With a potential smallmouth bass state record just caught in Fort Peck Reservoir (click HERE for that story), it is being noticed that smallmouth bass are being caught by some anglers at Canyon Ferry. Adam Strainer, a Fisheries Technician with Montana FWP, has some information on the subject and sent us the following information:
A few adult smallmouth bass are reportedly caught each year at Canyon Ferry Reservoir and are generally caught somewhere on the North End (near the dam) of the reservoir. Our summer creel clerks typically weigh and measure less than two annually in the same area. So, although we don’t see large numbers of the species, they are more common than one might think. This August we sampled a large male (approximately 15-inches) in our mid month gillnetting series and, just this past week, we sampled some juveniles (approximately 9-inches) and young of the year (approximately 2-inches). All of the aforementioned fish were sampled between Magpie Bay and Hellgate Bay along the west shore. So, there is some successful spawning occurring annually and apparently enough habitat to recruit some fish to adulthood. I’ve attached photo’s of the fish I described above. The pencil in the latter two photo’s is 6-inches.
A few adult smallmouth bass are reportedly caught each year at Canyon Ferry Reservoir and are generally caught somewhere on the North End (near the dam) of the reservoir. Our summer creel clerks typically weigh and measure less than two annually in the same area. So, although we don’t see large numbers of the species, they are more common than one might think.
This August we sampled a large male (approximately 15-inches) in our mid month gillnetting series and, just this past week, we sampled some juveniles (approximately 9-inches) and young of the year (approximately 2-inches). All of the aforementioned fish were sampled between Magpie Bay and Hellgate Bay along the west shore. So, there is some successful spawning occurring annually and apparently enough habitat to recruit some fish to adulthood.
I’ve attached photo’s of the fish I described above. The pencil in the latter two photo’s is 6-inches.
(Report and photos by Adam Strainer – Montana FWP)
Bill the Salmon Slayer Lands Fish LIVE on the Air
By Kamp Cook
Whitefish Bite on Flathead is On!!!
Montana Fishing Reports for 8/13/22
Whitefish and Salmon Frenzy – Listen to Last Weeks Show 8/13/22
Nelson Reservoir Fishing Report by Brian Olson 8.12.22
By angelamontana
BEST DRIFTBOAT ANCHOR!!!
By Montana Grant
MOLDY BREAD!!!
Heatwave Survival Hacks
By Krawdaddy Jones
The Big Ones Are Being Caught on Catchin the Big Ones
FWP News: Decision notice issued for Smith River Camp Baker bank stabilization project
LOW FLOWS TRIGGER FULL FISHING CLOSURE ON SECTION OF UPPER BIG HOLE RIVER
By Moosetrack Megan
Officials say problem grizzly spotted in Van Lake Campground
LOST FISHING and HUNTING TIME!!!
FISHIN IN DA HOOD!!!
Brett French reports: Elk symposium seeks solutions
Thermos Thursday: The Cauldryn
Rock Creek is Rockin!
FWP News: BLOCK MANAGEMENT AREA MAPS NOW AVAILABLE FOR REGION 4
FWP News: FWP SEEKING INPUT ON PROPOSED RESTORATION OF WESTSLOPE CUTTHROAT TROUT IN RAINBOW LAKE
General Fishing and Whitefish Report by the Macman 8.10.22
Updated Fires in Montana 8.10.22
Interactive Montana Shooting Range Map
Anglers can get $10,000 by catching a record smallmouth bass
Walleye Wednesday: Walleye Wings!