Helena Recreation Report by Bob Ward and Sons – 7.26.13
By angelamontana

Posted: July 26, 2013

Terrestrials 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 which will not be in full bloom until later this month.

Missouri River:

The Mo is fishing very well in the early morning and late evening. We recommend using a CDC Emerger and Goddard Caddis. Hoppers tipped with a purple haze parachute are going slower but will work for some mid-day action.

Canyon Ferry:

Floating jig heads tipped with a worm have been producing some beautiful rainbows. For Walleye, try using a deep diving Rapala in a Perch or Minnow color, especially effective in the early mornings and evenings.

Blackfoot River:

Early morning and late evening has been amazing using red or yellow belly humpies tipped with yellow and brown CDC Emergers. Mid-day pitching yellow belly hoppers with a Prince Nymph dropper will slowly but surely product fish as well.

Boulder River:

Boulder is fishing ok. Try using CDC Emergers and Elk Hair Caddis; both are catching Browns and Rainbows. During mid-day, we recommend throwing a tan or yellow-belly hopper.

Holter Lake:

Trolling is still the ticket on Holter. For Rainbows, try trolling some cowbells off of a deep running down-rigger. For Walleye, try fishing Perch or Firetiger pattern Rapalas—this works well especially in the early mornings and late evenings. Try fishing the Rapalas by casting them toward the shoreline in the lower canal—usually a great mid-summer approach to land some great tasting Walleye.

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

New Podcast!

Riley's Meats - Butte Wild Game Processing