Cold weather cleared the decks this past weekend, keeping most boat anglers off Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter — but the fish didn’t take a break. Trout action stayed hot from the shorelines of all three reservoirs, and with stable weather in the forecast, look for the walleye bite to ramp back up on Canyon Ferry’s south end. Farther east, kokanee snagging is in full swing at the Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir, with anglers reporting bigger fish than usual this season. Here’s the latest from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks:
Canyon Ferry: Anglers were absent this past weekend due to the weather. With stable weather on the horizon look for the walleye bite to pick up again on the south end of the reservoir. Try trolling bottom bouncers with pink spinners and a worm harness or using pink and gold crankbaits in 10 to 15 feet of water around Ponds 1 and 2 and between the river mouth and Pond 4. Rainbow action will continue to be good with cooling water temperatures. Try using cowbells, lures or traditional walleye gear throughout the reservoir. Shore fishing for rainbows with a hook and worm will produce results as well. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena
Hauser: The cold weather over the weekend kept most boat anglers away. Trout action continues to be good near the shorelines at the Causeway, below Canyon Ferry Dam, and near Spokane Creek while using nightcrawlers and marshmallows, or leech pattern flies. A few walleye are being picked up from shore as well while casting marabou jigs or using slip bobbers and leeches. Underneath York Bridge and the Causeway area have been good spots for walleye. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
Holter: Most boat anglers stayed off the water this weekend due to the cold weather. Trout fishing has been great from shore at the Gates of the Mountains, the BLM campground near the Dam, and Departure Point while using nightcrawlers and a marshmallow, powerbait, or leech pattern flies. Look for a good walleye and perch bite to continue inside the Canyon, Cottonwood Creek, and near the Clay Banks while jigging in 25 to 40 feet of water. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir: Snagging has been going well, and anglers are seeing larger fish this year. The snagging season for Kokanee Salmon opened on September 1st and will run through October 31st. Limits are 35 salmon daily with 70 in possession. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
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