Summer is here. This year we are still having very unusual weather and that means sudden changes in weather and water. 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 and let others know where they are for safety sake when out and about. 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.
(reports compiled by Carol Henckel)
Rock Creek Marina- Monty LeTexier , Wyatt 1-406-230-1283 for Linda
Marina number is less reliable in winter. 1-406-485-2560
Monty reports,” the fishing was good this week. We are having the Circle Walleyes Unlimited kids fishing day on August 10th here. The kids can enter if they are 14 years or younger. Check in is at 8 am. They can fish from boat or shore, Call Bllie 406-939-0708 or Chris at 406-974-7489. The fish were at depth of 30 feet. I saw one group that caught 13 pike with three good size ones. The walleye were at 20 feet depths. Some nice walleye have been caught. Many people were using cranks. Purple lures were working. We did have a lot of people here this week. If you find the right spot you can find the fish. The water has gone down 6 boards on the dock and is clearer. Fish were being caught heading south of Rock Creek flats. ”
Tongue River Reservoir Raymond /Spencer/ Greg
Raymond reports, ” The fishing was a little better this week. The top water temperature was 78 degrees this week. The water has lowered about 6 to 8 inches. The water elevation is now 3426. This week people were catching more bass than anything else. They seem to be in the shallows. In talking to people they were not catching many walleye this week and no one I talked to caught any crappies. People say they are catching northern pike. The water is not going over the spillway any more. It is going to be a really hot week and so make sure you hydrate.”
**The reservation system is now in effect . We are part of a new pilot program that allows you to make a reservation one day ahead. We are hoping that this brings in people who have been unable to use the campground on short notice. Other spots like Campers Point, Sandpoint, Peewee, Rattlesnake, Peewee North, and River view below the dam are open to first come, first serve. They have no electrical. The docks are in.
Remember to check your regulations for the information for this region about what minnows you may use on Tongue. .
Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Wade, Stephanie, Greg, Fletcher /Warden Jordan Staley
Fletcher reports , “The water temperature has been 80 plus degrees on the top water. Fishing has been okay. I have seen people more people catching bass more than everything else. . I have seen more northern pike caught. People are going south to catch them. People caught some trolling on a jig. A few people have had a bit of luck on bottom bouncers. The northern pike seem to be picking up. They told me mostly in in 10 to 12 to 15 feet of water moving really slow. Leeches are starting to work. “
Hell Creek Marina- Clint Thomas-Layne-Kayler 1-406- 557-2345
Clint reports, ”Fishing has pretty much stayed the same this week. They seem to be shallow at 2 to 8 feet and chasing them right up to the bank using a minnow works in the morning. After noon they are in depths of 12 to 15 feet depths. The Hell Creek Tournament is this weekend. There are still openings. Call Reed or Casey Thomas at the meat packing plant to sign up. The walleye have been good weights. They have been found all over. The bite has slowed down on the upper end. From Hell Creek to the dam the fishing has been really good. The fish are going for silver and blue and blue and white right now. The road with the rain is in surprisingly good shape. Guys are catching small northern pike there and the bigger northerns were in 12 to 20 feet depths. The bass seem to be in depths of 20 feet, so they are deep. Pitch a jig with a crawler or Rapella for them. ”
Hell Creek Marina is open 7 days a week.
Lake Ridge Motel Eddie and Carrie Mindt 1-406-526-3597
Justin reports, “ the salmon are not a hot bite yet. They definitely are not hot and heavy. This week only a few salmon have been caught. The salmon are at depths of 130 to 179 feet with them being at 70 to 90 feet. The walleye are at 15 to 22 feet depths pulling crawlers. They are catching quite a few. The lake trout are being found at 120 feet depths. It seemed to have slowed some this week. They are jigging or using down riggers. The water is around 73 degrees at top water. “
We have gotten in some really nice minnows and many kinds. I have fat ones, sucker minnows and also shiner minnows. I also have jumbo leaches and crawlers. All We can cover all your needs and if you want to charter a boat, we can help with that too. Our hours are 7am-6 pm Monday through Sunday.
