Area Fishing Map Inside! Special publication by the Lewistown News-Argus & Judith Basin Press

Transcription

1 l a r t n e C a n a t n o M g n i h s i F e d i u G Area Fishing Map Inside! Special publication by the Lewistown News-Argus & Judith Basin Press

2 page 2 Central Montana Fishing Guide saturday, april 1, 2017 Kennie Williams shares walleye fishing tips By CHARLIE DENISON Reporter For the past 17 years, Kennie Willliams has made a name for himself as a walleye fisherman, winning and placing in all kinds of tournaments around the state, most notably the Canyon Ferry Walleye Festival. Winning at Canyon Ferry with Travis Scott in 2015 was a huge honor, he said. We worked hard for it. For Williams and Scott, it was fourth time's the charm, as they d taken second place three years in a row. But, in 2015, that changed, as their hard work paid off. We had to stay focused, put in the time and not give up, Williams said. We kept at it until the bell rang at the end of the day. If we quit early or took a break, we d be one chance away from not taking the check home. How does he do it and L e w Est 1947 i s t o w n, M T Take a Kid Fishing! One box of Night Crawlers FREE!! at Don s (One per family) Expires 5/1/2016 what are the secrets to his success? The News-Argus asked Williams these questions during an interview earlier this month: Getting started Having grown up trout fishing, Williams wanted a new challenge. In 2000, he tried out walleye fishing, and it quickly became his new passion. Jig fishing particularly interested him. It takes a lot of time and effort to become good at it, he said, but, when you get the hang of it, it s kind of like being a kid again. Jig fishing is more interactive, he said, which makes it more fun. I don t like to just set a rod and watch it. Good gear helps put more fish in the boat Get yourself a decent rod, reel and fireline, Williams said. This is especially the case if you re interested in jig fishing. Williams also encourages people interested in jig fishing to get themselves a few jigs and start practicing. Learn how to stay in contact with your jig, he said. Always be able to feel it hit the bottom and always be able to detect anything from a fish to weeds on your bait or loss of bait. But there is really no substitute for having the right equipment, whether it s the right rod or the right accessories on a boat. Good electronics with GPS Central Montana s Largest Selection of Rods, Reels and Tackle! Night Crawlers - Minnows Leeches - Bulk Line Available Flies - Fly Rods & Reels 2nd & Janeaux, Lewistown ~ Mon - Sat 9 am - 6 pm, Sun 11 am - 4 pm Kennie Williams has enjoyed phenomenal success on the state walleye fishing circuit. He said the right gear and a good attitude are keys to catching more fish. He also encourages people to join the local Walleyes Unlimited chapter. Courtesy Photo are absolutely essential for your boat, Williams said. It doesn t matter how big your boat is, but you have to have a fish finder and a good electric trolling motor. Small reservoirs are good places to get started Williams recommends starting small. I recommend starting on a body of water such as Tiber, Nelson or Fresno, he said. They have great fishing and they won t overwhelm you. He also recommends getting involved with the local Walleyes Unlimited group. I went to a club meeting when I first started and found it helpful right away, he said. People even volunteered to take me out and show me the ropes. Full Service Bathroom & Shower Laundry A lot of the people Williams regularly fishes with are friends he met through Walleyes Unlimited, including Scott. There is great camaraderie involved with the group, he said. Many involved with WU have the same drive for fishing Williams does, and this is particularly the case when it comes to the partnership he s formed with Scott. We started fishing for fun and then got hooked into tournaments, Williams said. On a Roll Through the years, Williams and Scott have done quite well, scoring three firstplace finishes, six secondplace finishes, six top-five finishes and 24 top-ten finishes. They are also four-time Montana Circuit Anglers of the Year, six-time Team of the Year winners, six-time Cabela s National Team Championship Qualifiers and two-time East Fork Perch Derby Champions. The list goes on, and it will continue to, as Williams and Scott have no desire to slow down. Hopefully they will continue to get lucky. It s not easy work, but they re up for it. I d say at times the hardest part is maintaining a positive attitude when things aren t going right, Williams said. When it s not meant to be, it s not meant to be. Those days get really frustrating. It s hard to come to terms with it. But, then again, that s why they call it fishing and not catching. That s the lure of walleye fishing, Williams said. Nothing is guaranteed Steve Fraser

