rotten to ice
fish and not open enough to boat fish. I think this next week you might
be able to shore fish as things open up. My prediction is that maybe by
next week you might be able to get a boat in,“ Clint says.
Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene, of Lake Ridge said,” The ice is very bad. I don’t recommend anyone
go on it. It is opening up in the bay. We have some weather coming in
but I think it won’t change the ice conditions.”
Lake Elmo Billings
Bob says,” No one is out there fishing right now and I have not seen
any action all week despite the warmer weather.”
Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Maleri
“Cooney is three quarter free of ice. The boat launches are open.
There are no docks in maybe in one to two weeks. There is some ice at
Fishermen’s Point going south,”staff says.
Deadmans Tony Stefani
Tony says,” It has been raining. Deadmans is open. Fishing has been
slow. There have been boats out and a few guys caught salmon and trout.You
can fish from shore. I think the slow fishing is the water temperature is
cooler.”
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-2261
“ Some people have got out fishing. Martinsdale is open water. People are
fishing from shore. Some people are not doing too bad at Basin. They
fished but the wind blew and forced them off the water. Some say fishing
has been best of the shore. Try using the usual worms and marshmallows ,”
Tony says.
Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194
”The Missouri is virtually open all the way to the lake. It opened up and
became muddy really fast. They are taking sauger, walleye and a few
channel cats. The only place to put a boat in is at the PM. There is ice
on the bank in a lot of places. Spring Creek is off color. So fishing is
not good. Achley has the ice off but is not good fishing. We just have
to wait for now,” Dale explains.
Crooked Creek-Grant
The number to check if it is open is 1-406-429-2999. Word has it there
is a good amount of ice and people have gone out with success.
Minnow Bucket-Eddie White 696-1281
Eddie says, “The Yellowstone is good fishing. Fishermen are catching
sauger, walleye and cat fish. The clarity of the water is off and on.”
We are in winter hours. 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 says,” It is open to Roundtop to the south. It actually is not
bad fishing. We had ten boats out this past weekend. They brought in
some ling, perch, walleye and rainbow. The ice is slushy north of
roundtop right now. The Madison Gallatin Walleyes Unlimited banquet is
March 28th. For more information call me at 266-3100. ” The Marina is
open. Hours are 7 am to 7 pm.
West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611
“At Nelson you can put a boat in. The lake is open. The canal is
flowing full steam into the lake,“ Jim said.
Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday. Stop in
any time
Billings-Scheels Josh
Josh says, ”We fished Duck Creek on the Yellowstone and in 3 hours
caught 2 trout, bass and suckers. A total of ten fish in that time. I
heard Cooney is open but fishing was slow. I was told Hell Creek is
open in some places. The ice is not good. Some of the guys went to
Olka Bay and success was different for each of them. The water was 37
degrees one day and 33 degrees another day. It has not been very good
for some. Some caught some ling and trout. Lasst chance to sign up for
the Walleye University with Johnnie Candle to be held this weekend on
March 21st. You can call Scheels to register 656-9220.”
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
” Not hearing much this week. The rivers are open. They are catching big
perch on Holter. We have had lots of wind so no one could get out.
Someone had luck a mile or so south of white earth,” 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
Chris says, “Fishing is picking up. Nymph fishing is working. Try
streamers on the Yellowstone. Use nymphs on the Stillwater. You might
find some midge action also. The water is a little off color. But the
fishing is still good. The river level is still up a bit.”
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
Kurt explains,” Fishing has been just decent. It has been slow fishing.
That water has too real cold. Try nymph fishing. A few dry flies have
worked as well. The water level will go up at the end of the week to 3700
cfs. They are catching a few walleye at the lake. Just remember there are
no services, no gas or bait.”
Our shop hours are 7 am to noon now Monday to Sunday.
