Fresh off the line from Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, here’s the latest scoop on fishing and ice around the Helena-area reservoirs. Ice conditions are all over the map right now — one step might be solid, the next might be a splash — so don’t let your guard down. If you’re heading out, check before you trek and play it smart. The good news is that there are still plenty of fish to chase out there…trout, walleye, perch, kokanee, even burbot. Stay sharp, stay safe, and good luck out there. 🎣
Canyon Ferry: Rainbows and walleyes are being caught around Duck Creek and from the Silos to the Ponds near the shore in 15 feet of water or less while using Halis or pink jigs and maggots or worms. There are boats getting out and fishing for rainbows around Shannon and Yacht Basin. Perch and an occasional burbot are being caught at Duck Creek in 30 to 35 feet of water while using ice flies and maggots. There is 5 inches of ice from Duck Creek to the Ponds; however, it is starting to pull away from shore in areas and deteriorating. White Earth to the dam is open water. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena
Hauser: No safe ice. Most of the reservoir remains open water or has unstable ice conditions. Lake Helena also has open water and unstable ice conditions. Bank fishing for rainbows has been productive around the Causeway area and Black Sandy campground while using worms, Powerbait, or balanced leeches below an indicator. A few rainbows, walleye, and burbot are being caught below Canyon Ferry Dam while using various jigs, Rapalas, cut bait, or worms and a marshmallow. A few boat anglers are finding some nice rainbows while using leech patterns or marabou jigs around the Spokane Bay area. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
Holter: No safe ice. Most of the reservoir including the lower end near the dam remains open water or has unstable ice conditions. Good numbers of rainbows are being caught around the Gates of the Mountains area from shoreline and boat anglers. Crawlers and a marshmallow or Powerbait has been working well, and balanced leeches under an indicator is also producing some nice trout. On the lower end of the reservoir, perch fishing has been good for boat anglers willing to fish out in the wind near the Prairie Dog Town, Departure Point, and other small bays and points on the west side of the reservoir. Most are having luck jigging with various jigs and maggots or worm pieces. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir: The ice has been extremely variable lately. The north end access area near the inlet and out towards the Island is open water or unstable ice conditions. There is 3-4 inches of ice out in the middle part of the reservoir and most anglers have been heading out onto the ice from the south end. Kokanee fishing has been great while using pink or blue Hali jigs with maggots or corn in 30-45 feet of water. A few perch are being caught while using the same equipment near the bottom. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
Feature photo via Emholk from Getty Images Signature