3 saturday, april 1, 2017 Central Montana Fishing Guide page 3 Paddlefish record set 44 years ago Forty four years ago, on May 20, 1973, Larry Branstetter hooked into the biggest paddlefish ever recorded in the state of Montana. He was fishing below the Slippery Ann Station in what is now the area downstream of Kipp Park and the Fred Robinson Bridge. An article that accompanied the photo at left in the May 23, 1973 edition of the News-Argus said the paddlefish officially weighed 142-1/2 pounds, had a length of 6 feet 5 inches and a girth of 41-3/4 inches. It goes on to say the previous record was believed to be 133 pounds. Branstetter had never been paddlefishing previously. He was originally from Billings, but was living in Denver in 1973 and was listed as the sonin-law of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Jimmerson of Hilger. There were eight family members fishing with him when he landed the fish that would go on to hold the state record for 44 years and counting. Missouri River paddlefish tags by lottery this year Paddlefish anglers planning to fish in the Upper Missouri River (From Fort Peck Dam to Fort Benton) had to apply for an Upper Missouri River Paddlefish Tag by March 30. For 2017, a total of 1,000 tags are available for the drawing. Successful applicants may harvest a fish anytime during the season, from May 1 through June 15. The season will not be shortened if more than 500 fish are harvested during the season. Those anglers not successful in drawing a harvest tag will be issued a snag and release only license for the Upper Missouri River. Anglers, both resident and nonresident, are required to purchase a season fishing and conservation license prior to submitting their applications. Party applications (up to five anglers) are available. Weighing in at 142 1/2 pounds is Larry Branstetter's record-setting paddlefish from Paddlefishing on the Missouri north of Lewistown has changed a lot in the last 44 years, but is still a popular activity each spring. Photo by Dick Krillenberger Fishermen... Land a Great Breakfast or Lunch before you head out to Land a Great Fish! 1506 W. Main Lewistown Mon. - Fri. 7 AM - 10 PM Saturday 7 AM - 10 PM Sunday 9 AM - 10 PM Additionally, anglers that did not participate in the tag drawing who want to participate in the snag and release fishery can still purchase an Upper Missouri River Paddlefish Snag and Release License at any FWP office or online beginning April 10, As in the past, anglers may only select one area to fish for paddlefish in Montana: Upper Missouri River (white tag), Yellowstone River and Missouri River downstream of Fort Peck Dam (yellow tag), and the Fort Peck Dredge Cut archery only season (blue tag). Any paddlefish harvested anywhere in Montana must be report to FWP within 48 hours of harvest. Mandatory harvest reporting can be completed by calling Crooked Creek Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited Preserving & Enhancing Fishing Opportunities in Central Montana See the web cam at Crooked Creek by visiting Walleyes Unlimited of Montana at montanawalleyesunlimited.net At Fort Peck Reservoir For more information on the club, memberships or events, please contact Slim Craig, President at Ron Craig, V.P. at Kid s Fishing Day August 5 Crooked Creek Classic Tournament May 6 & 7 Monthly meetings are held at The Elks Club every 2nd Thursday at 7 p.m. Join us for 50/50 raffle, food and fun! We want to THANK you and Central Montana for your continued support.

4 page 4 Central Montana Fishing Guidew saturday, april 1, 2017 Fly-fishing tips for Big Spring Creek By DAVID STUVER Special to the News-Argus I enjoy fly-fishing Big Spring creek because it provides a good catch rate of decent sized trout and because of the esthetics of scenery and wildlife. Waxwings, yellow warblers, western and kingbirds find airborne insects during hatches, and you may see fawns, muskrats or mink. Although nymphs are more often effective, I prefer dry fly fishing, having the luxury of choosing my timing due to retirement. Trout surfacing for A flyfishermen tries his luck on Big Spring Creek. David Stuver suggests keeping a low profile when the water is clear. News-Argus file photo After a long day on the water... We invite you to stop in and share your fish stories here. Good Food Good Drink (All lies accepted) dry flies is to many of us the most enjoyable form of fishing. During different seasons I fish different stream areas depending on water temperature and hatches. I don t fish the upper stream when rainbows are on spawning redds. Among a seemingly endless array of fly patterns, most will catch some fish, but those who key in on specific hatches and insect imitations will greatly enhance their success. Although many minor hatches exist, I list only those relatively easy to find and fish. Early April: 1. Blue wing olives size 22 (try a 20) and a size 18. The latter provides better autumn action. 