Helena Recreation Report by Bob Ward and Sons – 7.12.13
By angelamontana

Posted: July 12, 2013

Helena

Terrestrials should be getting going and should be in your fly box no matter where you are. We’d recommend parachute ants (size 14-16), black beetles (14-16), and hoppers will not be in full bloom until later this month.

Missouri River:

The Mo is fishing great, try throwing dry flies such as caddis, blue-winged olives, hoppers, and yellow humpies. For nymphs we’d recommend using Prince nymphs and wooly buggers in olive or black; both have been doing well for catching Browns.

Canyon Ferry:

If trolling is an option for you, that’s the ticket right now. Mid-evening trolling with jointed shad raps in a shad or perch color is producing large fish. Mid day try fishing deeper with a jig head and worm, or leech off rock points for walleye. For Rainbow trout, don’t hesitate to troll some cowbells…this is always a winning strategy out here.

The Causeway:

Power-Bait or worms tipped with marshmallows have been working wonders for the trout up here. For Walleye, floating jigs tipped with leeches or jigs in perch color tipped with Berkley Gulp 3” live minnows.

Little Black Foot:

Ants and golden stones are the ticket here tries. Your best bet is to try throwing them toward the bank and working them down stream.

Holter Lake:

Once again, trolling is the ticket here. Deep diving jointed shad raps in Rainbow color, Perch, or Firetiger have been the ticket. Wedding rings tipped with leeches are always a good bet if the crankbaits are getting any strikes. As far as shore fishing goes, try throwing worms tipped with marshmallows or power bait in orange or pink.

Prickly Pear:

Caddis, ants, beetles, and humpies are working great on the prickly, try using a small leader size 6x or even 7x. Mid day fish been a bit picky but you’ll still be able to get a few hits with a Biot Sparkle Stone or a Prince Nymph

(Report by Ryan Corwin – Bob Ward and Sons; Cover Photo: headhuntersflyshop.com)

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