Improving Rainbow Fishing In the Helena Reservoirs Fishing Report
By Kjel

Posted: August 21, 2012

Canyon Ferry:  Rainbow trout fishing has picked up throughout the reservoir.  Trolling cranks (silver, green and perch colored), spoons (hammered copper or silver) or cowbells has produced fish in 15 to 45 feet of water.  Walleye fishing continues to be best early in the morning and late in the evening.  The primary bite continues to be mid reservoir, especially between Goose Bay and Duck Creek, trolling worm harnesses in 15 to 40 feet of water and jigging bay points.  However, the south end of the reservoir continues to consistently produce fish in 6 to 18 feet of water while trolling worm harnesses (copper and silver blades) tipped with worms or leeches.  Vertical jigging (black, brown and orange) for walleye on bay points has been effective between Confederate and Hellgate.  Yellow perch are being caught throughout the reservoir.  Adam Strainer, FWP, Helena

Hauser:  Rainbow action is fair with a few being caught while trolling cowbells or crankbaits in deep water around Black Sandy or in the Riverside area.  An occasional rainbow is being caught at Riverside from shore on worms.  Some walleye are being caught in the Causeway at night or just before dark while using jigs tipped with worms or leeches.  Both trolling and shore fishing have had good results with a few perch being caught as well.  Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena

Holter:  Rainbows are still being caught while trolling cowbells at 30 to 50 feet deep in the mornings from Split Rock to Holter Dam.  Shore fishing for rainbows is slow.  Walleye fishing is still a bit slow, but using worms or leeches at 10 to 20 feet deep in lower reservoir bays and around Holter Dam is producing some fish.  Perch are being caught while searching for walleye.  Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena

Adam Strainer
Fisheries Technician
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Helena Area Resource Office
930 Custer Ave. W.
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 495-3263
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