With spring weather coming 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.
(Report compiled by Carol Henckel)
Rock Creek Marina-Bill 1-406-485-2560
“ There was one and a half foot of ice this week and actually some had
good luck spearing and getting northern pike. The ice definitely is a
darker color and by the end of this week things will have changed. The
main point has open water at the dam. Things are changing and I wouldn’t
go out there. It is 62 degree and we have no wind today. The lake has come
up 2 feet. Everything is a variable,” Bill said.
Tongue River Reservoir
Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Colton/Bob Pederson/Warden Jordan Straley
“On Thursday one group really got into the crappies and got their limit.
At this point the ice is way too dangerous and is not able to support
weight. Today there is some open water but not enough for a boat. They
are saying tomorrow the temperature will be 70 degrees, “Bob says.
Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345 Craig Putchat-Park Office
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir
“The past week was pretty fair fishing. They ice fished on Boy Scout
point and were catching northern pike. There was an 8 and 6 pound walleye
caught. At this point it is walk on fishing only as the ice is less. The
ice is starting to honeycomb and the shore is breaking up, ”Megan says.
Gene Moore Lake Ridge Motel 1-406-526-3597
Gene, of Lake Ridge said,” I am about ready to get out and get a sun tan.
We have 50 degrees today. This week they were still ice fishing in the
dredge cuts. The ice is definitely changing. The lake is opening and they
were catching a few lake trout.”
Lake Elmo Billings
Things are definitely changing. Open water means some are trying
fishing off shore.
Cooney Reservoir Jenny/ Maleri
“We ice fishing only at Fishermen’s Point. There were eight people
there and only two fish caught. As of Friday there was one foot there.
The color of the ice is definitely changing. The north has water and
some are pulling an Aluma craft down to the water. The open water is
because the boat dock is not free yet,”Glenis says.
Deadmans Tony Stefani
Tony says,” there actually were two boats on the water but I don’t know if
they got anything. Three quarters of the lake is open. It should be open
by this weekend I think.”
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-2261
Martinsdale is open water. People are fishing from shore. I heard of
people going to Deadmans but don’t know how they did.
Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194
” Spring Creek is off color and nymphing is what they are doing. Achley
has some open water. It is starting to fish. The Missouri is open down to
PM Bridge. It is fishing steady. It is a hodgepodge of what is working
as is normal at this time of year. You never know what will work. On Fort
Peck it is too dangerous to send anyone there. Way too many guys went
through the ice this weekend,” Dale explains.
Crooked Creek-Grant
The number to check if it is open is 1-406-429-2999.
Minnow Bucket-Eddie White 696-1281
Eddie says,” Don’t try do any ice fishing. That is done right now. The
Yellowstone from Huntley East is very good for cat fish. They are
catching some up to 13 pounds. Hysham to Miles City they say is good for
walleye. From Waco to Custer the ling fishing has been good at night.
They are catching some big ling.”
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,” Not much fishing this weekend. We did have 10 to 12 inches
of ice. The trout fishing has been good off shore. I would call before
coming. 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 there is still 20 inches of ice. It is open in lots of spots.
There is no other place to fish. Ice is rotten as hell in too many
places around here. I would not go out around here as things are warming
up,“ Jim said.
Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday. Stop in
any time
Billings-Scheels Josh
Josh says,” I headed to Olka Bay this week. Had lots of wind and
caught one bass. I heard Nelson has picked up a little for walleye. At
the Gates of the mountain guys are doing really well using Kits Tackle.
Otherwise other places are just waiting for the ice to g.” Don’t
forget to sign up for the Walleye University with Johnnie Candle to be
held on March 21st. You can call Scheels to register 656-9220.”
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
” At Fort Peck on Flat Lake guys told me two 4 wheelers went through the
ice. They told me “ice fishing is over”. The rivers have been good
fishing. I heard that below Totson dam it was good for rainbow trout,”
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, “The rivers have cleared up. It is starting to pick up. On
the Yellowstone I used streamers the other day. I also used nymphs and
saw some action. The Stillwater is clear. Try midges and nymphing.
The floating is good on the rivers and pretty clear.”
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 good. Try red midge larva, root beer
midge pupa, small orange scuds, single midge dries and a few blue wing
olives have worked. The flow is 31776 CFS. All points are open.”
Our shop hours are 7 am to noon now Monday to Sunday.