2. Some size 18 black caddis. Most hatches are sporadic and of short duration. April to May 20: 1. An unusually dark size 12 march brown, mottled dark wings/ grayish body; 2. A size 16 little brown stonefly. Both this and a little greenish yellow summer stonefly are overlooked as they fly at low angles individually to the water to lay eggs and are less obvious than caddis or mayflies. June into early July brings several different caddis, and things get tricky. Trout may feed on emerging pupae in the surface film, hatching adults, spent adults, or egg layers, some of which dive to the bottom. Pupae in brown, gold brown, gray, and a rough slightly goldish gray brown are useful, most in size 16. Adult dries in brown body/light brown wing, gray body/gray speckled wing, green body/ brown wing, tan body/gray wing, and spent brown/body light brown wing may be found. Uncased caddis larvae in slightly brownish or olive David Stuver (right) suggests people key in on specific insect hatches to increase their success. green were historically effective below town, but these are now in very short supply, as are these August hatches. The chimney cased green larvae in the upper stream provide cloudy afternoon and evening September fishing and are dark gray size 18. The first three weeks of July is the optimum time for the size 16 yellowish light gray winged pale morning dun (PMD) as a dry, nymph, or emerging nymph against the surface tension. Sporadic activity may be found until mid-august. Many nymphs are unusually dark in this stream, as the stream bottom is dark and often slightly solidified by lime. Little imagination is needed to realize that better survival among well camouflaged nymphs will result in a darker population given time. The PMD nymph is olive brown while on the Henry s Fork of the Snake, the same insect has a far lighter coloration. A pheasant tail nymph is a good imitation although I tie mine of fur. Blue wing olive nymphs are dark and are active swimmers. The most common failing in fishing the stream is to underestimate the summer clarity of the water and approach too close to the fish. Wild fish view movement on the bank and the flicker of fly lines as probable predators and lose their appetite. A low profile and chest waders are necessary to success. Montana trout streams have not been planted since studies of the early 1970 s demonstrated much higher numbers of fish and larger average size from natural reproduction, while most stocked trout disappeared within two months after stressing and moving out wild fish, depressing the population. The genetic diversity of wild fish contributed to natural resistance to whirling disease developing in rainbow trout and a population recovery in the Madison. Rainbow numbers here are now quite reduced by this disease. Wild trout in a stream take more time to reach maturity than well fed planted fish in reservoirs, fish which exist for family recreation and consumption. Estimates indicate that over 90 percent of anglers release all fish caught in this stream. The stream has suffered a long slow deterioration of habitat traced back to the miles of water eliminated by man, with steadily increasing erosion, loss of meanders, and increasing stream bank damage. Remediation efforts at Brewery Flats and the Machler project will help stabilize the stream and reduce further property damage. In both cases, the new stream bed is much shorter than the original meanders but represent the best efforts now feasible. Our stream has far less good trout habitat than 30 years ago when it was already a diminished resource. Despite these impacts, while not a destination for big fish, it remains a delightful and rewarding stream.

5 saturday, april 1, 2017 Central Montana Fishing Guide page 5 Ackley s tiger muskie show growth as they turn 2 Fish must be released until they reach 40 inches By JENNY GESSAMAN Reporter This tiger muskie was caught last summer on Ackley Lake. Anglers are reminded that muskie must be released until they reach 40 inches. It s been a little over two years since Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks introduced tiger muskie into Central Montana s Ackley Lake. While it s too soon to tell if the fish are an effective management tool against sucker fish, FWP Fisheries Biologist Clint Smith did report the species is settling in nicely. The state agency sampled the lake with a gill net last September. One sampling can t show trends, but it can provide some information. We got four tiger muskie in the net, which averaged about 26 inches and right around four pounds, Smith said. They re growing well. Smith was happy with the numbers. They re doing better than I anticipated, he said. We don t have a lot of reservoirs to compare them to. There s one up on the Rocky Mountain front. Our tiger muskie seem to be doing similarly to those fish, and they were introduced at the same time. Smith has also heard reports of people catching the hybrid fish regularly last summer and spring, a trend that died down in winter. The year s end did bring a good bit of news, though. FWP introduced the nonbreeding tiger muskie to hunt Photo by Jacques Rutten BAR 100 Judith Gap (near the overpass) Four Trailer Spots Available Spirits - Food - Casino - ATM Owner: Rita Swartz down and control the lake s sucker fish population, all in hopes of freeing up resources for game fish such as the rainbow trout. Reports this winter have been pretty positive for Ackley as