Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Helena Area Fishing Report

October 13, 2009

Canyon Ferry: Winter is here and more anglers are in the hills hunting instead of fishing. Rainbow fishing remains consistent trolling cowbells and Rapala’s on the North end and mid-reservoir at varying depths. The walleye bite continues to be slow with very few fishermen on the chase. Perch fishing is also very slow. However, keep an eye on the weather and get that last open water trip in before the ice comes. Adam Strainer, FWP, Helena

Hauser: Rainbow fishing is very good between White Sandy and York Bridge while trolling crank-baits in 10 to 15 feet of water. Rainbows are also being caught at the Causeway Bridge from shore on night crawlers. A few walleye are being caught at Riverside while using a spinner tipped with a worm. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena

Holter: Rainbow fishing is very good while trolling rapalas in 10 to 15 feet of water between Split Rock and the Dam. Rainbows are being caught from shore at Departure Point and Log Gulch on worms. Walleye fishing has slowed down considerably. Holter Lake ramp continues to be closed for repairs. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena

Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir: The snagging season for Kokanee Salmon opened on September 1st and will run through October 31st. Limits are 35 salmon daily with 70 in possession. Action continues to be slow. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena