Summer patterns are locking in on Holter Lake, and while the fish are moving a bit deeper, the action remains steady across the board. Whether you are hunting for deep-water walleye near the canyon mouth, targeting hard-fighting trout in the legendary Land of the Giants, or looking to cross paths with an elusive kokanee salmon, finding success right now comes down to depth control and dialing in your presentation.
Here’s the latest report from Jonathan Miller with Capital Sports in Helena–a Montana Outdoor Approved partner:
Holter:
Gates is still fishing good. Mainly in the deep water though. If you are targeting walleye the canyon mouth is a good place to start. Drop shot is the stand-by with a perch patterns or a white split tail or drip minnow is a safe place to start. However, a pinched crawler is also effective. Also using a pinched crawler on a jig head slowly drug by the bottom is proving very effective. Some other hot spots to look onto is Willow Creek and Cottonwood creek bays. The perch also tend to set up in these areas as well. I have heard of some action by the clay banks on the lower section as well.
Trout are biting decently in the Land of the Giants. Still same baits as last week. Streamers for fly fisherman and zonkers if you are casting. Brown and yellow or black and green are safe colors to try. Trolling through then canyon can yield results but most of the action is in the lower portion. Any where from split rock to Holter dam will yield fish. Snap weights with a dodger and a squid is the bait of choice. The trick is to shorten the leader on the squid down to somewhere between 12” to 18”. Let the dodger whip the squid around and give it some good action. Tip it with some scented corn and you’re in business. I prefer chartreuse, pink or a purple squid. Wedding rings are also a good choice. Troll anywhere from 1.0mph to 2.0mph. If targeting trout, favor the faster side and for kokanee keep it on the slower side. Depth range to target is 25’ to 35’
Kokanee have been being caught. Few and far between but some folks have found some fortune. They are spread throughout the lake so there is no real hot spot I have heard of but as long as you are between split rock and the dam you have a chance.
If you’re heading out to fish, stop by Capital Sports at 1092 Helena Ave in Helena, and tell them the Captain with the Montana Outdoor Radio Show sent you!
