With spring weather here please be aware that it can be unpredictible. 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
“Ice is off the back bay and 50% of the ice is off the front bay. I think
it will be all off by the end of the week. You can shore fish. No one
came out to fish so don’t know how the fishing is. My boat is ready to
go it is just a waiting game. When I went past the dam last weekend the
ice was breaking up there,” Bill says.
Tongue River Reservoir
Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Colton/Bob Pederson/Warden Jordan Straley
Bob says,” We have a lot of fishermen here this weekend both from the
shore and in boats. We had 15 to 20 boats out there. There was very
little action. Actually fishing was pretty grim. Only a couple of
northern pike and 2 walleye seen. I talked to shore fishermen at Peewee
Point, Rattlesnake pint and Campers Point they were having no luck. Pretty
grim from shore and boat.”
Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345 Craig Putchat-Park Office
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir
“It has been windy and cold. Right now there is no fishing going on. There
is no ice left,“ Clint says.
Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene, of Lake Ridge said,” There is a chunk of ice in the middle and
that’s it. The wind blew all week and it was way to cold to be out there.
Just too miserable. A few are fishing off the boat dock. It is too
miserable. Everyone is ready to get out and fish but just waiting.”
Lake Elmo Billings
Bob says,” A few are out there fishing right now. It has been slow
fishing.”
Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Maleri
“Cooney is open water. The boat launches are open. There are no docks
in maybe in a week or two,”staff says. Other have said a few walleye are
being caught as well as trout.
Deadmans Tony Stefani
Tony says,” Some people are getting salmon with worms and marshmellows off
shore. Boat fishing is slow. A few rainbow trout caught. Everything is
wide open.”
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-2261
“Some people have got out fishing. They have caught a few trout. No
reports of musky being caught. At Bear Reservoir the wind again blew and
forced guys off the water. Fishing has been best from the shore,” Gary
says.
Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194
”Fishing is picking up. Fishermen are bank fishing at Crooked Creek and
the on the river. Use live minnows, dead minnows and night crawlers all
will work. The Missouri is virtually open all the way to the lake. It
opened up and became muddy really fast. The small ponds are starting to
be fished as well. They are having good luck from the banks,” 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 up and off color. Walleye and bass
fishing is slow. The catfish are picking up. I caught a 13 pounder on
Sunay. On Castle Rock Lake the northern pike and bass are just starting.
Word has it Cooney is just starting for walleye. At Martinsdale people
are saying fishing is excellent for trout using marshmallows and worms.”
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,” We are open water. We have boats in and fishing. They are
catching walleye on the other side of the lake.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
“ 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,” The Yellowstone has been slow people say for trout. Cooney
is open and a couple of walleye were caught jigging. A few rainbows
were caught. It is just not hot yet. There was a 15 ½ pound tagged
walleye caught and put back. At Tongue people say they caught a few
crappies. At Waco on the Yellowstone people have caught some cats and
a few ling.”
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
” It is snowing tight now. It has been windy all week and now it is 38
degrees. Canyon Ferry is open and there are some trout being caught. Not
hearing much this week. The rivers are open. The river is fishing pretty
good for trout. I hear they are catching rainbows on the Missouri below
Totson,” 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 still decent. Use
copper Johns and night midges. A few people are using blue wing olive.
Try streamers on the Yellowstone. The water is cold. A few browns seen,”
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. The water is cold and clear.
It has been good fishing. Try nymph fishing. A few dry flies have worked
as well. The water level is 3476.2 cfs right now. They are catching a
few walleye at the lake.”
Our shop hours are 7 am to noon now Monday to Sunday.
