Whether you’re trolling the depths or casting the shorelines, the action on Canyon Ferry is officially firing on all cylinders. From a locked-in walleye bite spanning from the south end to the north, to steady deep-water trout hanging in the 2 to 3-pound range, here is the full breakdown from Jonathan Miller with Montana Outdoor-Approved Capital Sports in Helena of what’s working, where to target them, and the top colors to tie on this week.
Canyon Ferry:
Fishing has been just fantastic on Canyon Ferry! I’ve been talking to a lot of people that have been doing great out there for walleye. South end continues to perform well on bottom bouncers. Pink. For whatever reason this year I have been hearing a lot of success coming from pink. Otherwise, green and chartreuse, blue, purple or black/gold. Remember to stay under 1.0mph. I would start at 15’ of water and work deeper until you start catching. Mid lake is starting to perform again with bottom bouncers as well. North end is getting better and better with casting action. Jerk baits and jigs are the name of the game up there. Brown backs, Tennessee Shad, Perch and Ayu colors are my favorite colors on a 3/16oz or 1/4oz jig head. For jerk baits I would try metallic and flashy. Silver seems to be the preferred color over all but on a darker day gold can be good to. Either tactic you will want to cast up shallow to shore and work it back. There is shore fishing to be had on the North end as well. There is a good evening bite off of outhouse and certain evenings on Shannon.
Trout fishing is still happening with fish still hanging in that deep water. Deep diving cranks in brighter colors like fire tiger or chartreuse pearl are good colors to start with. If you want to slow down the speed then try cowbells with a wedding ring or trolling spoon. There are still good sized fish being caught. I am frequently hearing 2-3lb fish being caught.
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