Helena Area Recreation Report by Bob Ward and Sons – 8.16.13
By angelamontana

Posted: August 16, 2013

Terrestrials are in full swing and should be in your fly box no matter where you’re at. We’d recommend Para Caddis Tans and hoppers.

Missouri River:

The Missouri is still fishing well. The fish are getting a bit pickier, but the smaller flies (about size 20-22 in a Zebra Midge or Copper John are producing some fish mid-day but best time is early morning or late evening for these fish. Pitching Rooster-tails in a Rainbow or Brown color has been working throughout the day.

Canyon Ferry:

Floating jig heads tipped with a worm has 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. You can also try fishing some Cowbells and a worm about 20-40’ for Rainbows.

Hauser Lake and below Hauser Dam:

Cowbells are still producing Rainbows; gold colors seem to be getting hits regularly. Walleyes are getting pickier by the day but still catch-able. Trolling Rapala in a Shad or Jointed deep diving minnow patterns is a great approach. Below the dam, casting Perch colored Rapala has been fishing very well.

Boulder River:

Anything resembling a Stone fly pattern in Olive or Dark Brown is producing large amounts of Rainbows. You’ll find the Browns in deeper holes, in faster moving water. Small Rooster-tails in size 1/8 oz is working wonders if you prefer spin casting.

Little Blackfoot River:

Keep to the faster moving water and deeper holes…they’ve been the ticket. Throwing any Stone fly pattern is a sure bet, as most dry fly action has been slow but small green or yellow belly hoppers will get some action.

Prickly Pear:

Water levels are a bit low but the fish are still biting. Try using a hopper dropped with a bead-headed nymph. We also had some stone flies in yellow or olive getting some bites in some of the deeper holes.

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

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