If you’ve been looking for a sign to ditch the chores and grab your tackle box, this is it. The fish aren’t just biting right now—they’re practically auditioning for a spot on your wall. From “amazing” rainbow trout numbers at Holter to a walleye party over at Lake Helena, the local waters are putting on a clinic. Whether you’re a fly-fishing purist or a “throw-on-a-worm-and-chill” enthusiast, here is the latest intel from the FWP on where the action is heating up:
Canyon Ferry: Rainbow fishing continues to be very good throughout the reservoir. Shore fishing around the Outhouse and Shannon while using leech pattern or black nymphs or from mid reservoir to the Silos while using worms or powerbait has been a consistent producer. Trolling crankbaits or spoons has resulted in a lot of rainbow action in all areas of the reservoir. Boat anglers had good success for walleyes between Pond 4 and the river mouth and from Pond 1 to Duck Creek while trolling crankbaits or using jigs with a worm. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena
Hauser: Walleye fishing in Lake Helena has been productive and good numbers of fish are being picked up while using crankbaits, bottom bouncers with walleye spinner rigs and various jigs or plastic baits. A few Rainbows are being caught below Canyon Ferry Dam while using egg sacks or Power Bait. York Bridge boat ramp is a popular spot for fly fishing and egg flies, wooly buggers, and leech patterns are working well. Boat anglers are catching a few rainbows while trolling cowbells between Black Sandy and the Powerlines. An occasional walleye is being caught from shore at the Causeway Bridge with jigs and worms. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
Holter: Rainbow fishing has been amazing, and fish are everywhere along the shorelines. The Gates of the Mountains area, Departure Point, Log Gulch, and the BLM boat ramp have been popular locations. Most anglers have been using egg patterns, beads, balanced leech flies or various spinners. Some anglers are doing well with night crawlers, spawn sacks, or power bait. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena