Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Helena Area Fishing Report

October 26, 2009

Canyon Ferry: Rainbow fishing is good throughout the reservoir from both shore and boat. Shore anglers are doing well at Confederate, Magpie and the northern end of the Silos using worms and marshmallows or woolly buggers. Rainbows are being caught while trolling cowbells or rapalas near the surface at most locations. The walleye bite continues to be slow with very few fishermen on the chase. Perch fishing is also very slow. Overall, folks have traded their rods for rifles, as the General Hunting Season opened this past Sunday. Adam Strainer, FWP, Helena

Hauser: Rainbow fishing is very good around the Causeway Bridge from shore using worms and marshmallows or power bait. Rainbows are also being caught trolling perch-colored rapalas throughout the Causeway Arm. Walleye fishing is slow. Adam Strainer, FWP, Helena

Holter: Rainbow fishing is very good while trolling rapalas or cowbells near the surface throughout the reservoir. Rainbows are being caught from shore at Departure Point and Log Gulch on worms and marshmallows. Walleye fishing is slow, but a few are being picked up pitching marabou jigs tipped with worms in 25-40 feet of water. Holter Lake ramp continues to be closed for repairs. Adam Strainer, 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