There continues to be plenty of good opportunities around Helena for fishing. Fish are being caught on a consistent basis on all major reservoirs in the area. As rivers are fluctuating on a daily basis with spring runoff, reservoirs will be your better bet.
Canyon Ferry: Rainbow trout fishing remains consistent throughout the reservoir. Cruising trout are being caught from shore Outhouse, Shannon, Goose Bay and Confederate using worms, marabou jigs tipped with worms or fly fishing gear (nymphs, woolly buggers or worm imitations). Boat anglers are doing well in 15 to 20 feet of water trolling cranks or cowbells near White Earth, Confederate and Cemetery Island. Walleye anglers are having some success, but recent cool temperatures have slowed the bite considerably. Successful anglers are catching walleye throughout the south end of the reservoir trolling worm harnesses and cranks in 15 to 20 feet of water. Some walleye are being picked up mid reservoir while vertically jigging bay points. No report for yellow perch or ling. Adam Strainer, FWP, Helena
Hauser: Rainbow fishing is good below Canyon Ferry Dam. Boat anglers are drifting jigs and worms while shore anglers are using worms or Powerbait. Rainbows are also being caught around White Sandy while trolling cowbells tipped with a worm. A few walleye are being caught in Lake Helena and the Causeway while trolling crankbaits or bottom bouncers with leeches. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena
Holter: Rainbow fishing continues to be good especially in the lower reservoir from Split Rock to Holter Dam. Trolling cowbells tipped with a worm or Rock n’ Rolls are working the best. Rainbow fishing from shore has been slow. A few walleye and perch are being caught, but overall fishing is slow. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena
Troy Humphrey
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks