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.
May your creel, bucket and pack be filled with fish and enjoyment in 2017 –Happy New Year!
Rock Creek Marina-Bill 1-406-485-2560
Bill says “It is -8 today; we are having a heat wave! The ice is 14 inches from Rock Creek south. We had fishermen here this week for New Years. They caught only pike, no walleye but of course they were there for pike. We do not have as much snow as other places. We just have small drifts. The road is open.” 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
Bob says,” We are buried in a lot of snow. We have over a foot. We had another storm blow in on Wednesday again. We had one day with -25 below. It is -17 below right now (Tuesday). We had campers come for New Years and we opened up Campers point plowing it out. We had a ton of fishermen over the week. A lot of guys fished off of campers point and I heard they caught crappie and perch. At the South end one guy was catching. He did say the ice in one area made him a little scared. There is a foot of snow on the ice and the ice is 8 to 9 inches. He said he was walking on the ice and suddenly found himself with his feet in water and it was coming up. I think the snow is insulating the ice in places so you have to stay aware. People were using shacks out there. “ 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
Wade says,” We had a great weekend. Lots of fishermen. They were catching crappie, northern and only a few walleye and bass. They were catching a lot of perch. Some people were getting minnows from the machine so someone was fishing. People were heading from the south end to the north end. I was getting a good report no matter where they were. They seemed to be catching the few walleye at Rattlesnake and PeeWee in 13 foot of water using a flathead minnow. It was definitely a good weekend of fishing. One young man who speared a big 20 pound fish that was 40 inch. He had that same luck last year and speared the biggest for the year. A good weekend for anglers and lots of success. I now have a good source for fathead minnows and during the week the machine will be full. I will be open weekends. Our hours will be 6 am to noon Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There will be live minnows in the machine all week. ”
Clint Thomas- Hell Creek Marina 1-406- 557-2345 Marina Matheson-Park Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir east
Others report, “ We have 8 to 10 inches to Lucky point and to Boy Scout. It is that depth right to the edge. The main lake just started with a thin first freeze last night (Tuesday). A couple of guys were chasing the fish and found a few northern at 20 to 30 feet. The average size is 10 to 12 pounds using smelt. No one has caught walleye yet. We have had 26 below this week. You can only use a 4 wheeler close in the bay at this time. 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
Eddie says, “It has been -12 and -13 this week. We pretty much still have open water. Looking out there today we may have just a skiff starting of ice. There is no fishing right now. A few guys have fished on the edge of Nelson Dredge where there is a bit of ice. They used minnows and caught a walleye and a few pike. “
Cooney Reservoir -Glennis , Mark Teynor is the new game warden at Cooney.
Mark says,” The ice is thick. We just have 8 to 12 inches of ice. They are only catching rainbow trout at this time. Everything from worms to spoons to marshmallows are working on trout right now. At the north shore toward Marshal Cove and toward the dam the ice is 6 to 8 inches. Today it may be cold but it is really nice on the ice because there is absolutely no wind. There still is a lot of snow. If you come to camp or do anything in the camping area. Bring your shovel or snow blower as we have had blowing snow and drifts . “
Lake Elmo FWP Bob Gibson
Terry says, “ There are a few ice fishermen out there right now. “ We have had cold and wind. The ice on Lake Elmo is good for fishing and about 6 inches. Remember it is only walk on.
Deadmans Tony Stefani
Tony says, “ We had our first couple out fishing today (Tuesday). They are catching a few small salmon. We have lots of snow. The ice is good close to shore. ”
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-22
Terry says, “ I haven’t heard anything this week. Customers are not even stopping here for a drink because they don’t want to get out of their car. All I know from last week is Matinsdale is frozen over and has 5 to 8 inches. ”
Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194
Charlie says, “ Nelson has ice but it is really slow fishing.
Crooked Creek has had nice fishing. They are catching walleye and pike.
At the East Fork Reservoir they are doing well for perch. They are using meal worms, maggots and wax worms.
On Achley there is solid ice for fishing. They are catching rainbow trout using white and pink maggots. “
Crooked Creek-Grant
I was told Crooked Creek has good ice. Word has it people are catching fish. Please Call for information. The number is 1-406-429-2999.
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
“ Fishing has been real good. There is 12 to 15 inches of ice. Guys are catching going north to Hole in the wall. They are finding fish at 30 feet. They are catching good perch. Some medium walleye. Trout are being caught from shore. It has been very cold. We do have plenty of bait here. Make sure you call for conditions, weather and how the ice is. “ Sharon says. The Marina is open. Hours are 7 am to 7 pm. Except for the upcoming holiday
West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611
Jim says, “ I went to Forchette. Fishing was alright. Caught a few walleye and a few perch. Got more pike though. I left the next morning before the storm hit on New Year’s day.
Nelson has 18 inches of ice. Many are using full size pickups to get on. They are catching northern pike and perch . Pike are 14 to 16 pounds ,” Jim said.
Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Billings-Scheels Dan , McCahen.
McCahen says he has heard,” People are doing well at Tongue. They are catching little crappies. They are using jigging raps.
At Cooney guys say fishing is hit and miss. Some have been catching rainbows and a few ling at night.
People going to Tongue are catching crappies. It is good toward the dam. A few perch and walleye are also being caught.
People are saying it is fairly good fishing at Crooked Creek. Walleye are hit and miss but pike they say are doing well.
Deadmans has been real quiet.
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
There is 8 inches of ice at Canyon Ferry by Silos. People are catching rainbow trout.
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977
Chris says, ” Both rivers have slush and ice. There is so much ice and slush that it is not safe. Footing is not good. I can unless you want to head to the Big Horn but the cold makes that even tough. I would not recommend fishing right now. You can book trips now for later, just call the shop. Our hours now are 9 to 1 Monday to Saturday and 9 to 1 pm on Sunday. ”
Montana Adventures and Angling in Fort Smith Beau McFadyean 406-855-3612
I have not talked to anyone who has gone fishing. With the cold and snow it is better to stay home. Wait for the warm to come back. .
Steven Caldwell guide * Unable to contact. No new report this week.
Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375
Hale says, “ Due to the holiday we will be closed until January 4th. . Normal hours after the holiday are closed Sunday and Monday. We are open 9 am to 2 pm now Tuesday to Saturday.
Riverside Anglers in West Yellowstone : Alice Owsley, fishing guide and outfitter 406-640-1698
Madison
Alice tells us,” It is to cold and snowy for fishing. Stay home, tie some flies and plan your trips for later in the year when the warm comes back. ”
Yellowstone National ParkAlice explains, “Fishing in the park is now closed for the season.”
(report compiled by Carol Henckel)
