Spring is here and that can bring unusual weather and sudden changes in weather temperatures, wind and flooding which means everyone needs to be vigilant when being outside. Outdoor enthusiasts, including fishermen need to pay attention to these changes. We live in Montana where snow can still be a possibility so, please stay alert to forecasts. The possibility of fire is still a reality in the Spring, and it can happen quickly. Please watch where you drive as it is already really dry. Fishermen or fisherwomen need to keep in touch with the weather service. Let others know where you are for safety as you recreate. Enjoy yourself but remember alcohol alters your judgment. So, use it sparingly while enjoying the outdoors. 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
Tongue River Reservoir Raymond /Spencer
Raymond reports,” it was fairly busy this weekend. I saw more locals here. People said they caught more bass with worms. I heard of no crappies caught. I heard of a couple of cats caught at the dam. Not many northern pike were caught by people I saw. The water is very high and over the spillway. The water temperature is 70 degrees at the dock. I talked to one guy who was here for 7 days and caught a dozen fish with one walleye. People are catching them in 10 to 15 feet depths. It is muddier to the south. Sandpoint has these weird little pockets of mud right now. Reservations have started for the summer. The fish cleaning station is now open.“
Tongue River Marina 1-406-757-2225 Wade, Stephanie,
The marina is now open. The weekend hours are 7 to 6pm Saturday and 7 to 5 pm Sunday. During the week we are open 8 to 5 p.m.
Wade reports,” I talked to some people caught walleye this week. They are having success using a bottom bouncers in 12 to 15 feet depths with a worm or a minnow. The fishermen are saying go about a half a mile up to .8 and you will catch some walleye. It has to be slow. Some small mouth and perch were caught following the shore. To me that gives us hope to believe that the crappies may follow soon. I did hear of a few northerns caught on the five of diamonds.
We will have the homemade Indian Taco for you to eat on the patio this weekend again. “
I have worms, minnows, bait, and tackle. I also have cold drinks and maybe some warm food as well. “
Rock Creek Marina- Monty LeTexier , Wyatt /1-406-230-1283 for Linda & Neil
Marina number is 1-406-485-2560
Monty said, ” We had the 2021 Rock Creek walleye tournament this past weekend. The First-place winners were Adult Team 29 Kris Keller and Whit Rush from Wolf Pont, Montana. The first day they caught a total of 38.38 and the 2nd day 25.4 with a total of 63.78. The 2nd place winners were Travis Scott of Harlowton, Montana and Kennie Williams of Lewistown, Montana with a first day total of 31.24 and the second day total of 7.56 with a total of 38.8. The big walleye was caught by Marley Ziegler of Joliet, Wyoming was 12.7 pounds. The guys were heading in both directions, north and south. They complained they could not keep the northern Pike off the line the whole time. That is good news for the Pikemaster tournament this weekend at Rock Creek. If you want to sign up call Clay Buckmiller 1-406-860-7435. For bass they were using vertical jigging pitching to shore, and it was working. The walleye were real shallow in 3 to 7 feet depths. The water temperature has been 60 degrees and rising during the day.
We do have some cabins available for the weekend and more available during the week. The Marina has bait, crawlers, and minnows. We also have two new pizza flavors, Hawaiian and Dave’s hot 3 meat pizza for people to try. ”
For reservations for the Spring season. To make reservations you can call Monty at 406-465-0241 or call Linda at 406-230-1283. We are now open with full services. We are fully functioning.
Hell Creek Marina- Clint Thomas-Layne- 1-406- 557-2345
Kole reported ,” The walleye bite is picking up close to shore. Some headed toward J Marker and Beling Creek. They were at depths of 15 to 20 feet. Small mouth and northern pike are hitting everywhere. They are at 5 feet depths. The water in the bay is at 68 degrees. People have caught quite a few big fish; we wrapped a 32 incher that was 12 pounder. Another was a 29 inches and 9 pounds.