far as ice fishing for rainbows, Smith said. Smith was cautious against labeling last winter s reports and last fall s sampling as successes, however. It s a little early to make any judgment as far as how we ve done, he said. When we first proposed [tiger muskie], we said it would be a three to five year window before we would anticipate impacts to the fishery. We re in year two right now. Instead, Smith kept the lake s last sampling in broader terms. Our catch rate of suckers in 2016 was the lowest catch rate we ve had since 2010, he said. We can t necessarily say, Aha, that s tiger muskie. We can say the catch rates are in a downward trend currently, but that that can change from year to year. Send us your fishing photos! editor@ lewistownnews.com Tackle & Bait Stop in for all your supplies On your way to the river Pick up Your Fishin Needs! FISHERMEN Stop in for a refreshing drink and a bite to eat! Stop by and try WORMS Packaged Cold Beer POP & ICE our GREAT Homemade Pattied Hamburgers Winifred Tavern & Café

6 PAGE 6 CENTRAL MONTANA FISHING EDITION SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017 CENTRAL MONTANA FISHING EDITION SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017 Central Montana 2017 From big rivers to small creeks and huge reservoirs to stock ponds, Central Montana offers anglers a little bit of everything. Below is a list of fishable waters in the region, along with the type of fish and the general location, which corresponds with the map on the facing page. All of the waters below have some public access and/or are stocked each year by the Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Fish, Wildlife and Parks policy is to stock lakes and ponds; flowing water is not stocked. 6. Crystal Lake: Located 30 miles south of Lewistown on Crystal Lake Road. Primary species: rainbow trout. Typically stocked twice per year with 1,000 fish. 1. Big Spring Creek: Originates four miles southeast of Lewistown. Flows 26 miles northwest until it empties into the Judith River. Primary species: brown and rainbow trout. No stocking occurs. 8. Judith River: Originates in Little Belt Mountains, flows east and then north until it reaches Missouri River near the PN Bridge. Limited public access. Primary species: trout in upper reaches; catfish, warm-water fish in lower reaches. No stocking occurs. 2. Frog Ponds: Located on south side of Lewistown, bordered by Airport Road and Spring Street. Primary species: Rainbow trout. The upper pond is stocked with 1,250 trout at different times of the season; the lower pond is stocked with 1,000 trout. 3. Big Casino Creek Reservoir: Located 1.5 miles south of Lewistown off Castle Butte Road. In 2015 and 2016, there were 5,000 2-inch largemouth bass stocked in the reservoir; in prior years some crappie were stocked. Rainbow trout and small perch have also been reported in recent years. 4. Hansen Creek Reservoir Located 6 miles southeast of Lewistown, just east of Big Spring Trout Hatchery. Primary species: rainbow trout. Stocked annually with approximately 6,000 4-inch rainbows. 5. East Fork Reservoir: Located 11 miles southeast of Lewistown on Route 238. Primary species: northern pike, perch. In 2017, 1,000 rainbow trout will be stocked at East Fork. s PAGE 7 7. Ackley Lake: Located 25 miles west of Lewistown, near Hobson. Primary species: Rainbow trout. Will be stocked this year with 45,000 rainbows. In 2015, for the first time Ackley received 5,000 tiger muskie ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches in length. 9. Upper and Lower Carter Ponds: Located 7 miles north of Lewistown off Hwy Primary species: Rainbow trout. Ponds were treated in 2015 and all fish were eliminated due to illegally planted bluegills. Ponds were restocked in 2016 with trout of varying sizes, and in 2017 the Upper pond will be stocked with 3,000 rainbow and the Lower Pond will receive 1,500 rainbow. Traditionally, very productive trout reservoirs. 10. Warm Spring Creek: Originates at Gigantic Warm Springs west of Brooks off state highway 81. Flows west until reaching the Judith River. Primary species: trout, bass, some sauger. 11. Upper Missouri River: Portion which flows through Central Montana includes the Wild and Scenic portion north of Winifred as wells as the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and portions of the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. Primary species: Catfish, sauger, paddlefish, sturgeon, walleye, and many others. 12. Fort Peck Lake: Primary access point in Central Montana is Crooked Creek Recreation Area. Can be accessed near Bohemian Corner off Hwy. 191 or at Winnett off Hwy Both routes include around 50 miles of gravel road. Primary species: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, perch, crappie, salmon, and many others. Stocked annually with: walleye, northern pike, Chinook salmon, smallmouth bass. Reports of pound Chinooks have been received. 13. Petrolia Reservoir: Located east of Winnett, off Hwy Primary species: walleye, perch, northern pike. Scheduled to receive 20,000 walleye. 