Autumn is here and that means sudden changes in weather and water conditions. Outdoor enthusiasts including fishermen need to pay attention to these changes. Storms can happen quickly so fishermen or fisherwomen need to keep in touch with the weather service. The fire season is still on us so it means we all need to be alert to be alerts and conditions. 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, fire and precipitation can come in with fierce strength. 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- Monty LeTexier , Wyatt For winter call 1-406-230-1283 for Linda
Marina number is less reliable in winter. 1-406-485-2560
Linda says, “We had nice weather for the last week. We were gone most of the week. We came home with no evidence that anyone was here fishing. The water before we left was 51 degrees. Last week people got very few bites. Try crawdad colors. “
“We have closed the Marina as of October 1st. We still have limited services. Linda and Neal will still be at Rock Creek. We still have cabins for rent. Call this number 1-406-230-1283 . The Marina number will probably not bring much result. With the other number Linda or Neal will help you. If you call and come up we can provide food. Speak to Linda about that. The fuel docks are pulled but we do have fuel by the Marina should you need it. “Monty says.
Tongue River Reservoir Raymond /Spencer/ Greg
Raymond says,” The weather this week was beautiful. The water temperature is 48 degrees. Spencer said he talked to a few fishermen who caught some crappies. The water level is at 3419 and is holding steady. The docks are still in. We have hunters around in fact a deer was just gotten close to here an hour ago.
There are no reservations needed for camp sites it is now first come first take. Everything is shut down like the electricity and water. The cleaning station has been closed. There are sites still open at Campers Point #1 to 11 and have electric hookups on year round. “ .
Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Wade, Stephanie, Greg /Warden Jordan Staley
Wade says, “My friends did not go fishing this weekend. The weather was decent enough to get out if you had wanted to. The water should be decent all week so come on down and fish. The docks are still in so you could hit the autumn fishing. ”
We have now closed the Marina until there is a need during ice fishing season. We are now closed
Hell Creek Marina- Clint Thomas-Layne 1-406- 557-2345
Clint says,” The fish to catch are northern pike. That started 2 weeks ago and it continues. They were finding them in 14 to 18 feet depths using spoons. If it is sunny they move to 6 to 10 feet depths. Use cranks then. At the deeper depths use a red and white or 5 of diamond spoon. Only a few bass were caught. Walleye fishing was tough. “
The Marina is open 7 days a week, 7 am to 6 pm.
Lake Ridge Motel Eddie and Carrie Mindt 1-406-526-3597
Carrie and Jammie say, “I can say the lake trout fishing is still awesome and phenomenal! We have seen lots of fishermen. They have found them at Hacksbee and Bear creek. They seem to be at 25 feet depths. Use cranks or spoons.
Some fishermen are spearing salmon. I know of one fisherman who got 6 salmon back in the marina bay.
Walleye fishing is really slow. They are going to depths of 30 feet with cranks. Northern pike is also a slow bite right now. ”
We do have minnows, suckers, fatheads, Smelt, night crawlers, hooks, floaters, full suckers, wax and meal worms and white and pink maggots here for the guys to use. Our hours are 7am-6 pm Monday through Sunday. ”
Cooney Reservoir – Marina Matheson. Shauni, Cynthia
John reports, “Yesterday and today there was one boat out there. Yesterday the guy was out there all day so I assume it was not a quick bite. The water is low and still dropping. The water is 62 degrees. We had quite a bit of rain this week with wind. We did have 3 days of sunshine too. The fish cleaning station is still open but I hear not much activity there. The algae are gone. The campground is now first come first serve now as the reservation system is done taking them for the season. The boat ramps are out. The Marshall Cove campground is now open. The drinking water has been shut down for the winter. Our electric is on year around. The North shore campground is now closed. “
Lake Elmo FWP Bob Gibson
The weather has been such that there were few people on the water this week. It is gorgeous out there today and the ducks and geese are definitely enjoying it. We have had wind this week as well. The lake level is still full.
Just an aside Bob wants to remind people coming in for the apprentice program for hunting you have to bring the child’s birthday and social security number with you. You can only sign up for that at the FWP Elmo office.
Deadmans Tony Stefani/ Pat
There has been only one boat out there according to a source this week. The dock is out. Lots of wind and some rain this week,” Pat tells us.
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-22
Martinsdale had wind this week so getting on the water was tough
Checkerboard Inn Checkerboard, MT Rick and Judy Geordge 406-572-3373
Judy says, “I heard some people headed to Bair. They found the fishing pretty good. It sounds like they may have gotten their limit. A small group of people headed to Martinsdale and it was pretty windy.”
Sports Center 120 2nd Ave South Lewistown, MT 535-9308 Colby / John Tognetti
Our hours are 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 10 am to 4pm on Sunday.”
