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.
Canyon Ferry: Rainbow trout fishing has been slow, but a few fish are being caught between Pond 4 and the Silos. Successful anglers are using wooly buggers or ice flies tipped with maggots or worms. Some yellow perch, and few smaller walleye, are being caught between Hole-in-the-Wall and Duck Creek Bay in 30 to 40 feet of water. Swedish pimples and Hali jigs, tipped with maggots or perch eyes, seem to be working best. Ice conditions have been reported at 7 to 12-inches between Pond 4 and Confederate Bay, 9-inches near White Earth and 5-inches on the north end of the reservoir. Adam Strainer, FWP, Helena
Hauser: Rainbow fishing is slow in the Causeway where there is 8-10 inches of ice. A few rainbows are being caught near Riverside Campground from shore while using worms. No report for perch or walleye. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena
Holter: Ice is still questionable with a maximum thickness of 5 inches. A few anglers ventured out on the ice around Log Gulch; however, overall fishing was slow. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena
Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir: Kokanee fishing is very good. The kokanee are being caught in 20-30 feet of water on pink or green ice jigs tipped with corn or maggots. A number of small perch are being caught in 8 to 10 feet of water on maggots. There is 14-15 inches of ice. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena
Report by Adam Strainer, Fisheries Technician, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks – Helena Area Resource Office
