Don’t let the recent weather swings fool you—Canyon Ferry is serving up some fantastic action for both walleye and trout anglers, as of July 10, 2026. Thanks to a recent rainstorm pushing inflows to 4,900 cfs and bringing the lake to 89.4% full, the fish are active and responding well to targeted tactics. Whether you’re dragging bottom bouncers on the south end, hunting for big fish with electronics in the mid-lake flats, or working the shorelines near the dam for hard-fighting trout, Jonathan Miller breaks down the exact depths, speeds, and color patterns you need to find success on the water this week.
Read below for the full breakdown of hot spots and presentation tips from Jonathan Miller with Montana Outdoor-Approved Capital Sports in Helena, MT!
Canyon Ferry:
Fishing has been strong despite some of the variable weather we have had. I am hearing great reports on the south end, particularly on the East side but also around the river mouth. Mainly dragging bottom bouncers with black/gold, purple, blue or a fire tiger color scheme. It seems the fish are really hanging out around the 15’ mark give or take. Stay in the .5mph to 1.0mph range and cover water. Mid lake is still throwing out the occasional big fish. Bottom bouncers will work up there, but it is really a casting game with electronics. Still primarily on the East side of the lake around Goose bay and the flats. But across the lake on the West side there have been fish caught off of the points. North end has been inconsistent for catching but bigger fish seem to be caught more often. Still a casting game for the most part. I like to cast my jig up shallow and work it back. Brown backs, Tennessee Shad and perch patterns seem to be the most productive. On the right day however a bright metallic jerk bait has proven productive.
The trout continue to bite and fight well from White Earth up to the dam. Trolling a fire tiger, silver or gold crank is a good place to start. The trout seem to bite best around 10’ to 12’ and like it active. I would troll between 1.5mph to 2.5mph and wouldn’t go to far off of the shore line as the fish seem to relate to the structure of the shoreline. Which is also good for shore fishermen. I have heard reports of fish caught from every camp ground shoreline. A bobber and worm will work but I prefer a gold, silver or rainbow pattern spoons or spinners. Another technique I like to use if fishing is slower is a bobber and a fly. A balanced leech will work or a soft hackle fly of varies types that sit just under the surface.
Lake is 89.4% full with an inflow of 4900cfs. The last rain storm has helped dramatically!
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