When temperatures rise, trout congregate near dam releases, where the cold water is oxygen-rich. Effective flies include scuds and nymphs. Grasshoppers become viable for topwater fishing in summer evenings. In warmer downstream areas, larger pike lurk, best targeted with aggressive flies like black sex dungeons.

Holter and the Regulating Reservoirs are seeing fluctuating fish activity, including kokanee, walleye, and pike. Kokanee are deeper, while walleye thrive in weed beds using jigs and drop shots. For effective results, use chartreuse, pink, or orange lures. Early mornings and evenings offer the best chances for bites.

Hauser Lake is providing excellent late-summer fishing for walleye, pike, and trout. Walleye are active in weed beds using drop shots and jigs, while pike have become aggressive. Trout are deeper, with black/gold lures effective. Limited kokanee are caught, but tactics for trout still ensure a successful outing.

Canyon Ferry's fishing scene is thriving, with successful walleye catches from the south to north end, particularly using pink and other vibrant colors on bottom bouncers and jigs. Trout fishing is also fruitful in deeper waters, with bright deep diving cranks and troll setups yielding 2-3 pound catches.

The Missouri River is currently experiencing high water temperatures over 75 degrees Fahrenheit, making conditions unfavorable for trout and walleye. Anglers may find success with drop shots or small jigs near cooler areas. In the Holter to Great Falls section, slow conditions and weeds hinder fishing, but pike fishing with larger streamers is recommended.

In Helena, summer fishing is thriving, particularly at Hauser Lake and the Regulating Reservoir. Walleye prefer weed pockets, with better evening bites using jigs. For trout, focus on the White Sandy stretch. Kokanee fishing is improving, with successful trolling techniques highlighted. Key colors for lures include pink, chartreuse, and metallics.

Canyon Ferry Lake, currently 88% full, is providing excellent fishing conditions for local anglers. Walleye are thriving on the south end with bottom bouncers, particularly favoring pink and other vibrant colors. The north end offers successful casting techniques, while trout are being caught in cooler depths, responding well to various lures.

Holter Lake is currently known for kokanee fishing, with varying success rates. Effective bait includes snap weights with big dodgers and scented corn. Walleye are found near weed beds, favoring perch-patterned lures. At the Regulating Reservoir, kokanee are caught at depths from 10' to 45', primarily using pink or chartreuse lures.

Walleye are found around weed beds, favoring subtle motions with lures like ned rigs and small paddle tails. The stretch from York Bridge to the dam is currently best for trout, with effective trolling using cranks and weighted cowbells at varying speeds. Kokanee are present but not abundant in Hauser.

Missouri River (Toston to Canyon Ferry): With the hot temps the fish have slowed down a little bit but are […]

Canyon Ferry's fishing remains productive, particularly for walleye, which can be found from 15 to 30 feet deep. Anglers have success using bottom bouncing with preferred colors like blues and fire tiger patterns. Trout are still biting but are retreating to cooler, deeper waters, primarily around 15 to 30 feet.

Holter Lake is thriving with diverse fish species, offering anglers a productive week despite slower flows. Key catches include surface-trout, walleye from clay banks, and active perch near weed beds. Effective techniques include using streamers, leeches, and jigs, with specific lure recommendations tailored to targeting each species.

Canyon Ferry remains stable at 86% lake levels with inflows of 2,800 cfs, offering mixed fishing experiences. Walleye are abundant at the south but elusive at the north, while rainbow trout are actively biting from mid-lake to the dam. Recommended baits include bright colors and various crankbaits for targeting.

Summer fishing patterns at Holter Lake show consistent action, with fish moving deeper. Target walleye near the canyon mouth using various baiting techniques, while trout bite well in the Land of the Giants. Kokanee fishing is less predictable. Keep depth control in mind for successful outings. Visit Capital Sports for more tips.

Jonathan Miller reported on June 11, 2026, that fishing at Holter is thriving with successful catches of pike, walleye, and trout. Specific baits like jerk baits and jigs are recommended for pike, while walleye are found near Cottonwood and Willow Creek. Trout are biting on wedding rings, with preferred trolling speeds between 1.0mph and 1.5mph.

The Missouri River is currently providing excellent fishing opportunities. From Holter to Great Falls, low water conditions favor nymph fishing, particularly with Prince and Hares Ear nymphs. Meanwhile, paddle fishing is thriving downstream towards Fort Peck, with regulations advising one hook per line and barbless hooks.