Helena Recreation Report by Bob Ward’s Sports & Outdoors (7.4.14)
By angelamontana

Posted: July 4, 2014

Hunting:
If you are interested in getting on the hunt roster for game damage hunts then go to fwp.mt.gov and click on Hunt Roster. You can sign up all the way through July 15th. These are special hunts that are used as a management tool for maintaining appropriate deer, elk, and antelope populations on private and public lands. Currently the damage hunts are being set up to control the elk population near livestock to reduce the spread and contraction of brucellosis.

Fishing:
Canyon Ferry Lake: Trout have been consistently biting especially on the north end. For shoreline fishing try using some spawn sacs, night crawlers, or leeches. If you are out on a boat try trolling some cowbells or spoons tipped with a worm or leech. If walleye is more your speed try fishing the south end by the Silos. Water levels have decreased and all the boat ramps are available. The average size Walleye is about 16-18” in length, but some big one’s are in there too; a 32” Walleye was snagged by the winning team in last week’s tournament. Bring your crawling harnesses, bottom bouncers, and leeches and try trolling around Pond #1. Perch and Firetiger Rapalas have also been doing well. Camp grounds are starting to fill up as we near the 4th of July so the Lake should be hopping.

Missouri River: It’s dry fly season on the big Mo! Dry fly action is great so make sure to bring some Caddis, BWOs, or PMDs to toss at any risers you might see, bring some Gink to keep your dry flies on top. PMDs have been effective early mornings and late afternoons. The Caddis hatch has been pretty solid so bring a few extras. For nymphing, we’d recommend throwing some Caddis Pupas, Scuds, Czech Nymphs, and wire body San Juan worms.

Hauser Lake: Try trolling for some ‘Bows around Black Sandy with some cowbells and a spoon. Some smaller Walleye have been getting caught around the Causeway, try trolling a two-hook crawling harness tipped with a leech.

(Report by Ryan Corwin-Bob Ward’s Sports & Outdoors)

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