14. Yellow Water Reservoir: Located 12 miles south of Winnett. Primary species: In recent years, has had abundance of carp and suckers and trout fishing has been poor. However, FWP continues to stock with trout, including 1,000 this year. 15. Missouri Breaks reservoirs: There are a number of reservoirs in the Missouri River Breaks area east of Roy and north of Winnett that are stocked annually by the FWP and provide excellent fishing for panfish, bass and trout. 16. Deadman s Basin Reservoir: Southeast of Harlowton near Shawmut, the reservoir is 2,000 acres and can be up to 100 feet deep at normal water levels. Irrigation use during the summer means significant draw down may occur. A fishing access site is on the southwest end of the lake, although most of the fishing is by boat. Large trout, both rainbow and brown, have been reported. This year the lake will be stocked with 200,000 rainbow, 100,000 Kokanee salmon and 20,000 brown trout. 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7 Central Montana Fishing Guide page 8 saturday, april 1, 2017 Pond fishing tips from Mike Getman Why do you like to fish Central Montana s ponds and reservoirs? I frequent these waters to enjoy the excellent fishing for a variety of species (trout, bass, bluegill, perch, crappie, and northern pike) and the solitude as few people fish them. What is your preferred fishing method, (Flyfishing, Spin-fishing, bait, etc) and why? I prefer flyfishing as I enjoy catching fish on flies I ve tied and the challenge of determining what the fish are feeding on then using the correct pattern. I most often fish from a float tube as it allows me to fish anywhere on the water What are your some of your favorite ponds/reservoirs to fish? My favorite places to fish are Upper and Lower Carter Ponds. They are close to town, the ponds are the most productive I know of in our area, and the trout grow quickly. Now that the structures have been repaired and will retain water better, dieoffs should be seldom, and I expect to catch 5-6 pound rainbows within a couple years, as long as no illegal fish introductions occur. What are some of your favorite flies or lures? My favorite fly is whatever I find the fish feeding on whether it be a midge, damsel, mayfly, leech, or minnow. Foreign & Domestic PPG Paint Fast, Friendly Service East Fork Reservoir provides anglers with a chance to catch northern pike or perch. The reservoir is located 11 miles southeast of Lewistown in the foothills of the Big Snowy Mountains. Photo by Jacques Rutten Free Estimates Insurance Approved Do you have some advice for people new to fishing ponds/reservoirs in Central Montana? Get a copy of the Pond Fishing Guide for the area you want to fish from Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. It tells what fish are present and directions on how to get there. Remember, ponds on private land require landowner permission (unless stated otherwise in Pond Fishing Guide) so make sure you have permission first. Watch the weather! Ponds get discolored after runoff and roads may be impassible when wet. Mike Getman has fished in Central Montana for 17 years. Last year, he fished 59 days, and says, It s great to be retired and live in Lewistown! Gary Potter, Owner Located at Lewistown Airport The Sport Center The largest variety of Fishing Tackle in Lewistown! Fishing Licenses ~ Rods Hooks ~ Lines ~ Flies ~ Lures Nightcrawlers ~ Nets ~ Coolers Tackle Boxes ~ Crank Baits Tents ~ Sleeping Bags ~ Camping Supplies 320 W. Main Lewistown * OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK * We Appreciate the Fishermen and Outdoorsmen Throughout Central Montana Parts & Service for Motorcycles, ATV s & Boats Airport Road, Lewistown

8 saturday, april 1, 2017 Central Montana Fishing Guide page 9 Local reservoirs offer variety of opportunities By News-Argus Staff Thanks to the management of professional fisheries biologists such as Lewistown s Clint Smith, local reservoirs offer a wide spectrum of options for anglers. Smith is the biologist for Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 4 office in Lewistown. This is going to be a great year for fishing, Smith said. It was a pretty good year, without a lot of winter kill. We have a reasonable snowpack. My only concern is whether a little bit lighter snowpack could affect flowing water by late summer. But overall, things are looking good for anglers. Smith should know he is responsible for doing inventories of fish numbers, species and condition for the lakes, streams and ponds in this area. Generally, Smith said, stocking of various waters is dependent on the type of habitat and what fish can be supported. However, some stocking is done primarily to support recreational fishing. When we stock trout in reservoirs, we know habitat conditions are not present to allow them to reproduce, Smith said. Trout need flowing water for reproduction. So lake and pond stocking is done for either put and take or put, grow and take. Unless the trout can go upstream or downstream and find habitat, they are not going to reproduce. On the other hand, fish such as