The boat ramps are emptying out and the campgrounds have gone dark, which means one thing: the crowds are gone and the fish are still here. Canyon Ferry walleye are biting again, Holter and Hauser rainbows are stacked up from shore, and kokanee season runs through the end of October.
Canyon Ferry: The walleye bite has picked up again on the south end with some action mid reservoir as well. Trolling bottom bouncers with a worm harness or crankbaits in 10 to 15 feet of water around Ponds 1 and 2 and between the river mouth and Pond 4. Avalanche and north of White Earth in 15 to 20 feet of water produced as well. Rainbow fishing is really good with the average size being 19-21 inch trout. Trolling cowbells, spoons or crankbaits throughout the reservoir has led to some great action. Shore fishing for rainbows with a hook and worm has provided good action. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena
Hauser: Rainbow trout action has been good at Riverside while using Panther Martin spinners, nightcrawlers with marshmallows, or streamer flies. Anglers fishing at the Causeway with leech pattern flies or jigs tipped with crawlers are also catching a few trout. A few walleye continue to be picked up from shore as well while casting marabou jigs or using slip bobbers and leeches. The docks at the boat ramps have been pulled for the season and Black Sandy boat ramp is closed. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
Holter: Rainbow trout fishing has been great from shore at the Gates of the Mountains and Departure Point while using nightcrawlers and marshmallows, Powerbait, various spinners, or leech pattern flies. A few anglers are finding some nice perch near Cottonwood Creek while jigging with crawlers. The campgrounds are closed and docks have been pulled out of the water for the season. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir: 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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