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)
SUPERFLYS!!! #8
By Montana Grant
Bitterroot National Forest fees rising for first time in 20 years
By Moosetrack Megan
ATF & Mineral County Sheriff’s Office offer $5,000 reward for info on St. Regis gun shop theft
Grizzly Bear goes after kayaker [VIDEO]
By angelamontana
PUBLIC COMMENT SOUGHT ON DRAFT 2021–2022 MIGRATORY GAME BIRD REGULATIONS
FWP PROPOSING REGULATION CHANGES ON CANYON FERRY AND HAUSER RESERVOIRS
Brett French presents: Avalanche fatalities closing in on record
FUTURE FISHERIES PROJECTS APPROVED
GROUNDHOG DAY!!!
BURBOT BABBLE!!!
Central to Eastern Montana Fishing Report 2.24.21
Would you try an electric snow scooter?
2021 Smith River permit drawing results now available
FWP AND PARTNERS RELEASE BIGHORN SHEEP IN TENDOY MOUNTAINS
Mountain lions strolling in Great Falls
DIY Paper Log for Fire
Protect Montana’s Waters from Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
Fort Peck Ice Report by Lakeridge Lodging and Bait Shop 2.23.21
Kootenai River fishing report by Linehan Outfitting 2.22.21
Archery courses available for schools
Custer Gallatin National Forest releases environmental assessment for 39,000-acre project
Gianforte signs bill to allow free fishing on Mother’s Day weekend
Spaghetti and Bear Meat Meatballs Recipe
Bitterroot River fishing scores 3/5 with Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop 2.22.21
