Holter and Regulating Reservoir Fishing Reports by Jonathan Miller with Capital Sports in Helena 7.16.26

Holter:

The main attraction now on Holter is the kokanee. As is the case with these fickle fish, I have heard of guys having good days one day and very slow days later in the same week. The go to bait is a snap weight with a dodger and snubber followed by a squid tied short and close to the dodger. Don’t shy away from the bigger dodgers either. I have found success using 5.5” as well as 7”. Mainly using a straight silver of some kind but chartreuse can be effective. Orange, pink, chartreuse or purple seem to be the colors of choice. Troll from 1.0mph up to 1.5mph. That thermocline should be showing up on fish finders now somewhere between 25’ to 35’ and that is the depth I would start my bait at. However, if you see deep marks in packs of 1 to 6 fish, past 35’ in open water, chances are that is a kokanee. Don’t forget that scent is important so use tuna juice soaked corn or some other scented product.

Walleye are also relating pretty hard to the weed beds in Holter. Just like with Hauser, look for channels, bays or pockets within the weeds as those are the most likely place to hold the walleye or perch. Also using small 2.5” or 3” paddle tails or minnows in a perch pattern. But neds and drop shots are also working well here too. Bottom bouncing the edge of the clay banks or deeper water by Cotton wood would also be worth a shot. Any pattern that resembles a perch is your best bet. Some days drifting a slip bobber with a leech right along the weed bed edge is also quite effective. 

Regulating Reservoir:

The kokanee are still biting fairly well. Across the lake. I have spoke with guys that have caught them anywhere from 10’ in the early mornings and late evenings down to 45’ jigging. Mainly pink or chartreuse wedding rings or Swedish pimples. There hasn’t been much for size this year again. Mainly 10” to 12” at the biggest. Though I have heard of the random big one pushing 18” being caught here and there. A silver spoon cast from shore with scented corn can also produce fish as well.