As warmer weather settles into the region, fishing activity is picking up across the Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter reservoirs. Anglers are reporting solid success rates, with rainbow trout moving into deeper water and walleye activity intensifying in key hotspots. Whether you prefer the accessibility of shoreline fishing or the versatility of boat trolling, the current conditions offer a great opportunity to get out on the water.
Here is the latest breakdown of conditions and techniques from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) to help you plan your next outing.
Canyon Ferry: Some rainbows are still being targeted and caught from shore between the Outhouse, Shannon and Kim’s Marina while using leech pattern flies or small black or brown nymphs as well as spawn sacks or worms. Boat anglers are finding success for rainbows throughout the reservoir as the fish are moving offshore. Try using rapalas or flashers to catch some large rainbows. The Silos area is producing walleyes and rainbows around Pond 3 and the river while using rapalas, bottom bouncers with a worm harness, or jigs with a worm. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena
Hauser. The walleye bite out on Lake Helena has really turned on recently with the warmer temperatures that we have had. Trolling various crankbaits, crawler harnesses, or using slip bobbers and leeches has been working well. A few perch are being caught with the same equipment. Rainbow fishing continues to be good below Canyon Ferry Dam while using Power Bait, nightcrawlers, or leech and Wooly Bugger flies. Boat anglers are catching rainbows while trolling blue, silver, or brown crankbaits around York Bridge and Black Sandy. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
Holter: Rainbow fishing continues to be great, and more anglers have been getting out in there boats with the nice weather. Trolling brown, yellow, and orange crankbaits on the lower end of the reservoir has been producing good numbers of trout. Using cowbells and spinner combos tipped with a worm is also working well. Flyfishing has been very productive near the shorelines for trout and using small zebra midges or balanced leeches is popular. Walleye and perch fishing has been slow but look for this to pick up soon, try jigging with crawlers around various points and weed beds. A few anglers have been out fishing for kokanee near the Dam with downriggers, dodgers and kokanee spinners but not many kokanee are being caught at this time. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena