Mixed Results in the Helena Area Reservoirs Report
By Kjel

Posted: August 14, 2012

Canyon Ferry:  Mixed results for rainbow trout continue to be the trend.  Trolling cranks (green, orange and perch colored), spoons (copper or silver) or cowbells, around Confederate, Goose Bay and Round Top (15 to 40 feet), have produced the best bite.  Walleye fishing continues to be best early in the morning and late in the evening.  The best walleye bite has been mid reservoir, especially around White Earth and Goose Bay, trolling worm harnesses in 15 to 30 feet of water and jigging bay points.  However, south end ponds continue to consistently produce fish in 6 to 12 feet of water while trolling worm harnesses and slow death rigs tipped with worms or leeches.  Vertical jigging (black, brown and orange) for walleye on bay points has been effective between Confederate and the Dam.  Yellow perch are being caught throughout the reservoir.  Adam Strainer, FWP, Helena

Hauser:  Rainbow action remains inconsistent with a few being caught while trolling deep water in the early morning hours with crankbaits around Riverside and Spokane Bay.  Shore fishing for walleye at the Causeway Bridge at night has produced some good action.  Bottom bouncing or jigging with worms in the Causeway has produced good results. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena

Holter:  The rainbows have gone deep, but those trolling cowbells at 30 to 50 feet deep are finding good results in the mornings from Split Rock to Holter Dam.  Shore fishing for rainbows is slow.  Walleye fishing slowed a bit, 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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