largemouth bass and crappie are expected to naturally reproduce. Different fisheries are stocked with what biologists determine to be the right mix for sportsman and the habitat. What we ve heard from the public is that they want more diverse fishing close to town, Smith said. Trout stocked in Central Montana come from the Big Spring Trout Hatchery located southeast of Lewistown at the headwaters of Spring Creek. Warmer water fish come from other Montana hatcheries, such as Miles City or Fort Peck. Post-stocking survival rates can be extremely variable, Smith said. If habitat conditions are right and transportation goes well, the fish can do very well. On a rough guess, if we plant 20,000 largemouth bass, for example, we could end up with 6,000 adult fish to winter over to the next year, he explained. Much goes into the decision of what fish, and how many of them, to stock. Fish, Wildlife Largemouth bass can be found in a handful of reservoirs in Petroleum County. Photo by Jacques Rutten and Parks policy, Smith said, is not to stock flowing water, so as not to disrupt natural populations of fish. For lakes, ponds and reservoirs, stocking plans depend on the end goal for each body of water. Carter Ponds Upper and Lower Carter Ponds are traditionally two of the most productive trout reservoirs in Central Montana. For many years, they have gained statewide acclaim for producing big, chunky rainbow trout. That changed a few years ago, however, after bluegill were illegally introduced into the ponds. As the bluegill grew in population, the trout took a hit. The ponds were eventually drained and then treated in 2015 to remove all fish. Smith said so far the treatment appears to be successful. In 2016 FWP stocked trout in a mix of different sizes, including some larger fish in the inch range. This year an additional 4,500 trout will be added to the mix. Smith said the long-term plan is to manage the upper pond and as grow-and-take type fishery and the lower pond as more of a trophy trout pond, with some different regulations geared to growing bigger trout. Ackley Lake Ackley Lake near Hobson, was stocked two years ago with 5,000 tiger muskie, along with its normal 45,000 rainbow trout. There have already been some reports of muskie, in the inch size, being caught at the reservoir. But it will be a while before any of them reach the 40 inches, which is the minimum size at which they can be kept. Until they reach that size, the muskie must be released back into the reservoir. The muskie were put in the reservoir to control the sucker population, which has been an ongoing problem. Tiger muskie are sterile and will not reproduce, so there is no risk of them taking over the reservoir. Tiger Muskie were introduced into Deadman s Basin several years ago and it continues to be a popular fishery for trout and muskie. Big Casino Creek Reservoir Another reservoir seeing some changes is Big Casino Creek Reservoir south of Lewistown. Largemouth bass and crappie were stocked in The crappie were of various sizes, while the bass stocking included 5,000 2-inchers. Smith is hopeful it will be a good step toward diversifying the fishing opportunities in the local area. We may end up introducing tiger muskie here to control the suckers, but first I want to see if the bass predator fishery can be established, Smith said. Stop in at the Shade Tree on the way to your favorite fishing hole for a meal or your favorite beverage. Call ahead! We ll have it waiting! Denton, MT The reservoir is a bit on the cold side for bass, and Smith wonders if this will be an issue. In the early 2000s, walleye were stocked there, but the turnover rate (rate of cold water coming into the reservoir from Casino Creek) was likely the reason it didn t establish, Smith said. Smith said the bass stocked a couple of years ago should be reaching catchable size now, and he is hopeful this fishery can be returned to an angler s paradise soon. Winnett area reservoirs Smith said anglers heading east of Lewistown should find some good fishing in areas of the Breaks and at Petrolia Reservoir. Petrolia will continue to be stocked with 20,000 walleye and has decent numbers of perch. There is also the opportunity to get into some nice pike. One reservoir near Winnett that might not be as productive this season is Yellow Water. Smith said that reservoir has high numbers of carp and suckers, which compete with trout for food. However, stocking of trout continues. North of Winnett, the Blood and Dry Blood reservoirs are expected to be good bets for largemouth bass, and Dry Blood should be good for crappie. Jake s Reservoir has sauger and perch and Drag Creek Reservoir is the best bet for bluegill. Smith said War Horse Reservoir northwest of Winnett was a popular fishery in the 1970s and has had good water levels again in recent years. In surveying the reservoir, the FWP found places with water depths of 18 feet. Smith said it will be stocked with 20,000 largemouth bass this year. To learn more about Central Montana s fisheries, be sure to pick up a copy of the Region 4 Pond Fishing Guide.

