Autumn has arrived and that can bring unusual weather and sudden changes in weather temperatures, wind and water which means everyone needs to be vigilant when being outside. Outdoor enthusiasts, including fishermen need to pay attention to these changes. Surprise storms of snow and dangerous fire 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 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.
***The Fire danger continues to be high throughout the central part of the state. Some fire possibilities may be located where you are going, so check before you venture out. Please use care as you drive on tall grass. Be careful with cigarettes & check often to see if there are fire restrictions mandated by FWP as you camp in beautiful Montana. ***
Tongue River Reservoir Raymond /Spencer/ Greg
Raymond reports, “ I again have heard from some people who have caught some bass. They headed to areas around Pee Wee and Campers Point to find them. Others said they saw a of northern pike jump. The water temperature is still around 60 degrees. The water level is at 34.14. We have seen a few less boats this week. Be very cautious of underwater hazards. Call the park if you need more information. The docks are still in. Reservation season has ended . It is first come first serve. The winter rates have started. The electrical has been turned off. Campers point 1 to 11 will still have electricity year around. The fish cleaning station is now closed. Just a reminder, we are still in stage 1 fire restrictions right now. “
Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Wade, Stephanie, Greg, Payton
Wade reports , “ I have not talked to anyone who has been out this week. I want to remind people that the water has dropped and is very low. The lowest I have seen in 20 years. People need to be aware that you can get caught up on the sandbar if you are not careful. The frog pond has no water right now. Please pay close attention.
The Marina is officially closed for the season. We hope to be open for ice fishing.
Rock Creek Marina- Monty LeTexier , Wyatt /1-406-230-1283 for Linda & Neil Marina number is 1-406-485-2560
Linda has said, ”people have had a hard time getting out on the water because the wind has been really bad. The wind has really been blowing. Some fishermen were in the bay for some of their fishing and were using a walleye jig and a live minnow. “
We have closed the marina for the season, but fishing can still happen if the wind quits blowing. We just won’t have any services.
To make reservations for next year , please call Monty at 406-465-0241.
Hell Creek Marina- Clint Thomas-Layne-Kaylor 1-406- 557-2345
Clint reports” walleye fishing has been slow. The people that have gone out have caught a few bass. It has been pretty quiet here with not as many people. We have not had many boats. The guys have gotten northern pike in the afternoon. They are pitching to the weeds. The bite has been decent. Guys have caught some nice northerns. The walleye is the normal slow bite. Guys are accidently catching them when they go for the pike. We have had days where the wind was blowing 60 to 70 mph. “
We have changed our hours at the marina. We are open from 7 to 5 on weekdays and 7 to 6 on weekends. Please be aware of the fire hazard right now and people need to be careful and stay aware of that.
Lake Ridge Motel Eddie and Carrie Mindt, Haley 1-406-526-3597
Eddie reports, “ we have had slower fishing with some types of fish again this week. The pike guys are catching pike in the 5 to 7-pound size. The guys were cranking in 5 to 12 feet of water. They were using spoons and dare devils. Walleye fishing has not been happening. I have heard of no lake trout having been caught. Fishing for them is slow. The water has not turned over yet. I think that should happen when the water temperature drops more. The wind this week has been 50, 30, 10 to 15 mph this week. In the afternoon the water temperature is 59 degrees. Only a few salmon have been caught. Not spawning yet and are very deep. ”
We have stocked the tackle shop and you can find many things you need there. We have super Jumbo suckers, shiners, fatheads’ minnows, smelt and herring. We still have a few dates open for guiding. ”
Our hours are 7am-6 pm Monday through Sunday.
Fort Peck Marina Jessica & Scott Collinsworth 1-406-565-6283
Scott reports “
walleye fishing- Walleye fishing has been very hit or miss with reports of some fish getting caught along weed edges but all and all it is pretty slow.
Northern Pike –Fishing has continued to get better and better. Guys trolling cranks or pitching glyde baits are doing really well along weed edges in 10 to 15 feet of water.
Small mouth- Fish seemed to have moved out to around 20 feet of water on main lake points. Guys throwing shiver minnows and jigs have been seeing some fish.
Lake trout- Lake trout fishing has been non-existent this week. The fish are still deep and very lethargic. They should start their trip up shallow to start looking at spawning areas in the next week and fishing will really take off.
Salmon- Fishing remains very, very slow, unfortunately. The fish last week were starting to show up in the marina bay and over in Duck Creek bay and Flat Lake. We have now also witnessed more fish moving into the marina bay this week. The fish that are getting caught are from guys casting cranks and spoons. We are seeing a few fish snagged. With these cooler temps we should start seeing more fish move into the shallows to look for spawning areas.