Fort Peck Marina Jessica & Scott Collinsworth 1-406-565-6283
Thursday, Friday and Monday 9am to noon/ Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 9pm
Scott reports, “ Here the walleye fishing was pretty good. Getting lots of eaters. We are hearing a lot of reports that the northern pike are being caught. People caught some really big ones with the average 15 to 18 feet depths. Pulling cranks is working. The bass bite continues to be a good bite. The water temperature has been 73 to 74 degrees. Lake trout have also continued to be good. Some salmon have started to be caught. I know of 25 over the past weekend. They have been at 65 to 95 feet depths. I think we are about 2 weeks behind. “
The bait and tackle store are open Thursday thru Monday, and we have everything you need for chasing fish on Fort Peck. We also have campsites available with power for anyone that wants to bring your camper to the lake. The spots are on concrete and right on the lake shore. You can access the lake right from your camper. “
Cooney Reservoir – Marina Matheson. Shauni, Cynthia, Jake
Cynthia reports,” The trout are just not hitting right now. The water is down. The park is now fully open for use. The fishing has been good. The walleye fishing has been pretty good, decent. We have not seen trout being caught. “
Please help keep the big fish in the water for breeding by releasing them. Remember, your dogs are welcome but don’t forget your leash.
Lake Elmo FWP Bob Gibson
Bob reports, “The heat is slowing fishing. There has been a lot of activity (swimming, canoes, paddleboards, etc.) on the water. fishing definitely has slowed considerably at Lake Elmo with most people catching fish do it really early and really late in the day. Best combo seems to be a worm on a bobber and patience.
With the heat, windy and dry conditions people need to be aware of fire danger. We hope you will use high caution as we advise to help prevent any fires. ”
Deadmans Tony Stefani/ Pat
Pat says,” we were gone for the weekend, but we were told there were lots of people out at Deadmans on the weekend. There were plenty of people recreating. During the week we see more boats fishing. People are trolling out there and I know someone caught a trout. “
Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner bar Lavina 406-636-2261
Terry says, “ I talked to some guys who went to Martinsdale and did some fishing from shore. They caught fish but they said they were not very big. At Deadmans people got a few trout. They thought it had picked up a little.
People are still fishing at Broadview pond. It is starting to moss up and they said it is starting to slow down. . Early in the week they were catching.“ If you are fly fishing you would have a better chance to fish there with the moss. “
I spoke to someone who went to Broadview pond this week and had a good time catching bass early in the week.
Checkerboard Inn Checkerboard, MT Rick and Judy Geordge 406-572-3373
Judy reports,” people say it was hot this week, so people caught only a few fish.
They also fished at Newland and Sutherlan and found the fishing slower because of the heat. They did not want to be outside for long because of the heat. ”
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 , “Spring Creek- Spring Creek is clear and fishing well. People are seeing caddis and grasshoppers now.
Hanson Dam- I heard people were catching 12-inch rainbows on a regular basis. It is best in the morning and evening. Use Panther Martins and crawlers as they are working.
Crooked Creek- fishing was really good this week. They have been catching lots of crappie. The kids fishing day was really good the kids were catching fish. It has been real good fishing. They are catching walleye, northern pike and crappies.
Achley- At Achley the fishing was better fishing right at dark. . Hear some are catching some tiger muskies with panther martins. The muskies killer Mepps lure is working. The are only catching a few muskies.
Missouri river- On the Missouri they are catching cats. It is buggy with lots of knats. “
We do have smelt, worms, meal worms, maggots and wax worms. We have live minnows.
Crooked Creek Marina Winnett, Montana James (Slim) and Abbie Craig, Carri Craig 406-429-2999
*** Due to a devastating family emergency Crooked Creek will be closed this week. When that changes, I will post the change. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. ***
When you come to Crooked Creek, I suggest you bring minnows if you have them. I do have some bait but not a lot, so I suggest people bring minnows.
