Summer is here and with it comes sudden changes in weather and high water. Outdoor enthusiasts including fishermen need to pay attention to these changes. Flooding can happen quickly so fishermen or fisherwomen need to keep in touch with the weather service. Some water depths are at high June levels so everyone should stay alert. 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 including snow can come on in fierce strength very fast. 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
Monty reports, “ Walleye are at 20 to 25 feet depths. This week they were using bottom bouncers. This week they were trolling at 8 mph which is faster than usual. Trolling slower just did not work this week. The walleye are just deeper. You just have to understand the weather patterns to catch fish. Guys are still catching bass . Many people are heading to McGuire Creek. “
We are open 7 to 9 during the week and 7 to 11 on the weekend. We do have cabins for rent. Services are available .
Tongue River Reservoir /Spencer
Spencer reports,” walleye fishing is been slow. Pike have been doing well. People are catching a few crappie but you are fishing not catching much of the time. With 100 degree heat days things get slow. We still have no cleaning station. The motor is burned out. People need to follow the directions at the station. If it does \\not work please notify the staff. Fishing is off of course at that time early in the morning and late in the day. “
Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Wade, Stephanie /Warden Jordan Staley
Staff says,” the water temperature has been 75 to 80 degrees. Fishing is just decent. The cleaning station is sill broke down. They are finding walleye and pike in shallow water like 5 to 15 feet. Try jigging with a night crawler or minnow. Cranks seem to be working better hen casting to shore. I am hearing dare devil in red and white are working. For perch rapellas seem to be working. Some nice northern pike have been caught in the 8 and 9 pound range. My hours for July are Monday through Thursday 8 to 6 pm. Friday and Saturday the hours will be 8 to 8 pm in May. Sunday will be 8 to 5 pm.”
Hell Creek Marina- Clint Thomas-Tyler 1-406- 557-2345 Marina Matheson-Park personnel
Tyler says, “Fishing is not too bad. With the heat the fish are going deeper. . It seems to be slower. They are catching mainly walleye and pike right now. At depths of 25 to 30 foot depths. The water temps have been 67 to 68 degrees. Hammered brass seems to be working well. People are heading to Sutherland and Little Duck. Don’t fish the points right now head to the grassy banks. That’s where the minnows are. ”
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, “The Govenor Cup went smoothly. The winning weight for 2 day was 52.84 pounds. It was a hard fishing tournament. I think the weather was a factor. The first day there was not a true front runner. Heat was a factor. On the second day guys found fish but no one could figure out why. E only had 30 people who zeroed out so the 2nd day made a difference. The big walleye for the first day was 13 pounds. They are pretty much using everything bt I know of many crawlers and leeches. Some are using a clean hook with a bead bottom bouncers. Quite a few are heading to the pines. Go to 30 to 10 fee depths to try deeper. The lake trout right now are on fire. Captain actually caught 2 salmons near the face of the dam so they are out there. I see people heading to Hacksbee and Sage Creek.”
If you are looking for a guided trip check us out at Howes fishing. We have 4 very qualified licensed guides to serve you. We have a full line of bait, crawlers and minnows. Our hours are now 7am to 7pm Sunday and Monday to Thursday. Friday and Saturday we are open 7 am to 7 pm. ”
Cooney Reservoir -Glennis, Mark is the game warden at Cooney.
“ The weekends are very busy. There have been lots of recreationalists out. I can’t believe we still have some flooding at Marshall Cove. Recentl I went up higher and I was surprised by the amount of snow still up ther. I would say that fishermen are catching during the week. Then they are catching their limits. Those people are using a white glow mister tister is working for walleye and it is occasionally a trout or perch. A few walleye are caught during the day but peoples are catching. often at dusk or dawn,“ Glennis says .
Lake Elmo FWP Bob Gibson
Ken said,” We are seeing more swimmers than fishermen. I think that is partly because of the heat we have had. There have been people fishing but early and late I suspect. The fishing seems to be decent. The water is really full.”