We are open from 8 to 5 on weekdays and 7 to 6 on weekends.
Lake Ridge Motel Eddie and Carrie Mindt, Haley 1-406-526-3597
Eddie reports, “ it was a fair week for fishing. Guys are finding catching walleye tough. The tough part is finding them. If you find them it has been in 5 to 30 feet depths. The northern pike fishing has been good. They have been targeting them pulling cranks or spinners. Fishing was happening with a jig . They were having success. The key is location and finding them. I fished next to some guys from Wisconsin. They were close enough that if I held my pole out, they could change my bait. We were catching fish and they were not. It is just finding them. All I can say is use your electronics and change things up. If you are using bottom bouncers change to cranks, then change to jigs. Sometimes you just have to move and try again. Switch things up.”
We still have dates available if you want to fish with a guide. Just give us a call. We would love to help you. I just got in lots of tackle this week. We have sucker minnows and crawlers as well as a mix of leaches. ”
Our hours are 6am-7 pm Monday through Sunday.
Fort Peck Marina Jessica & Scott Collinsworth 1-406-565-6283
Scott reports, ”
Walleye- The bite this week has remained pretty tough, but things are getting a little a little better. Guys have been throwing jigs with minnows or swimbaits up shallow with some success and pulling cranks on planner boards shallow for some action.
Pike – They have moved back up shallow and are hungry. We have been catching them pitching jigs and cranks at the bank for the best success.
Lake Trout-Laker fishing continues to be really good. We have a lot of new baits this year. We have been vertical jigging in 55 to 85 feet of water and doing unreal.“
I have the bait store fully stocked and ready for everyone. We have a lot of new baits this year. Stop by for all your tackle or just the latest reports to get you headed in the right direction or look at taking a guided trip with us so we can put you on that fish of a lifetime. We also have a great selection of minnows, crawlers. and leaches Have a great week everyone. Hope to see you soon. “
Crooked Creek Marina, Winnett, Montana
James(Slim), Carri Craig, Rick, Gary 406-429-2999
We are open 7am to 7 pm.
Carrie said, “we had a good weekend. We were busy and we had no wind on the 3-day weekend. I saw a large walleye and pike before the storms we had. The water is stained so if guys are looking for clear water, they are heading to Timber Creek or Forchette. . On the other hand someone caught a nice 33 incher at Squaw Creek using pink through muddy water. People were cranking, bottom bouncers and jigging. You never knew what would work. They were in 15-foot water to 32 feet of water. “
Paddlefish Harvest Results from FWP
At days end Saturday June 5, a total of 361 paddlefish have been checked at the Intake cleaning station for 2021. This yields an overall harvest estimate of 453 for the entire system. The recent increase in river flows increased fish densities at Intake Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday 20 of the 34 fish reported at the Intake check station were harvested at Intake. On Sunday 47 fish were caught at Intake during catch and release.
NOAA’s river flow projections for Sidney are not populated yet today, but flows will continue to increase for at least the next 3-4 days. The current reading at Billings is 36,000 CFS which takes approximately 3-4 days to reach Sidney. For comparison, the current flow at Sidney is 27,000 CFS. Both the Tongue and Powder rivers are also increasing. These type of river flows should provide good angler success at Intake over the next 3-4 harvest days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday).
Hardware Hanks- Kolin Mahan/ David 654-1712
Open 7:30 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday/ 11am to 3 pm Sunday
Kolin reports, “ I heard from some people who fished Nelson and used a crawler harness. You can also troll with a crank bait. They are finding them at a variety of depths. They said they caught a lot of little fish. The water level is low.
