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.

Summer conditions on the Missouri River feature high-water challenges and changing hatches. Fishing is tough, particularly from Toston to Canyon Ferry, where walleye can be found in slack waters. Meanwhile, from Holter to Great Falls, the PMD hatch is declining, with nymphing and specific dry flies being recommended.

Anglers are successfully catching kokanee in the Regulating Reservoir, especially during morning and evening hours. The preferred method involves trolling wedding rings with scented corn, using colors like chartreuse, pink, or orange. Fish are being found at depths ranging from 10 to 35 feet, with a speed of 1.0 to 1.2 mph recommended.

Fishing at Holter Lake remains steady despite quieter crowds. Walleye are prevalent, particularly in lower canyon areas, with effective techniques including slip bobbers and jigs near weed beds. Rainbow trout are being caught using kokanee tackle, and kokanee fishing is slowly improving as they may be moving to deeper waters.

Canyon Ferry is currently thriving for walleye and trout fishing, as of July 10, 2026, with the lake 89.4% full and inflows at 4,900 cfs. Anglers should target depths around 10-15 feet using various color patterns. Techniques include bottom bouncing, trolling, and casting near shorelines for successful catches.

Canyon Ferry's water level is rising due to recent rains, benefiting both walleye and trout fishing. Anglers report walleye sizes between 12" to 14", with effective bait colors being dark with lighter bellies. Trout are very active, particularly at water temperatures of 62 to 64°F. Inflow is 6500cfs, and the lake level is 87.3% full.

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.

Montana summer is vibrant, with walleye fishing on the Missouri River thriving despite low flows. Anglers must search for deep holes using hair jigs or small plastics in leech, sculpin, or perch patterns. Meanwhile, PMDs and Caddis flies are effective for catching larger browns and rainbows, though weeds have increased.

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.

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.

As summer heats up, local fishing patterns are shifting. Success depends on depth, color, and adapting to vegetation. Below Canyon Ferry Dam, fishing is slow, while Walleye are biting better at the Causeway using various baits. Kokanee fishing is decent at Regulating Reservoir, with specific colors improving catches.