Deadmans Tony Stefani
Tony says,” People are fishing some. The fish have not had size. Some have tried from shore. The water is being let out big time. Some salmon and trout are being caught from shore. We had lots of people here on weekends . It seems to be spill over from Cooney, It was crowded with lots of recreational boaters.”
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-22
Terry says, “People are not going out fishing. I think it is the heat. I have been hearing it has been slow fishing . I have sold night crawlers so I know some are out there and the only thing I hear is it is hit and miss.”
Checkerboard Inn Checkerboard, MT Rick and Judy Geordge 406-572-3373
“We had a large family reunion here this week so there were people fishing. People are saying because it was so hot so they are catching fish early in the morning and late in the evening I have talked to people who went to Martinsdale for the whole day and couldnot catch a thing. At Bair some times it was too hot to get a bite but they did catch a few on panther matins and they bought more worms so they must be working,“ Judy says.
Don’s Lewistown-Dale 1-800-879-8194
Dale says, “Spring Creek is fishing well with dries and wets. It is pretty clear.
On the Missouri River cat fishing fishermen are ding well. A few sauger are being caught by people. They are using cranks with cut bait and they are showing well. .
Achley is fishing real well. It is fishing well from boat or shore. It is very full. They are catching mostly rainbow trout.
At Fort Peck on the west end fishing is good. Bottom bouncers are working well for walleye. Go to depths of 15 to 20 feet. The jig bite is good with a leech.
Crooked Creek Crooked Creek Marina Craig and Abby James 406-429-2999
Carrie says, “ Fishing is good here. The walleye have been shallow. Mostly depths of 12 feet. Purple was the hot color this past week but whether if that is it today we will see. They are catching it all, crappie, perch, walleye and pike, everything has been plentiful. They are catching on bottom bouncers and jigs with a leech or worm.
On the fourth we had our grand opening. It was a great day on the water.
We feed 175 people. We had a 200 pound pig roast and had three tiny bags left. It was good! I want to thank all the people who have supported these kids with opening the marina. These kids are young and have never done this before. People have been so kind. It takes a lot of planning to have what you need when the nearest store is 100 miles away and people have been so patient. Thank you. ”
The Marina’s hours are Monday to Thursday 7 am to 7pm and Friday to Sunday 6am to 9pm
There is full service at the Marina with non-ethanol fuel, bait, minnows, worms, leaches and fishing lures. We also have some rods and reels. There are cabins to rent. The docks are in. We hope to be open year round.
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
“ Fishing has been good this week. They are catching 14 to 16 inchers. The walleye and pike are being caught. Trout fishing is good. The water is steadily coning up. The fishermen are finding them pretty much anywhere,“ Sharon tells us.
They have set up an inspection station at the landing. Every boat will be inspected when they come out of the water. It is halfway between the landing and the highway. The live well needs to be empty of water. The plug needs to be removed and the live well needs to be wiped down. We do have plenty of bait here. They are now setting up a water cleaning station up from the ramp. The Marina is open. Hours are 7 am to 7 pm.
West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611
Jim says,” Nelson is still good fishing. The water has dropped. With larger vessels I would start to use the ramp by the headgates. You can still put in at the State Park but it is difficult if you are a large boat because of the slant of the ramp.
The fishermen are catching walleye, some large perch , small mouth bass. They are finding northern pike in the bay and weeds. Use a bottom bouncer or a crank for walleye. Both seem to be working. I have heard from people that Fot Peck is slow fishing. At Forchette people are catching lots of small mouth. “
Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday
Billings-Scheels John Cooper, Dan
Jayce says ,” We went fishing at Cooney and fish from shore, We caught 30 to 40 small ones by the dam. We used a sinker with a floating jig. We fished after 2 pm.
Boulder-I also fished the Boulder both spin fishing and fly fishing. We caught 6 or 7fish. The water was up and clear. We used Parachuette Adams with a red copper John dropper fly.
Tongue-I tongue I am hearing fishing is okay. Crappie fishing is alright they are saying. It is a little muddy they tell me.
