Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report 2.9.26
Canyon Ferry: Rainbows are being caught from the Silos to the Ponds in 10-15 feet of water while using green or pink jigs and worms. There are boats getting out and fishing for rainbows around Shannon and Yacht Basin. Perch, walleyes and burbot are being caught around Hole in the Wall and from Confederate to Duck Creek in 35 or more feet of water while using drop shots with various colored jigs tipped with a mealworm. There is 6-7 inches of ice from Confederate to the Ponds. White Earth to the dam is open water. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena
Hauser: No safe ice. Most of the reservoir has unstable ice conditions or remains open water. Lake Helena also has unstable ice conditions. A few rainbows are being picked up using spring fishing tactics along the shorelines in open water. Small nymphs and leech patterns flies are working well and nightcrawlers with a marshmallow or Powerbait are also producing fish. A few walleye and burbot are being caught during the evening hours below Canyon Ferry Dam while using cut bait, Rapalas, or various jigs and crawlers. A few boat anglers are finding some nice rainbows while flyfishing around the Spokane Bay area. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
Holter: No safe ice. Most of the reservoir including the lower end near the dam remains open water or has unstable ice conditions. The Gates of the mountains boat ramp has reopened for public access and boat anglers have been getting after it. Good numbers of rainbows are being picked up while using various flies, plain crawlers, or spoons. Boat anglers are also catching good numbers of perch on the lower end of the reservoir while using typical ice jigs around the usually good ice fishing locations like the Prairie Dog Town, Departure Point, and near other small bays and points on the west side of the reservoir. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir: Kokanee fishing continues to be good while jigging Hali jigs and maggots in 25-40 feet of water. A few perch are being picked up while using the same equipment near the bottom. The ice has been pretty variable lately with the warmer temps but some areas have 5-6 inches of soft ice. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