John reports, “There are more hunters than fishermen coming in.
On the Missouri river and at Fort Peck people are catching some walleye and sauger. The water is mostly clear. They are using live minnows or plastic with a jig.
On Achley with the warmer weather guys are trying for trout. The fall fishing is decent especially in the early morning.
At Spring Creek guys have been out spin fishing for trout. The spin fishermen were having good luck with Panther Martins. The water is nice and clear. ”
Crooked Creek Marina Winnett, Montana James (Slim) and Abbie Craig, Carri Craig 406-429-2999
Carri explains,” the fishing was pretty good. The water is cloudy and mossy. The boats have gone out and caught a few walleye at 20 to 30 feet. The bite is still really light and so you have to be very alert or you don’t catch any. They used a bottom bouncer. A few pike were caught. Our docks are still in. ”
Carrie explains, “Some people have said they have trouble getting us. This is our time to get things done outside before winter hits so we may not be sitting next to the phone. Please leave a message as we will call you back. We will make sure you hear from us. ”
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
Fishing has been pretty good. Trout fishing was really good this week. A few walleye have been caught. Guys are catching nice perch as well this week.
The Marina is open. Hours are 7 am to 7 pm.
The Flamingo has closed for the season.
West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611
Jim reports,” Fishermen are catching lots of walleye using minnows. Go 20 to 30 feet down. I hear it is good fishing. They are using jigging wraps and minnows with bottom bouncers. You can catch perch as well. Find that at depths of 20 to 30 feet. The perch size has been about 9 inches.
On Forchette this week I hear they are catching walleyes. They are using jigs and catching some nice ones. Some northerns are being found off of the points. ”
Stop by the store. We do have minnows here if you need them.
Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Billings-Scheels Jayce, Tanner, Matt
Jayce reports, “On the Yellowstone around Forsyte and Hysham guys were still catching sauger, and walleye. They are using jigs with minnows. The boats were doing well but the shore fishing is slower.
At Cooney I am hearing the bite was good early in the week but it seems to be slowing down.
On Yellowtail they are catching sauger but some say it has slowed down as of Monday mostly on the south end where the bite is. Only a few people were catching walleye.
Snagging for salmon I am hearing is picking up at the dam. People are saying the fishing for lake trout on cranks is really good up at Fort Peck dam. Lots are being caught. ”
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
Rich says,” I have not heard people saying anything about Canyon Ferry. I had some say they are not catching a lot of walleye. I have heard some 20 and 17 inchers were caught. Not much information around there right now as most are hunting.”
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977 ,Bill, Ken, Jasmine
Jessica says, “The Reedpoint access is open. The road is extremely narrow. They moved some trees. The road is very narrow so wide vehicles have some posts to let you know where the edge is.
On the Yellowstone things are about the same. It is fishing okay. Use fall patterns. Use small streamers. There is a caddis hatch at about 1 to 2 pm.
The Stillwater is still low but it had come up a little and then yesterday it went down again. Anyone going to the Stillwater is wading or walking to fish. ”
We are open Monday to Sunday from 9 to 5 pm.”
Montana Adventures and Angling in Fort Smith Beau McFadyean 406-855-3612
Beau says,” I was again on the Missouri this week. The Missouri is fishing really well. Nymph fishing is working well. Use a Zebra midge. There is a pseudo hatch and baetes hatch coming out around noon time. There is also a caddis hatch later in the afternoon. The water is crystal clear. I floated from Holter to Pelican so dry fly fishing is good right now. “
Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375
Coleen says,” Sadly, the fishing is still very, slow. There is a lot of grass. It makes it hard to fish when you have to keep taking it off the line. Today there is wind as well. The cfs is staying at 3,000. Try nymphing that is what is the most successful. The grass is from the river turning over.
I tell people to not let the fish push you away from the fishing. It is about enjoying the outdoors.
With the warm temperature this week walk ins are welcome so come in and go fishing. ”
Our hours are 8 am to 5 every day.
Riverside Anglers in West Yellowstone : Alice Owsley, fishing guide and outfitter 406-640-1698.
Madison River and Yellowstone National Park waters
Madison
Midges have been hatching most days just before noon with Blue winged olive mayflies starting soon after noon. Dry fly activity can bring up fish through the afternoon depending on the weather. Streamer activity can be good throughout the day.
Yellowstone Park
Be sure to check current road conditions before heading to the park. The Madison in the park is still producing some nice fish. Lower elevation streams in the park have had great hatches of blue winged olive mayflies during the late mornings of most calm days. Recent low temperatures have greatly reduced the insect activity on the higher elevation streams in YNP. Don’t forget your vibram soled boots and bear spray!
