As the summer heat settles over the Helena area, the local waters are serving up some classic seasonal patterns, according to Capital Sports in Helena’s very own Jonathan Miller’s July 31, 2026 reports for Hauser and the Regulating Reservoir. Whether you are looking to chase hard-fighting salmonids or work the weed beds for stubborn predators, there is plenty of action to be found if you know where to look. This week, we are diving into two local favorites: the Regulating Reservoir, where the kokanee are finally starting to turn on, and Hauser Lake, where patience and the right presentation are key to unlocking a solid walleye and trout bite.
Here is the full breakdown of what’s biting and how to catch them:
Hauser:
Not much has changed for the past couple weeks. The walleye are holding tight to the weeds still. Keep casting into the open pockets and areas in between weed beds. Evenings seem to be more of a jig bite with a perch or goby pattern. Mornings and during the day favor neds and drop shots. Some colors, just a different presentation. There are some walleye being caught throughout the causeway. It seems to be much more of an evening bite. My favorite tactic is an 1/8oz jig casted up against shore and jigged back. Perch and sungill patterns are the classic choices. If it is windy then size up to a 1/4oz jighead.
The best trout action seems to be in the White Sandy stretch to the dam. There is also some action to be had in front of Spokane bay. Mainly trolling deep diving cranks. Black/gold, rainbow, brown trout or silver are the classic colors to troll. Start at 2.0mph and adjust up and down from there. If you are very, very lucky, there have been a couple kokanee caught by trout fishermen. I have yet to talk to anybody that has targeted the kokanee and had consistent success but at least they are present.
Regulating reservoir:
Like Holter, the kokanee action is heating up on the regulating reservoir also. Most folks are trolling wedding rings behind a dipsy diver or small down-rigging system. I would start trolling at a depth of 20’ and work deeper in intervals until you find the fish. Pink, chartreuse, or a black and chartreuse are the staple colors. Sometime metallic colors can be good too like gold or silver. If you are able to find a school, small jigging spoons with scented corn can be quite effective. Same colors as the wedding rings.
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