Water temps have been between 55- 60 degrees. “
The bar and restaurant hours are as follows: open 7 days a week. Monday to Thursday 11am to 9 pm, Friday 11am to 10 pm. Saturday and Sunday 8am to 10 pm. Please be aware we are practicing social distancing.
Stop in the tackle store for up to date info on fishing along with all the gear you will need to catch any species of fish in Fort Peck Lake. We are here to help put you guys on fish. We are open 7 days a week as well. Monday through Thursday 7 to 9, Friday through Sunday 6 to 10.
Hope everyone has a great weekend. Good luck on the water and be safe.
Crooked Creek Marina, Winnett, Montana
James(Slim), Carri Craig, Rick, Gary 406-429-2999
Carri says, “ Fishing at Crooked Creek is starting to pick up when people have been able to get out on the water. It has been too windy which meant they could not get out. It has been blowing from 30 to 75 mph. People have been able to shore fish and they did catch some bass from there. The water hasn’t turned over yet. If you are able to get out, you have to watch for obstructions because of the lowered water. “
Our hours are 7 to 7 now 7 days a week. I am so looking forward to seeing everyone. Please just remember social distancing.
Hardware Hanks- Kolin Mahan/ David 654-1712
Open 7:30 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday/ 11am to 3 pm Sunday
Tyler reports, “ guys this week have found wind their biggest problem. I went to the PR and found it was just not good for fishing because of the that very wind. Dave told me the BLM reservoirs are finding the bass bite has slowed down. At Nelson I have heard the water is very low. People who went there have fished from shore. They were using shiny, brass or silver spoons. The water is so low that putting a boat in is not safe to do. “
Cooney Reservoir – Marina Matheson, Jake, Cynthia
Jake reports, “ the weather has slowed down fishing at Cooney. We had many campers and fishermen on Friday. On Saturday the wind came up so many packed up and left. The fishing from Wednesday to Friday found people catching rainbow and brown trout. A Thomas Cyclone has worked for that. The catch is not constant but rather once in a blue moon. With the fishing pressure of this year it has had an impact, but people are still catching. I know of a few nice walleye being caught. The water temperature is the high 50’s or 60 degrees. The best times are early at sun-up and late in the evening before sun set. All three docks are still in and the boat ramp is still open for use. Lots of people have been using them in the early week. The overall water level remains the same. The fish cleaning station is turned off.
A reminder for everyone. Please pack in and pack out your garbage. We want everyone to see a clean campground. “
Lake Elmo FWP Bob Gibson
Bob says , “ I was out with my dog playing catch on Sunday and many fishermen were fishing off the pier. There were lots of people fishing all over. There were small boats out there. Even a sailboat, was out. So the numbers of people using Lake Elmo was up this week and so it was getting plenty of use. . The lake is down 2 feet now.
We are asking everyone to continue to be careful and pay attention to how dry the land is. FWP has put out fire restrictions on fishing access sites. ”
The FWP office is open. We ask people to please use distancing as you recreate.”
Deadmans Tony and Pat Stefani
Deadmans had days with a lot of wind this week. I did speak to one person who went there and caught a couple of fish. Not many people out fishing. They packed up because of the wind coming up.
Staff requests, please camp in designated camping areas. The fire risk is very high, and we are in fire restrictions meaning no campfires or open flames. So please stay aware. “
Cozy Corner bar Deadmans/Martinsdale Lavina 406-636-2261 Terry
Terry reports, “ I talked to a couple of fellows who headed to Deadmans to fish. They caught some nice rainbow trout and a few small salmon. They said their day was hit and miss fishing. ”
Checkerboard Inn Checkerboard, MT Rick and Judy Geordge 406-572-3373
Rick reports, “ people have told me fishing was pretty good. We had people who went fishing this week at Newlan and Sutherland. They said Sutherland is not as good as Newlan. People fished by shore mostly. Later in the week the wind put a Ker bosh on fishing. Our numbers of people coming to this area has been consistent and use is definitely up. ”
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- Fishermen heading to Spring Creek are catching a few. People are seeing a noon caddis hatch right now. Use a caddis pattern.
Hanson Dam- The water temperature has gotten cooler. I hear fishing is okay at Hanson Dam. Fishermen were using power bait and a night crawler.
Achley- Not much fishing again at Achley this week. The muskeye are not hungry much these days.
Crooked Creek- People are catching some pike I hear. People tell me is slow.
Missouri- The Missouri is slow fishing for walleye right now. The water is down. The Missouri has cleared some now. “
Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon
Sharen says, “it is not bad fishing right now. The bigger problem is the wind which makes it hard to be on the water. People are catching if they have more skills. You have to work for them. They are catching walleye and trout right now. We still have some algae, but you can escape it by going north. Trout fishing is good. The docks are in here. The water temperature is 65 to 66 degrees.