The campground and marina will not be open this week. If you have questions call Slim at 406-366-6313 and leave a message.
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
The Camp-mak-a-dream walleye benefit is this Saturday, August 10th at Canyon Ferry. You can register on Friday at Canyon Ferry or from August 7th to August 9th or you may call Carol at 591-2333 for information. All are welcome. Sharon has applications at the Silos as well.
A fisherman says,” fishing has been good the last couple days. There is no smoke today. The walleye are at depths of 25 to 30 feet. People are having the best luck at mid-lake using bottom bouncers. people are catching walleye on Canyon ferry. Fishing has been very good. ”.
The Marina is open. Hours are 7 am to 7 pm.
The Flamingo is closed.
West Side Sports Jim Mayer 1-406-654-1611
Jim reports,” Nelson is still fishing well
Nelson and Forchette still are good fishing. The bite for walleye on Nelson is good. Walleye have been at 17 to 28 feet. They are catching some perch. The perch are at depths of 35 feet depths. Worm harnesses and leeches are working. The water levels are staying the same. Bring your mosquito repellent. ”
Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Billings-Scheels Jayce, Tanner, Matt
Jayce reports:
Rock Creek-I went to Rock Creek last night after work. I caught brown trout with a worm. The fishing was decent. I used a copper John. It is high and clear.
Stillwater- The water on the Stillwater is down. I hear also fished the lower Stillwater the other day. I was catching nice brown trout. I used the copper Johns here also. People are rafting the Stillwater, but the boulders are poking up. So be careful as you float. The water is clearer the higher up you go.
Fort Peck – I have heard reports the fishing is good at Peck. Many people are using slashers and down- rigging. They are finding nice lake trout in size. There are reports of a few salmon late this week. It is about time. Try bottom bouncers for them.
Tongue – The Tongue River continues to be slow guys have said. It just has not been a consistent bite.
Petrolia-I had a guy come in just now to buy minnows for Petrolia. He had heard there were some people catching.
Yellowstone- They are finding the cats near Forsyte. They have caught some cats. The water is up. Use a minnow or cut bait. They are catching fish.
Yellowstone- I heard from some guys on the Yellowstone at Paradise Valley are catching some nice fish. I also heard from someone to fished near Park City and did very well.
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540
Rich tells me, “ People are saying fishing is good at Fort Peck.
Canyon Ferry- People at Canyon Ferry are catching walleye. They say the fishing is pretty good. Not a lot of big ones but they are catching. The water is high. They are catching northern pike .
Rivers- The Jefferson and the Gallatin are down. Rivers are getting mossy. Fly fishing is good. Spinners are hard to use. At the rivers they are catching some nice trout fly fishing. The water is clear. ”
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977 ,Bill, Ken, Jasmine
Nicole states,” On the Yellowstone fishing is improving .It is getting better daily. The river is down. Throw some big streamers like a grinch or a sparkle minnow. You could try purple haze or a royal PMV. Use a dropper nymph below it . fish the early morning and the late evening. On the Stillwater try a Jack Cabe, or a royal. Try the Caddis and Purple Haze especially in red. The water is clear and up some. The water is getting bony so if you are going to float it do it in the next week in the area from Nye to the Johnson.“
Montana Adventures and Angling in Fort Smith Beau McFadyean 406-855-3612
Fishing action at this time is happening between 9 and 3 pm. With the heat People are catching fish. It has improved. There are things happening on the water. There are caddis hatching. You will also see some PMD’s as well. There are a few small Yellow Sally’s on the river coming out now. The water is high. Wade fishing is not possible right now. Nymphing right now is okay. Dry fly fishing is your best option. Try a few streamers they should work. The water quality is clear. “
Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375 Rick/Stephanie/
“Rick says, “people are liking the fishing right now. The CFS is at 4000. The temperature is 51 degrees in the morning and later 54 to 55 degree. The water is clear. It is running nice with no moss yet. We are seeing black caddis in the evening. The tricot are starting in the morning and black caddis in the evening. Try a terrestrial , a royal or a stimulator in orange or yellow.
