HELENA:
Missouri River:
The river is fishing very well all around. Morning and evening black and olive wooly buggers are a sure bet for browns. Nymphs are producing the best for rainbows Some reports of pale morning duns are coming in and caddis’ are in the lower to mid river. The best options for dries are Blue-winged olives, parachute adams and orange belly caddis.
Canyon Ferry:
Rainbows are hitting cowbells with worms or streamers at about 15 feet. Walleye are biting well. At the south end, try trolling cranks and live bait rigs in the shallows. Elsewhere in the lake, jigging on rocky bars and points is the best bet.
Hauser Lake:
Rainbows are going crazy for shad colored crank baits. Walleye fishing has been good with perch or gold crankbaits. At the causeway, try marshmallows, worms or a jig tipped with worm or leech.
Holter Lake:
Rainbows are responding well to cowbells with worms. If your looking for some slower paced fishing try marshmallow or powerbait. Kokanee are being caught regularly with cowbells and jointed shad crank baits. Depth seems to be key so plan on adjusting until you find what is working for the day. Walleye fishing is slower depending on the day and weather. Try bottom bouncers with a worm or leech at about 20 feet. Trolling lipped crank baits is another option that has been seeing some success.
Lake Helena:https://www.montanaoutdoor.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=24196&action=edit&message=1
Walleyes are slowing down. Troll crank baits and use bright colors and rattles for your best success. Jigs are also working tipped with worms or leeches in the evening.
Boulder River:
Flow is very high but fish are still hitting. Try a dry with an attractor nymph off the back. As usual, Red and purple are consistently producing.
Prickly Pear:
Very small rooster tails in brown color are working great for spinning. An orange belly caddis dropped with a lime green or red scud will have you hauling in fish left and right.
(Report by Ryan Corwin – Bob Ward and Sons – photo: glaquarium.org)