The changes into fall with snow and rain weather means fishermen   should stay aware. The weather and water levels have   changed drastically.  Enjoy yourself but remember alcohol alters your judgment. So use it sparingly while enjoying the outdoors. Keep an eye on the weather as conditions such as temperature, wind and precipitation will 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 via Carol Henckel)

Rock Creek Marina-Bill 1-406-485-2560

“Bill   says,” The  docks have been pulled.  Fishing was good.  Some  found  northerns and bass.  A few fishermen are snagging a salmon or two.  They are finding them along the shore. Troll for northern in 10 feet of water.  The water temperature is 56 degrees.  The marina is closed.  We will   still have cabins for rent.  So some services will be available if one of us   is around.”

Tongue River Reservoir /Bob

A few fishermen were finding crappies this week.  Just not   a lot of campers or visitors fishing last week. The fish cleaning station is now closed.  We now have only camper points 1 to 8 to the   north and 9 to 11 open.  The camp sites are now first come first serve. The water is down but fishing is still possible. ”

Tongue River Marina  1-406-757-2225 Wade Stephanie /Warden Jordan Staley

“I only saw a couple of fishermen on the water.  They seem to be still finding some crappies.  There is a lot less water but you can get a boat in.  The weather is supposed to be good so maybe we will see more people fishing.   Fishing   for walleye I think is still slow. The marina is closed but we will be ready when ice fishing gets going,” Wade says.

Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345  Marina Matheson-Park   Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir east to

Clint says,   “Pike fishing is going good.  The pike are shallow and they are finding them in 2 to 6 feet of water.  They go deeper the days it is cloudy.  Use anything   that imitates a cisco or perch.  They are using cranks.   Not as many fishermen as hunting has started.  The lake trout are at 30 to 40 feet depths.  They are just starting so they are just catching a few at 20 feet. Walleye, perch and bass fishing is hit and miss. The roads are good.

We are open 7 days a week, 7 am to 6 pm now.   ­­­­­­­

The park manager for Hell Creek State Park is Marina Matheson. “

Lake Ridge Motel Eddie and Carrie Mindt 1-406-526-3597

Carrie says,   ” Boy, the lake trout are going good.  They still are snagging salmon. It has really slowed.   The lake trout   are being caught at Hacks bee and Bear Creek.  They are using spoons and cranks in 25 to 45 feet.  I know of a couple of walleye being caught but the fishing is pretty slim for them. “

Cooney Reservoir -Glennis

Fishing seems pretty slow.  The people I have heard from are getting about 2   to 3 trout from shore on a short trip.  Not hearing of any walleye being caught.  Another person talking to boaters seems to have heard the same thing.  The water has come up.  It never has turned over.  The docks have been pulled. The Marshall launch is closed. “

The new Park Ranger is, Skylar Mitchell.

Deadmans  Tony Stefani

Tony says, “Fishing is very good   off shore.   They are catching lots of salmon.   They are small, 1 to 1 ½ pounds.  They are also catching rainbows.  They are getting ready to spawn so you can catch them. Anything is working from spinners and marshmallows.  You can find them pretty much anywhere along shore.   The water is low.  The dock has been pulled.”

Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-22

Terry says, “I   heard of one group heading out but they got blown off the water. The pond is still   low right now and I don’t know that will change. It has been pretty slow fishing everyone is hunting.”

Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194

Charlie says, “ Fort Peck and the river is a little slow.  Moss is breaking off right now river wise.  I think we are about 10 days out before good fishing happens. On Achley   guys are still getting   tiger muskies. Colors red, white and black are working.    Spring Creek is low and clear.  People are using   bead head   princes, pheasant tails and copper Johns and having success. “

Crooked Creek-Grant

Muddy conditions from past weather has slowed fishing   at   Crooked Creek.   Please Call for information. The number is 1-406-429-2999.

Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon

“Fishing   was pretty good this week. We finally had no wind this week.   It is 68 degrees. Trout, perch and walleye   has been pretty darn good.  I know of some that have limited out.  They are headed   north and east to find the fish.  The trout size is 3 to 5 pounds.  There is enough water to launch here by Silos.  The water is 3 to 3 ½ feet out of the bay, “   Sharon says.

The Marina is open. Hours are 7 am to 7 pm.

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

“At Nelson, guys are fishing with jigs and a minnow to catch fish.   They are going to depths of 18 to 22 feet to get them. Some guys have caught some nice walleye.  The water is still low although   Nelson has   come up some. The fishermen are heading toward Forchette between Crooked Creek and Herman’s point.  For walleyes they are cranking or jigging with a minnow,” Jim said.

Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday.

Billings-Scheels Dan , McCahen

McCahen   says,”   I am still   hearing that guys are catching   sauger on Yellowtail. Reports say not as many.

On the Yellowstone river   the water has cleared up catfish   are doing well.

At Fort Peck they are still snagging salmon.  They are jigging going toward the north west end.

On Cooney   they are catching some walleye from   shore early in the morning or late at night. Gulp minnows are the bait of choice. “

Rich’s Tackle Richard  406-285-4540

Rich says, “I haven’t heard anything on Canyon Ferry fishing this week.

On Totson at the dam the water is down I was told but they are catching.

The river is   up quite a bit.  It is clearer.  I heard of someone catching four nice rainbows below Totson on the Missouri. One guy has been back several times.”

Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977

Chris tells us, “Stream fishing is doing well.   Use dark colors as they work well.  Try a little black wooly bugger.

You can float the Yellowstone and the Stillwater.  There are just not many out there fishing.  I am still booking trips, just call the shop.  Our hours now are 9 to 5 Monday to Saturday and 9 to 1 pm on Sunday. ”

Montana Adventures and Angling in Fort Smith  Beau McFadyean 406-855-3612

“The river has turned over.  It is green in color and has some grass breaking off. Nymphing   is not as good.  There has been a baetes    hatch making fish rise along the edges.  Use dry fly fishing most of the day to catch fish.  A size 20 works.  Streamers are working good. The cloudier weather helps.  The fishing is slower so it is a slower catch.  The spawn is starting   soon and that changes things,” Beau says.

Steven Caldwell   guide   No new report this week unable to contact.

“Nymphing has been good fishing.  Use San Juan worms or the favorite may fly nymph.  I am seeing a baetes hatch around noon now.  Try fishing with streamers right now and you will do well.  Go to the dam.  Head to Wolf Creek.  At the bridge   stay alert.  The Canyon is good fishing, “Steven explains.

Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375

Stephanie   says, “fishing has been good.  Not many people out there.  Dries are working.  Try using BWO, blue wing olives for dries and tricos patterns.  The cfs is   2500 now. There is some grass in the water that is coming off. Guides are  seeing   baetes. Water temperatures are 59 degrees.   Nymphing   is slower now.     Use the   zonkers  and  wooly bugger patterns.“   Our shop hours are 7 am to 7 pm now Monday to Sunday.

Riverside Anglers in West Yellowstone : Alice Owsley, fishing guide and outfitter 406-640-1698

Madison

Alice says,” The   Madison was pretty good. The weather has helped.  Fish are eating small nymphs or black and olive streamers. Use dark stonefly nymphs and small blue winged olive mayflies. On sunny days or on warm, days you might see fish eating Caddis.  Use dry flies and hoppers.

Yellowstone National Park

Alice says, “ Check current weather and road conditions in the park.   The lower elevation streams are   fishing well. The recent   precipitation has helped. Seeing  more baetes bugs. The rainbow and brown trout are running upstream out of Hebgen. Catch them  on peacock soft hackles, small to medium sized light colored streamers and caddis nymphs.  Try dry fly fishing.  Keep an eye out for   bear evidence  and there have been many sightings.  Carry bear spray and pay attention for bears. “