Big Horn-the Big Horn is good fishing right now, People are catching nice big trout by the afterbay. At night I am still hearing from some fishermen that they are catching a few walleye at night and one was catching a couple of small mouth also.
Gallatin-On the Gallatin people are fly fishing with Parachuette Adams and doing well for trout.
Fort Peck-On Peck fishing I am hearing it is tough fishing. On the other hand guys are saying fishing is going well at Hell Creek last week.
Yellowstone-On the Yellowstone river the water is clearer but still high. Only heard of a few catfish being caught. ”
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
Rich says, “ The rivers have cleared up and gone down. The Gallatin I the lowest. They are fishing and I hear some are catching. I know the lakes are warm.
Tiber-People tell me Tiber is good fishing. One group got 24 walleye going up to 17 inches. Another fellow caught 53 walleye and only kept five.
Canyon Ferry- I am hearing that Canyon Ferry is decent fishing. One guy caught 75 and only kept 5 as they were decent size. He wa using crawlers.”
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977
Bill says, “ The Stillwater is better and clear. It is still up a little. There is not much wading. One of our guys floated from buffalo Jump to Cliff Swallow for the first time. The guys have been people down the Stillwater from Cliff Swallow to Johnson Bridge. For nymphing try a Copper John, a Phesant Tail or a Batman. We are only seeing a few hatches. They are BMD and BWO and we are seeing them only off and on. They really don’t last very long. You have to be ther and just don’t blink.
For dries try a small purple haze. You have to be consistent with a PMX extractor fly or stimulator. Try a Jack Cab also.
For hoppers use a Chubby Chernoybl.
For a sstreamer use a Grinch or a classic Wolly Bugger.
The Yellowstone is getting better The water is coming down. There is good visibility. You have to work the banks and the ripples. It is clearing up but we are not floating it yet.“
Montana Adventures and Angling in Fort Smith Beau McFadyean 406-855-3612
Beau says, ” This is my last week on the Missouri I will be on the Big Hoorn next week. The water is coming down to 4,000 cfs on the Missouri. It is real warm. The dam is cooler. You have to find the deeper, faster ripples. Use a PMD for nymph. You see some tricot in the morning. By 3 or 4 it is just real hot. The fishing comes on at dark. Fishing is good the. ”
Steven Caldwell – Guide
Steven says,” Nymphing is great all around. Mayflies like an s & m or bit hooker ae great with a zebra midge short, medium and deep is all good.
Dries- Tricos are here. Get out your Griffiths gnats and any other impossible to see tiny black thing. Just make sure cast is perfect and they’ll eat it.
Get out early during the heat. Stay hydrated and don’t be a hero. If you are feeling sluggish and hot tell your guid or get off the river. Heat exhaustion or heat stoke aren’t worth a couple of trout. If you think it is hot so do the fish , treat them with care. If they come unhooked before the net that’s a bonus! Keep em wet.
Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375
Hale says,” Fishing is okay right now. The water is 9500. We are seeing tricot hatches and mayflies at 6 am to 11 am.
Nymph fishing is fair. Try a sunken tricot pattern or the sow bug. The black caddis pupa is also working.
Streamer fishing is still good. It is best from 6 am to 10am and 6 pm to 10 pm. You can do well then.
On hot days nymphing is really slow. The water has a greenish cast but it still has clarity. Try a black caddis in the evening. The mosquito s are out in the evening bring your repellent.”
Call us we can give you current daily information which is important for safety. ”
Our normal hours are we 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 says,” The Madison river is fishing great from Hebgen Dam to Ennis. Lots of bugs hatching up and down the river. Salmonflies have moved into the upper river. Golden stones, pale morning duns and several caddis are also hatching and fish are eating them!”
.Yellowstone National Park
Alice says, “Inside Yellowstone National Park , the Firehole and Madison are too warm in the afternoons to be worth fishing, but mornings are still seeing fish eating caddis. The flows of the higher elevation streams in the park are starting to come down and should be more fishable in the next couple weeks. Pack your bear spray and stay safe out there!”
