Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report
By Kjel

Posted: February 13, 2012

Canyon Ferry: The rainbow trout bite continues to be steady throughout the south end of the reservoir, especially near Pond 4. Various colors of jigs or ice flies (primarily black, green and orange), tipped with worms or maggots, in 3 to 12 feet of water. The yellow perch bite has slowed over the past few weeks, but successful anglers are doing well between Duck Creek and Hole-in-the-Wall. Hali Jig’s and Swedish Pimple’s, tipped with maggots or worms and fished in 35 to 50 feet of water, continue to be the method of choice. The early morning hours seem to be producing the best bite overall for all species. A few walleye are being caught throughout the reservoir. No report for ling. Adam Strainer, FWP, Helena

Hauser: Rainbow fishing is slow from shore below Canyon Ferry Dam. Rainbows are being caught through the ice at the Causeway while using spawn sacks or jigs tipped with maggots or a worm. Ice at the Causeway is 10-12 inches thick while Black Sandy has 4-8 inches. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena

Holter: A few anglers are getting out on the ice, but fishing has been slow. The ice is still very unstable in places. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena

Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir: Kokanee fishing is very good with Glo Hooks and orange or green ice jigs tipped with a maggot or corn. The kokanee are being caught at varying depths with a soft jigging action working best. A few perch are being caught as well. There is 12-14 inches of ice. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena

Anglers are reminded that ice conditions can be extremely variable on the reservoirs. Ice thickness can range from thick enough to support a vehicle to open water. Extreme caution should be used when accessing the ice.

From:   Troy Humphrey and Adam Strainer

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