I heard from people who said Forchette fishing was pretty slow. If they caught something it was really little. “
Cooney Reservoir – Jake, Melinda
Jake reports,” I have not seen many walleyes caught. I am just not seeing the numbers. The warmer water temperatures should be good for catching walleye. The water has warmed to the upper 60s to low 70s depending on the time of day. The water clarity is really good on most of the reservoir The trout bite all over the reservoir is good trolling cow bells or small Rapala’s. The shore fishing has slowed down a little this week. A few groups started to catch perch with worms or leaches under a bobber. Using Rapala’s along the weed edges have caught fish on the North Shore. “
As you camp, please remember to not leave without campfire being out. Help the next camper in your spot and take your trash home. We need to preserve what we have for all of us. Please remember according to the regulations the Willow Creek arm is always a NO wake zone.
Lake Elmo FWP Bob Gibson
Bob says , “ Elmo is down 1 to 2 feet below full pool again because of the ditch they have been working on. Lake Elmo has been fed by that ditch. The ditch had a leak which needed to be repaired so water went way down. There have been lots of people out this week, we saw canoes, sailboats, and swimmers. Lots of worms and bobbers being used.
I went traveling right above Ennis and the water was running high and really muddy. You could not fish it.
The Two Bridges is now open to floating. You can float past it, but you cannot use the road as there is construction equipment there and some work being done on it.
The announcement as of May 1st of “catch and keep” as many fish as you can on Lake Elmo has brought a lot of people coming to Elmo. The creel limit and fish-length are off in preparation for the draining of Elmo starting October 2021 to eradicating the invasive Asian clams found in 2019. “
Deadmans Tony and Pat Stefani
Pat explains,” the Breezy campsite and Willow will be open Thursday as the road work is done. Someone caught a decent size muskie but threw it back. Others caught some trout. The water level is down. Please remember to make sure your campfire is out if you leave. Just a reminder, we do not have change for large bills for your camp fee. Please come prepared.
Broadview pond very early in the morning had people fishing. Lots of rigs out there. So someone is catching.”
Cozy Corner bar Deadmans/Martinsdale Lavina 406-636-2261 Terry
Terry says, “ I heard from some people who fished Achley, and it fished well. I know people have been fishing at Broadview Pond. They are catching small mouth bass and trout. “
Checkerboard Inn Checkerboard, MT Rick and Judy Geordge 406-572-3373
Judy reports” some people heading to Bair did pretty well they said. Some got their limits even though it was windy. They fished in boats and from shore. It was a quieter weekend people stayed home after the holiday. “
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 ,”
Achley- At Achley a few muskies were caught using cut bait. At night fishing people were using streamers to catch fish.
Missouri- People said the water is high and muddy. Which means people were catching catfish.
Spring Creek- Spring Creek was clear this week. Both streamers and spinner bait have been working.
Hanson Dam-I talked to guys who said fish for rainbows in the early morning and late evening. “
Silos Canyon Ferry-Debbie
Debbie says, “ we had lots of boaters this week. Most of them are heading to the south end to fish . They have been catching rainbows and walleyes. People are using leaches , worms, and anything yellow or green. The best bite time seems to be about 6 pm. The water is up about 7 feet but is very muddy. The fishing from shore has been good some say. “
You need to know–There is something new at Canyon Ferry. There is a kiosk and a $5.00 boat launch fee. You can pay a seasonal fee of $50.00. The camp host is down there to give you the sticker.
We have worms, leaches, and Rich’s Tackle in the store for the season.
Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540 Rich
We are open. Our hours 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. We will be closed Sunday and Monday.
Rich says” I heard that trout fishing was good at Canyon Ferry. The rivers are high and muddy and moving fast.”
Stillwater Anglers-Chris 406-322-4977
Chris says, ” my shop is now closed as of April 30th. I am still guiding.
Two Bridges is open, and you can float past it. You cannot use the road yet.”
East Rosebud Fly Shop- 410 East Pike, Columbus, MT-Dan McGuire 406-290-5116
Dan explains,” I talked to a guide who said both on the Yellowstone and Stillwater right now the fish are pretty scrambled. The Yellowstone has changed rapidly in the last 3 days. At Livingston it was 17.70 three days ago and is now 12900. The Stillwater started three days ago at 7130 and today is 3980. Fish do not like this disruption. We thought it would steady out in a day or two. These rapid rate changes are tough on the fish.
