If the Helena-area reservoirs had a weekly report card, the grades are looking pretty solid right now. Rainbow trout are keeping anglers busy from Canyon Ferry to Holter, walleyes are showing up in reliable numbers, and even the carp are starting to provide some action for bow anglers. Whether you’re trolling deep water, casting from shore, or chasing multiple species in a single outing, there’s no shortage of opportunities across the Helena-area reservoirs. Here’s the latest fishing report from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, with updates on what’s biting, where to find them, and the techniques producing the best results:
Canyon Ferry: Rainbows are being caught mid-reservoir from the White Earth/Goose Bay areas to Avalanche while trolling crankbaits, spoons or cowbells. Rainbows are also being caught while fishing for other species. Walleyes are being caught between Ponds 2 and 4 and north of the Silos near Hole in the Wall while using a combination of bottom bouncers with worm harnesses, rapalas or jigs with a worm. Shore fishing has produced both rainbows and walleyes on worms or jigs with a worm around Confederate and north of the Silos. Archery action for carp is picking up. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena
Hauser: Rainbow fishing has been good below Canyon Ferry Dam and near Spokane Bay while using worms and marshmallows or fly fishing with nymphs or balanced leeches. Trolling dodgers or cowbells and spinner combos between Soup Creek and White Sandy has also been producing a few trout. Walleye fishing has been decent out on Lake Helena, inside the Causeway arm, and near Eldorado Bar while jigging with crawlers, trolling crankbaits, or trolling bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses. An occasional northern pike and perch are being picked up while fishing for walleye. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
Holter: A few Walleye are being caught while jigging with crawlers inside the Canyon, near Cottonwood Creek, and around the Clay Banks. A few perch are being picked up around various weed beds and points while using small jigs or Rapalas. Rainbow fishing continues to be great on the upper end of the reservoir while using balanced leeches, midge nymphs, or crawlers and a marshmallow. Trout anglers on the lower end of the reservoir are doing well while trolling dodgers, cowbells, and Thomas lures. A few kokanee are being picked up near the Dam while trolling dodgers and hoochies or wedding rings tipped with corn. Most kokanee are being found while trolling at least 20-50 feet deep. A few northern pike are being caught around various weed beds between the Gates of the Mountains and Ming Bar while casting lures or spinners. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena