Hunting:    

This weekend marks the start of general pheasant and antelope season. With Bob Ward’s as your outfitter you are prepared for every season. Make sure to check your gear, stock up on ammo, and get the necessities before you head out, including bear spray. We also have a copy of the regulations in store. Don’t head out without them.

Fishing:        

Canyon Ferry Lake: Rainbow trout have been fairly productive around Duck Creek and the Silos; try trolling cowbells or a flashy spoon tipped with a worm.  Shoreline fishing has been productive as well—try throwing marshmallows or Powerbait.  The Walleye are still productive as well.  The south end to mid-lake has been producing plenty of Walleye; if you’re in deeper water try targeting the Walleye around 30’ deep with a crawling harness with worm; you can also try vertical jigging with a chartreuse jig head tipped with a worm.

Helena Regulating Reservoir:  Snagging season for Kokanee Salmon is in full swing and will continue through the end of October.

Holter Lake:  Rainbow fishing has been pretty solid with cowbell and worms; try trolling for trout between the dam and Split Rock.  If you want to try from shore, Rainbows are being caught near the gates.  For Walleye or Perch try fishing the bends from Split Rock toward the Gates with some jigging or casting Rapalas toward the shore.

Missouri River: The big “Mo” is fishing well, cooler nights have kept the trout happy and hungry.  For dry flies we’d recommend Purple Haze, Parachute Adams, and BWOs sizes 16-18.  For nymph fishing try throwing Lightning Bugs or Pheasant Tails.  Most of the bugs have been livelier in the evenings so during the day don’t hesitate to have some fun with streamers as well.

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