The lake is doing really good for carp and especially for worm patterns. ”
Our hours are 8 am to 12 every day.
Madison River Outfitters- West Yellowstone – Tom Forsberg. Open 730am-9pm 406-646-9644.
West Yellowstone Area Fishing Report 7/30/19
Montana
Upper Madison: Terrestrial fishing on the Madison has started to pick up nicely this past week despite the fact that we have had almost daily afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Hoppers, ants and beetles have all been productive so fishing a hopper with an ant or beetle dropper is a great option. If you’re looking to find and fish to some rising fish, fishing in the evening will be your best bet. Be sure to have your caddis pattern of choice along with some rusty spinners during these evening hours. The nymph fishing remains strong and is probably still the best way to consistently get fish in the net throughout the day. Making sure you are getting a good, drag-free drift becomes crucial to your success this time of year as these fish have just seen too many poorly drifted flies at this point in the season. Smaller nymphs (size 16-18) have been much more productive than their larger counterparts.
Flies: #10-12 Pink/Tan/Yellow Thunder Thighs, #14-16 Arrick’s Ant, #14-16 Bogus Beetle, #12-16 Royal Trude, #16-18 X-Caddis, #18 PMD Sparkle Dun, #16-18 Rusty Spinner, #16-18 Purple Parachute, #14-16 Lake Prince, #16-18 Shop Vac, #16 Red Neck, #16-18 Green/Black Lightning Bug, #16-18 Guide Dip/$3 Dip, #16-18 Krystal Dip, #16-18 Soft Hackle Hare’s Ear, #18 Zebra Midge
Hebgen: We have been starting to have more and more consistent fishing on Hebgen this past week and it should only continue to improve. The number of Callibaetis and Tricos we have been seeing in the mornings is picking up and the fish have taken notice, though some days the rises have still been sporadic rather than actually tracking. If you find a good pod of rising fish, dropping a Turkey Callibaetis off your dry fly is always a good option.
Flies: #16 Callibaetis Parachute, #16 Callibaetis Sparkle Dun, #16 Callibaetis Cripple, #16 Turkey Callibaetis
Gallatin: The Gallatin in the park stretch is running cold and clear and is fishing well. For flies, attractors, terrestrials and caddis should have you pretty well covered. Almost daily afternoon storms have been adding some color to the river below Taylor Fork, but when it’s been clear it’s fishing well with the same types of flies as in the park stretch.
Flies: #12 Chili Dog, #14-16 Lime/Royal Trude, #12-16 Parawulff, #14 409, #8-12 Royal/Peacock/Golden Chubby Chernobyl, #16 Tan X-Caddis, #14 Full-Tilt Sally, #16-18 PMD Sparkle Dun, #16-18 Rusty Spinner
Yellowstone National Park
NE Corner: Drakes, PMD’s, caddis and terrestrials are all in play in the NE corner right now. Attractor patterns are always a solid option as well. With all the storms we’ve been having, be sure to check out the Lamar flows before heading over. As usual, even when Soda Butte and Lamar might be off-color, Slough should be running clear.
Flies: #12-16 Royal Trude, #12-16 Parawulff Adams, #12 Missing Link Green Drake, #14-16 Missing Link, #16 PMD Sparkle Dun, #16 D.O.A. PMD Cripple, #16 Tan X-Caddis, #14 409, #12 Quill Jig, #12 Lucent Jig, #16 Olive Biot Czech
Yellowstone above the Falls: Look for PMD’s and drakes to be your most consistent producers over here, especially in their spinner form. You may still see some golden stones hanging around and even if you don’t, it’s very likely that one of these fish will still eat one. Water levels have dropped even more at this point, which has made it a little easier to get around.
Flies: #8-12 Golden Cubby Chernobyl, #12 Chutes Green Drake, #12 Missing Link Green Drake, #14-16 Missing Link, #16 D.O.A. PMD Cripple, #16 PMD Sparkle Dun, #16 Tan X-Caddis, #12-16 Rusty Spin
