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. Smallmouth bass are being caught with jigs on the north end around rocky points and shorelines. Shore fishing has produced both rainbows and walleyes on worms or jigs with a worm around Confederate and north of the Silos. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena
Hauser: The walleye bite on Lake Helena has slowed down a little and picked up in the Causeway Arm. Most anglers are doing well while pitching perch-colored jigs tipped with leeches or worms. Bow Fishing for carp on Lake Helena has been great lately. Fishing from the Causeway Bridge during the late evening hours is also producing a few walleye while pitching jigs or using slip bobbers and a leech. Fishing for rainbows below Canyon Ferry Dam has been popular and using either worms and a marshmallow or powerbait has been the preferred tactic. Trolling cowbells between York Bridge and Black Sandy in the early morning or late evening hours has also been producing a few rainbows. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
Holter: Walleye action has picked up and anglers are doing well while vertical jigging with leeches or trolling bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses in the Canyon near the Gates of the Mountains, near Cottonwood Creek, and along the Clay Banks on the lower end of the reservoir. A few perch are being caught while pitching smaller jigs and crawlers around Cottonwood Creek, the Oxbow Bend and from the docks at the BLM boat ramp near the Dam. Good numbers of rainbows and an occasion kokanee are being picked up on the lower end of the reservoir while trolling dodgers and various spinners tipped with crawler pieces or corn. Fishing for rainbows from shore with plain crawlers has been popular at Departure Point. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
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Montana Fishing Report: Expert Insights on Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Reservoirs
Time.news: Welcome, everyone, to today’s fishing report deep dive. We’re joined by renowned Montana fishing expert, Dr. evelyn Fischer, to break down teh latest from Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Reservoirs. Dr. Fischer,thanks for being with us.
Dr. fischer: My pleasure. Always happy to talk fishing in Montana!
Time.news: Let’s jump right in. The report mentions Rainbow Trout activity in Canyon Ferry. What’s the key takeaway for anglers targeting rainbows there right now?
Dr. Fischer: The most significant thing is location, location, location! The mid-reservoir area, specifically from White Earth/Goose Bay to Avalanche, seems to be the hot spot. Trolling is the preferred method, and you’ll want to focus on crankbaits, spoons, or cowbells.The fact that rainbows are being caught while fishing for other species also suggests they are quite active and opportunistic. For those fishing from shore, worms or jigs tipped with worms around Confederate and north of the Silos are yoru best bet.
Time.news: So, it’s versatile, whether trolling or shore fishing. Now, Walleye fishing is also highlighted in Canyon Ferry. Any specific advice for walleye enthusiasts?
Dr. Fischer: Absolutely. The report points to areas between Ponds 2 and 4, and north of the Silos near Hole in the Wall. Bottom bouncers with worm harnesses are always a classic and effective walleye technique. However, what’s interesting here is the mention of Rapalas and jigs with worms. This suggests the walleye are adapting to different presentations, so experiment and see what they’re hitting on that day. Don’t be afraid to mix it up.
Time.news: That adaptability is a great tip. moving on to Hauser Lake, the walleye bite seems to have shifted. Can you explain?
Dr. fischer: Yes, the report indicates the walleye bite on the main body of Lake Helena has slowed a bit, but it’s picked up substantially in the Causeway Arm. This could be due to water temperature changes,baitfish movements,or even fishing pressure.Pitching perch-colored jigs tipped with leeches or worms seems to be the winning strategy there. The Causeway Bridge at night with jigs or slip bobbers and leeches can also produce walleye . The report also mentions bow fishing for carp being great on Lake Helena.
Time.news: Perch-colored jigs are key then.What about Rainbow Trout in Hauser?
Dr. Fischer: Below Canyon ferry Dam, rainbows are eager for a meal! Worms and marshmallows or PowerBait remain a go-to. Trolling cowbells between York bridge and Black Sandy should be attempted in the early and late hours.
Time.news: Excellent. Lastly, let’s discuss Holter Reservoir. It sounds like the walleye action is improving there.
Dr. Fischer: Indeed. Vertical jigging with leeches or trolling bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses are proving successful. The Canyon near the gates of the Mountains, Cottonwood Creek, and the Clay Banks on the lower end of the reservoir are prime locations. The mention of perch being caught while pitching smaller jigs and crawlers around Cottonwood Creek and the Oxbow Bend indicates there’s a good food source there, attracting the walleye.
Time.news Perch always attract the eyes of many predators, even Kokanee. What about the Rainbows found in the lower end of the reservoir?
Dr. Fischer: Trolling dodgers and various spinners tipped with crawler pieces or corn. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, bring a crawler and fish near Departure Point to catch them from shore.
Time.news: From your viewpoint, as an expert, what’s the overall fishing mood in Montana right now?
Dr. Fischer: The fishing in Montana is consistent as always.These reports demonstrate that there are fish to be caught, but anglers need to be adaptable and willing to experiment with different techniques and locations.Understanding the patterns of the fish, paying attention to water conditions, and using the right bait and presentation are crucial for success.
Time.news: Dr. Fischer, thank you so much for sharing your expertise and insights. This has been incredibly helpful for our readers. Where can peopel find more facts about your work?
Dr. Fischer: You can find me on social media and I also offer guided tours. Just seach my name!
Time.news: Thanks again for your time. And to our readers, happy fishing!
