FWP to host Annual Northeast Montana Fishing Tour

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is organizing a Northeast Montana Fishing Tour for the public in the eastern half of Region 6. Participants both young and old are welcome to come out and enjoy a few hours of fishing and learning. The tour will be held from June 25-28, and a full list of the dates, times, locations and directions can be found below.

The fishing events are free of charge, and all equipment will be provided by FWP including fishing rods, bait, and tackle, but participants can bring their own equipment as well. Anglers will register at the site, and no fishing licenses will be necessary during the day of the event. Anglers can fish the whole time, or just show up for a part of the event.

This is the third year that FWP Region 6 has done a fishing tour. In 2017, fishing events were put on in eight locations in the eastern half of Region 6 and were well attended. In 2018, seven events took place in the western half of the Region, from Malta to Havre, but were poorly attended.

“We had a lot of fun taking people of all ages out fishing the first year,” said Marc Kloker, Region 6 Information and Education Manager, “but last year, in the western half of the region, attendance was quite poor; likely for a variety of reasons. We hope that the word gets out on this opportunity and that we get great attendance in the eastern half of the region again.”

The purpose of this tour is to both provide opportunity and learn something about the fisheries in Region 6. “If you have never been to these locations to fish before, or even if you have, this is a good opportunity to hear more about the fishery and have a fun day outside,” adds Kloker.

At each event, anglers will be provided information on fishing in Region 6, local fish species, regulations, and some give-a-ways. Participants will also be fishing for local species on the site, using a variety of methods and tactics, and can even learn how to fly cast/fish!

Anglers can attend the fishing events for as long as they would like and are welcome to go to more than one event in their area. The following list includes the date, time, locations and directions for the events. Flagging will be placed at most turns to help guide participants, and many places have permanent signs in place.

Tues., June 25th 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Townsite: Fort Peck

Fishing area: Winter Harbor

Fish species: Largemouth bass, blue gill, yellow perch

Directions: Just outside of Fort Peck on Hwy. 117, turn onto “Winter Harbor Road.” Watch for flagging and signs.

Wed., June 26th 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Townsite: Wolf Point

Fishing area: Lewis and Clark Fishing Access Site

Fish species: Sturgeon, catfish, sauger, and more!

Directions: Head south of Wolf Point on Highway 13. The fishing access site is just before the bridge over the Missouri. Watch for flagging and signs.

Wed., June 26th 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Townsite: Fairview

Fishing area: Snowden Bridge Fishing Access Site

Fish species: Sturgeon, catfish, sauger, and more!

Directions: From Hwy-201, turn north on County Rd. 351. From Hwy-58 in North Dakota, turn west on Country Rd. 147. Watch for flagging and signs.

Thurs., June 27th 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Townsite: Bainville

Fishing area: American Legion Ponds

Fish species: Northern pike, yellow perch

Directions: One-mile northwest of Bainville on Highway 2, south side of road. Watch for flagging and signs.

Thurs., June 27th 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Townsite: Plentywood

Fishing area: Box Elder Reservoir

Fish species: Yellow perch, walleye, northern pike, black bullhead

Directions: In Plentywood, turn north on Monroe St., following that to Box Elder St. Continue to the parking area at the east end of the dam. Watch for flagging and signs.

-Fri., June 28th 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Townsite: Whitetail/Flaxville

Fishing area: Whitetail Res. Fishing Access Site

Fish species: Yellow perch, northern pike

Directions: About six miles north of Flaxville, ¼ mile south of the town of Whitetail on Hwy-511. Turn east. Watch for flagging and signs.

Fri., June 28th 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Townsite: Madoc/Scobey

Fishing area: Buer Pond

Directions: Seven miles east of Scobey on Hwy-5, turn north on N. Madoc Rd, in about 2.5 miles turn left (west) at the end of a bunch of pine trees. Follow road for approximately 1.5 miles, then turn north after a farmstead. Follow two-track along ridge for approximately another mile. Watch for flagging and signs.

Participants should be prepared for inclement weather, insects, snakes, and warm conditions. The events will also be weather-dependent; if conditions are not favorable to travel on roads or the weather becomes dangerous, the events will be cancelled and not rescheduled. Drinking water will be provided. If there are any questions, or if you would like to volunteer to help at the event, please contact Region 6 Information and Education Manager Marc Kloker at 406-228-3704 (office), 406-480-9234 (cell), or email [email protected].