9 page 10 Central Montana Fishing Guide Saturday, april 1, 2017 Local Trout Unlimited chapter making positive impact in Central Montana Submitted by Snowy Mtn. Chapter of Trout Unlimited Fishermen line up to launch their boats for the start of last year s walleye tournament at Crooked Creek Marina. Photo courtesy of Gene Sanford Montana walleye circuit kicks off with Crooked Creek tournament in May The Crooked Creek Walleye Classic is slated for May 6-7 on Fort Peck Lake. The tournament has moved from August to May and will have a maximum of 75 two-person teams. It will be held at Crooked Creek Marina and is being hosted by the Crooked Creek Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited. Mountain Acres Mobile Home & RV Park Rockyln Ave. On Highway 191 North Lewistown, Montana Single & Double Wide Lots Quiet Area Playground & Hospitality Room Close to Spring Creek, Downtown & Fairgrounds 3 Sizes of Storage Units This year s event will be the first tournament on the Montana Walleye Circuit. Next up will be the Tiber Tournament May 20-21, Fresno Challenge June and the Canyon Ferry Walleye Festival June For more information, contact Kenny Nagel at or Carson Fohl at Full Hook-Ups Picnic Tables Tent Area Dump Stations Laundry & Shower Facilities WiFi Large Groups Welcome The mission of Trout Unlimited (TU) is to conserve, protect and restore North America s cold-water fisheries and their watersheds. TU relies on volunteers to accomplish most of its activities and projects. The Snowy Mountain Chapter of TU (Chapter), headquartered in Lewistown, serves most of central and northeastern Montana. Machler Big Spring Creek Restoration Project Recently, the Chapter completed one of its most ambitious projects ever by assisting with the restoration of a portion of Big Spring Creek immediately downstream (west) of the US 191 bridge. The Chapter raised almost $25,000 to help fund this project. A special thanks goes out to the individuals and businesses who generously contributed. The Chapter also cut over 14,000 willows that were planted to stabilize the new stream banks. Other Projects The Chapter has initiated a new program to reduce the adverse impact of noxious weeds along Spring Creek by increasing awareness and conducting work projects to remove weeds in areas where spraying is not possible. We will be making an effort to partner with the Fergus County Weed District, landowners, Lewistown Junior High students, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP), and others. Additional local projects include: an annual trash clean-up on segments of Spring Creek and Fishing Access Sites (FAS); assisting with Lewistown s Kid s Fishing Day at the Frog Ponds; sponsoring local youth to attend the Conservation and Fly Fishing School held later this summer at Georgetown Lake; teaching fly casting to Junior High students; cleaning up barbed wire on the new FWP acquisition below town; and conducting a fund raising raffle at the Chokecherry Festival. In 2016, the Montana TU Board of Directors awarded the Chapter as the Outstanding Montana TU Chapter and President Mike Chapman received the Outstanding Volunteer award. Chapter meetings are conducted quarterly and include fly fishing or other informative programs. Meetings are advertised in the Lewistown News Argus. If you would like to learn more about the local Chapter, participate in projects, or be included on an list to be notified of meetings and activities, please contact Mike Chapman, at or bmchap@midrivers.com. The Ole Mercantile Bait ~ Beer ~ Snacks Ice Cream ~ Coffee Montana Made Gifts Montana Wild Rags Marine Motor Oil 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Beginning mid-april US Hwy 87S Grass Range, MT 59032

10 saturday, April 1, 2017 Central Montana Fishing Guide page 11 Another great year expected on Fort Peck From world-class walleye fishing to giant pike and hardfighting smallmouth bass, Fort Peck Lake offers a wide array of a n g l i n g opportunities. Stretching 130 miles from Petroleum County in the west to the earthfilled dam near Glasgow in the east, Fort Peck Reservoir is Montana s largest body of water. H e a t h Headley has been the FWP s fisheries manager on Fort Peck Lake for the past 11 years and he is expecting a good year on the lake. Things are looking good, Headley told the News-Argus in mid-march. It s largely a reflection of those high water years followed by good growth and survival. Not only are fish numbers good, but water levels are expected to be high enough for all the ramps to be useable including the Crooked Creek ramp in Northern Petroleum County, which is usually one of the first ramps to become unuseable in low water years. We ll have a better feel for that in a few weeks, said Headley, adding that based on snowpack the ramps should be