With lake levels holding stable at 86% and inflows steady around 2,800 cfs, Canyon Ferry is serving up a mix of frustration and fun. The walleye are playing a classic game of cat-and-mouse—offering steady action down south but playing hide-and-seek to the north, where the fish are fewer but larger. Meanwhile, the rainbow trout action from mid-lake to the dam is an absolute riot. Here is what Jonathan Miller with Montana Outdoor Approved Capital Sports in Helena says you need to know to crack the code this week:
Canyon Ferry:
The walleye seem to want to play a game of cat and mouse. The South end has seemed to stay somewhat consistent with bottom bouncers. I would try something bright like a chartreuse or fire tiger but with the inflow slowing down purple, blue or black/gold have worked well for me in the past. The walleye from about mid lake to the North end are the ones being bothersome. One day they will be in a spot and feeding and 24 hours later they vanish. But the spots that had no fish might continue to not have fish or they may show up there. Very frustrating but that is walleye for you. If you want to chase these fish, generally the size is better. The biggest fish I usually catch will be from jigging shallow to deep. A sungill or perch pattern in a 3” paddle tail on a 1/4oz jig head is the staple bait of choice for me. But I have had luck with electric shad, Pro Blue Red Pearl and Tennessee shad too.
Rainbows are still around and active. Mainly mid lake to the dam but you could pick one up from time to time on the south end. They are still fighting hard and it has been an absolute riot! If you want to give this a shot, I would try trolling a smaller bodied, deeper diving crankbait or a wedding ring behind some cowbells. Fire tiger, Rainbow or Chartreuse and pearl are good colors to start with for the cranks and the standard orange, chartreuse or pink for the wedding rings. I have found the trout to be anywhere from only 10’ below the surface to 25’ in depths from 20’ to 60’. Troll at a speed from 1.5mph to 2.5mph.
Canyon Ferry inflow is staying around 2800cfs but lake level remains stable at 86%