There are always ponds to fish. If where you are going is really muddy, try larger flies in size 8 and 10 size. People like the beadhead pheasant tail or a San Quan worm. If it is really muddy, try a wooly bugger or a streamer like a Grinch. “
Montana Adventures and Angling Beau McFadyean 406-855-3612
Beau reports , “ I fished the Missouri at Craig on the river. There is low water. There is a runoff all the way. There are some good PMD hatches. The fish are taking but not taking at times. We did catch some nice rainbow trout . It has been decent fishing. . The fishing was good. Try a San Quan worm or a sow bug. The trout size was all over the map from 10 to 24 inches.”
Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375 Rick/Hale/ Stephanie
James reports , “ The water is clear the top 3, and the CPS is 2000. The lower 3 to B is a bit mossy. Streamers are not successful right now. Nymph fishing has been really good. Use a baetes nymph or a sow bug. Dry fly fishing is really sketchy. The fish are just not taking the hatch. People have caught some nice fish 18 inches to 22 inches in size.
Make your call if you want to book a guide or lodging as we are filling lots of spaces. “
Our shuttle service is available. Call and talk to the shop to get information you need.
Open 8 am to 12 every day.
Glacier Lake by Rock Creek
Someone said they fished Glacier Lake by Rock Creek. The path had snow on it. The lake had ice on it. There was an open area of about 200 yards. He did catch a few fish. He was spin casting. He used a gold Jake lure.
Madison River Outfitters- West Yellowstone – Tom Forsberg. Open 730am-9pm
406-646-9644.
MRO Fishing report 6/7/21
Montana
Upper Madison: Flows out of Hebgen Dam are still very low for this time of year, but the fishing has remained solid over the last week. The water has a nice milky green tinge to it, and nymph fishing is the name of the game here. A stonefly nymph with smaller trail fly is still our top producer. However, be on the lookout for caddis bouncing around on warmer days, and some PMD’s on cloudy mornings/early afternoons. Prospecting with a chubby with a heavy dropper nymph a few feet below can be worth your time as well.
Flies: #8-10 Black Sili Legs, #10-14 Biot Golden Stone, #14-16 Redneck, #14-16 Shop Vac, #14-16 Prince nymph, #16 Holo-Point, #16 X Caddis, #14-16 Parawulff, #10-12 Tan Chubby Chernobyl
Hebgen: Not much has changed since last week, still hit and miss fishing out there and the big wind gusts we’ve had the last couple days haven’t made things easy. We have been seeing more chironomid activity the last few days, and things should only get better coming up. Look for fish rising on calm mornings but stripping a leech or bugger at different retrieve speeds, or fishing chironomids underneath an indicator will still be your best bet.
Flies: #8 Olive or Black Simi Seal Leech, #8 Olive or Black Hot Bead Goat Leech, #6 Black/Olive Flash Bugger, #12 O.S Opal Buzzer, #16 Pheasant Tail, #14 Olive/Red Nugget
YNP
Lots of folks trying to get in through the West gate, lines get backed up through town most days until around noon-ish. Get in early (before 8am) to try avoiding the lines. Once you are in, the Firehole and Madison have been fishing well in the mornings. As usual, swinging soft hackles can be a fun way to catch fish. PMD’s and caddis are hatching, and we have found fish rising to them most days. There are still a few salmonflies around as well and throwing around a salmonfly pattern with a dropper nymph has been productive when the fish aren’t rising.
Flies: #14 Partridge and Pheasant Tail, #14 Partridge and Orange, #14 Diving Caddis, #16 Tilt Wing PMD, #16 DOA Cripple, #16 X Caddis, #10 Salmonfly Chubby