ok. We are about a foot higher than we were last year at this time and we are not really expecting any big decreases. Headley said their surveys last year indicated walleye numbers above the long-term average and a lot of fish in the 20 to 25 inch range, which is about a 3 to 3-1/2 pound fish. One of the primary baitfish in the lake is cisco, and Headley said cisco numbers are high and there are a lot of big fish in the 8 to 9 inch range, which attract big walleye. But Headley said that can be a double-edged sword for fishermen. Cisco tend to stay in the cold, deep parts of the lake, and as summer goes on, that is where the big walleye will go, so that is where the fishermen may have to go as well. In the coming weeks, Headley and other FWP employees will work with volunteers from around the state at the annual Egg Take on the Big Dry Arm of Fort Peck Lake. Eggs gathered from female walleyes will be reared at state hatcheries and then the young fish will be planted in lakes around the region. Headley said they plan to stock Fort Peck with 2-3 million walleye fingerlings. Northern Pike also feed on Fishermen should expect plenty of action on Fort Peck this year. cisco and Headley said it should be another good year for northerns. Last year s surveys found numbers slightly down but still above the long-term average. Headley said smallmouth bass also appear to be doing well, with some of the prime areas being in the upper Big Dry Arm and up from Hell Creek. There are some better numbers in those areas and a person has a shot at a pretty darn nice smallmouth. Headley expects a decent year for salmon but probably not as good as last year, which he described as truly exceptional. Headley said a lot of the fish caught last year were three years old and weighed in the teens. This year, he is expecting to see more 4-year old fish, which would weigh around 20 pounds. Other species, such as lake trout, crappie and perch do not get as much attention but certainly draw anglers to the lake. Headley said from Fourchette Bay up through Devil s Creek and on up toward Crooked Creek can be good areas for crappie. One thing the west end of the lake is known for, he said, is catfish. There are a lot of people who target catfish in that upper stretch as the lake begins to transition back into river habitat. I quit for me Call today for FREE help and advice. so I could enjoy doing the things I love, like fishing the great outdoors. B QUIT-NOW QuitNowMontana.com & G irls C of l ewistown oys lu B Kimberly Haynes Tobacco Prevention Specialist Call Now QUIT-NOW QuitNowMontana.com

11 CENTRAL MONTANA FISHING GUIDE PAGE 12 Don t forget those last minute supplies! SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017 Fort Peck is a worldclass walleye fishery, but it also produces plenty of trophy-sized smallmouth bass, as shown here by Lewistown s Brad Johnson. Photo by Gene Sanford Send us your fishing photos Sack Lunches Coffee Slushies Open 4 a.m. 10 p.m. 102 W Main Lewistown Make sure to check for our specials Each year at this time, we encourage anglers to send in their photos from the season. We try to run the photos every two weeks in the Outdoors section of the Lewistown NewsArgus. Along with the photographs, please include any relevant information about the photo, such as a short story about the trip, people s names, the general location and who took the photograph. Mail your photos to: Reel to Reel; Lewistown NewsArgus; Box 900, Lewistown, MT, 59457; at editor@lewistownnews.com, as a JPEG; or call or Big Sky grocery f real Shakes Movies Open 5 a.m. 10 p.m W Main Lewistown Convenience with the Friendliest Service in Town! Pop & Beer Snacks Ice Coffee Fuel Pizza Sandwiches Grocieries Fishing Supplies Maps Your Source For Bulk Foods & Deli Items The Reuben & Linda Miller Family (406) Large Selection of Meat & Cheese Milkshakes Pickled Jar Goods Fresh Deli Sandwiches Fresh Fruit HOURS: Mon. - Fri., 9 am - 6 pm Saturday, 9 am - 4 pm, Closed Sunday US Hwy 87 Moore, MT Lewistown Kids Fishing Day June 17 Lewistown s annual kids fishing day will take place June 17 this year at the Frog Ponds. The 10 a.m. to noon free event will feature demonstrations on water safety, casting and fish identification. Everyone is welcome, however, the activities are geared for children ages Prizes, purchased at local businesses, will be available, including fishing poles, nets, tackle boxes, hats and more. Those who attend are encouraged to bring their own fishing tackle, and no one is required to have a fishing license on Saturday, June 17, at the town s Frog Ponds. The event is sponsored by Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the federal Bureau of Land Management. Volunteers from the local Walleye s Unlimited and Trout Unlimited chapters will be on hand as well.