Helena Recreation Report by Bob Ward & Sons – 3.7.14
By angelamontana

Posted: March 7, 2014

Hunting:

While grabbing your new fishing license at Bob Ward’s we can also handle your Sportsman’s licenses so you are all set-up for your applications when they roll-out.  Spring Bear season starts April 15th and Spring Turkey starts April 13th.  Mountain lion season (with hounds) ends April 14th.  Wolf season is still going on through March 15th.   Please review your regulations for specific details on the areas you plan on hunting.  And make sure to bring pictures down of your successful hunts and post them on are bulletin board.

Fishing:

Canyon Ferry Lake: the bite for Walleye is on.  The bite is doing well at night when the moon is bright; they are also pretty aggressive in between temperature swings, typically morning before 8am and evenings after 8pm.  Last weekend, ice conditions were solid, around 20”, however, mid-week things started to warm up…so please be careful and pay attention to ice thickness and ridges.  We recommend throwing some small spoons tipped with maggots.

Missouri River: the fishing has slowed but you might try fishing the stretch between Craig and the dam.  The bite is best in the mornings and evenings during the temperature swing.  Pink scuds or bead headed nymphs like flash prince nymphs or lightening bugs are the ticket right now.  You might also try fishing the Rainbow Czech, Wired body San Juan worms, or Hot head Ray Charles…stick with pinks and purples—they have been really working well.    Fish the deeper pools and tail-waters and try split-shotting to get your nymphs down deep, the cold water temperatures have forced the trout into deeper waters.

(Report by Ryan Corwin-Bob Ward & Sons)

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