Jonathan Miller with Montana Outdoor Approved Capital Sports in Helena reported on June 11, 2026 that Holter is heating up and offering action across the board. From the weedy shallows near the Gates to the deeper waters of the lower lake, anglers are finding success on everything from toothy pike to stubborn walleye and fast-acting trout. If you’re heading out this week, here is exactly where the fish are biting and the specific setups, colors, and trolling speeds you need to trigger a strike.
Here’s his full report:
Holter
Gates is getting weedy, but there are pike being caught on the edges, some big ones from what I have been hearing. If this is a fish you are targeting, I recommend a jerk bait in silver, gold, rainbow or perch patterns. Generally the bigger the better. Otherwise, jigging a tube jig off the weed edges is quite effective. Past the Gates area up into Land of the Giants I am hearing decent reports of fish being caught. Marabou or zonker jigs are still the first pick in olive/black, orange/yellow or brown/orange. The little bit I have heard from fly fishermen is streamers have been producing success as well.Walleye are being caught in various locations throughout the canyon. I would check Willow Creek or Cottonwood. I recall last year that Cottonwood was fishing well with a bottom bouncer in perch patterns being pulled in 30 feet of water at 0.6mph to 0.8mph. Drop shots are also effective on a slow drift. Perch, smelt or goby colors usually find me the best luck.
Trout are being caught left and right in the lower section of the lake. Mainly on wedding rings behind a cowbell. It doesn’t sound like any one color in particular is producing, but I hear chartreuse and pink being brought up the most. Every once and a while it sounds like a kokanee is being caught. It has not been frequent, but they are still present. 1.0mph to 1.5mph seems to be the speed of choice while trolling.
Reports by Jonathan Miller | Montana Outdoor Approved
Capital Sports Address: 1092 Helena Ave, Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 443-2978