Montana Fish Report

Winter trout fishing
Don’t let your trout fishing season end just because the cold weather has arrived. Here are just some of the weekend opportunities from this week’s Rec Report:

• Several ponds and lakes in the Willamette Zone just took delivery of large brood trout.
• In the Southeast Zone, the Ana River has been kicking out trout in the 12-to 16-inch range. The Blitzen also has great year-round fishing.
• Expo and Reinhart ponds in the Southwest Zone were recently stocked with legal and larger trout last week.
• The Central Zone has several popular winter trout fisheries including the Deschutes, Fall, and Metolius rivers. Also the Crooked River, which has rebounded in 2017.

Brrrrrrring on the ducks
Freezing temperatures throughout the state will make conditions uncomfortable for duck hunters, and better for duck hunting. Frozen ponds and marshes can put ducks on the move as they look for open water. Check out the Game Bird Hunting Report for updates from our wildlife areas.

Whale Watch Week is Dec. 27–31.
Trained volunteers will be on hand at spots along the Oregon coast to help people see and learn about gray whales as they head south for the winter. Find out more at Whale Watching Spoken Here.

DIY whale watching
Tools needed: binoculars, rain gear, patience

Although the official Whale Watching Spoken Here events don’t begin until Dec. 27, whales should be visible along the north Oregon coast anytime now. Some prominent viewpoints to see them include Cape Kiwanda (near Pacific City), Cape Lookout (near Netarts), Cape Meares (near Oceanside), Neah-Kah-Nie Mtn. (near Manzanita), Cape Falcon (near Arch Cape), Silver Point (near Cannon Beach) and Tillamook Head (near Seaside).

Winter steelhead water watch
This time of year, water conditions for winter steelhead fishing can vacillate between too low and clear, and too high and muddy. Successful anglers will 1) adjust their gear and tackle for current conditions, and/or 2) be ready to hit the water when water conditions improve – usually once water levels start to drop after a good rain.  Check out the zone reports for your best bets.