There is still some blue and green algae on the water. It is dangerous for children and dogs to swim in. Watch your dog closely.“
Sharon says stop in at the shop or call 266-3100 and she will give you any information you need. The Marina is open. Hours are 7 am to 7 pm. The Pelican is now closed for the season
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540 Rich
Rich says,” I heard Canyon Ferry was decent fishing they are saying. Guys caught some walleye and few trout. They said now and then it is pretty good. The river fishing is picking up. I had a fly fisherman come in heading to the Jefferson. He had been there the day before and had done well. He was happy to go again but I suspect he did not get far because about an hour later the wind blew like crazy. This week the wind has been really a factor to get on the water.
We have decided to close the shop for the season from October 15th to April 1st, 2021. ”
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977 ,Bill, Ken, Jasmine
Jasmine says, “ I can say the Big Horn is slow fishing right now.
The Stillwater has the browns going up stream. Try a streamer, a Grinch or a Gray Ray in brown or tan. No one is seeing any hatches. It is still only wade fishing now.
On the Yellowstone people are trying a small dry in a size 10 or 12 as an attractor with a nymph dropper. Use the classics as they are working. Through streamers, smaller size ones. The water is clear. You do have to work at fishing and people have gotten lucky at times with nice catches. Watch the channel for places where it is shallow.
Need a guide? We are still taking people out. Call us to make an appointment for guiding.
Montana Adventures and Angling Beau McFadyean 406-855-3612
Beau reports,” I fished the last three days on the Missouri. It has been tough fishing because of the wind. We used a Zebra fly. Nymphing is definitely the way to go to catch fish on the Missouri. The water is clear, but the wind is really tough to fish in. “
Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375 Rick/Hale
Rick explains,” fishing is tough right now. Large fish are being caught so that is good. The fishing seems to have turned off. The water is off color, and the temperature is 59 to 60 degrees. The lower three has less to no grass. People are using nymphs, as I have, and they are working. Use the Rays or a pink or orange scud. A caddis fly also will work. If you use a streamer try it on a non-bright sunny day. Try a size 10 black leech . The CFS is 2400 but word has it they are lowering it on Thursday , I believe. The water is off color. The lake did turn over.
The river is open throughout and all fishing access’ sites on the big Horn are open. We would love to have you come to fish. “
Our lodge is open so you can stay with us. We would love to have you go fishing here and we are making sure to follow the procedures to keep people safe. Our shuttle service is available. Call and talk to the shop to get information you need.“
Open 8 am to 12 every day.
Madison River Outfitters- West Yellowstone – Tom Forsberg. Open 730am-9pm 406-646-9644.
West Yellowstone Area Fishing Report 10/13/20
Montana
Upper Madison: You’re going to have to work a bit harder to find fish consistently at this point of the season. Nymphing is far and away the most effective method throughout the day, although with this weather system we have moving through we have been starting to see baetes in better numbers. We should only see the number of baetes coming off improve from here on out this fall.
Flies: #16-18 Krystal Dip, #14-16 Green Machine, #14-18 Red Neck, #16 Olive Hot Spot Perigon, #14 HoloPoint, #16-18 Shop Vac, #16-18 Olive S.H. Hare’s Ear, #16 Shop Vac, #12 Black Sili Legs, #18-20 D.O.A. Baetis, #18-20 Baetis Sparkle Dun
Yellowstone National Park
Madison/Firehole: The weather we have been waiting for has finally arrived. The next few days should be pretty ideal conditions and hopefully this will kickstart what has been a somewhat mediocre start to the swinging season. Look for baetes to start showing in good numbers on both the Madison and Firehole.
Flies: #8-12 Partridge & Peacock, #8-12 Partridge & Orange, #6 Sparkle Minnow, #8 Simi Seal Leech, #8-12 Black Sili Legs, #14-16 Red Neck, #14 Holo Point, #12 Tan Elk Hair Caddis, #12 Tan and Pink Chili Dogs, #18-20 Baetis Sparkle Dun
Slough/Soda Butte/Lamar: It would definitely still be worth heading up to the NE corner for some dry fly fishing and a less crowded locale. Baetis will be the main attraction going forward but you could still see a few Drake Mackerels around. I wouldn’t even hesitate to try terrestrials up there even at this point in the season.
Flies: #12 Drake Mackerel Cripple, #18-20 D.O.A. Baetis, #18-20 Baetis Sparkle Dun, #12 Tan and Pink Chili Dogs, #8-12 Tan and Pink Thunder Thighs, #14-16 Bogus Beetle, #14-16 Arrick’s Ant, #14 Royal Trude, #14 Holo Point, #12 Spanish Bullet.
