Helena Recreation Report Bob Ward's Sports & Outdoors

Helena Recreation Report by Bob Ward’s Sports and Outdoors (7.29.16)
By angelamontana

Posted: July 29, 2016

Fishing/Hunting
Fishing:

Boulder/Prickly Pear: If you’re looking for some smaller water it’s a gorgeous place, water is a low and clear. Dry fly fishing is here!!! We’d recommend throwing some Caddis (#16) at any risers. Terrestrials are out as well—ants and beetles mostly but we’re starting to see some small hoppers jumping around out there so make sure to bring along your favorite hopper pattern…just make sure to stick to smaller patterns until we start seeing the big ones.

Canyon Ferry: Time to get your boat out! The walleye bite is picking up and the trout bite is hot. For trout we’d recommend using worms, egg sucking leeches, PowerBait, egg patterns, and egg sacks. For Walleye we recommend tossing some cranks or jigs with perch (or fire tiger); worm harnesses are also starting to work. Early mornings and evenings try cruising out in the flats with cranks or worm harnesses above the duck ponds as Walleye are active, especially early mornings and late afternoons. Once you find the walleye switch over to jigging leeches and let the fishing begin. If you’re after trout try the north end—the bite has been consistent, if you’re closer to the south-end try fishing by the dykes for some cruising rainbows. Remember that mid-day makes for a lot of non-fishing boaters so stay save and have some fun out there!

Hauser Lake: Walleye bite is on and jigging is the ticket. If you’re struggling getting some bites troll a bottom bouncer or crank to until you get into them then switch to jigging some leeches. If you fishing from shore try throwing some rainbow jigs and snap jig to hook up on some trout. For walleye crankbaits or snap jigging leeches on a perch colored jig head is your ticket.

Missouri River: Fishing has been awesome on the Mo! We’d recommend throwing Trico’s, Caddis, and Terrestrials. Trico’s start to hit the river mid-morning typically between 9 am and noon. Caddis are a great choice in the evenings. Dry fly fishing is great right now all day long—if you like throwing some drys get out to the Mo now for some great fishing. Hoppers haven’t decided to show yet but ants and beetles are working great right now.

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