Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Helena Area Fishing Report

May 15, 2010

Canyon Ferry: Fishing for rainbows slowed down slightly this past week, but quite a few fish are still cruising the shoreline. Look for the bite to pick up later in the morning as water temperatures increase. The North end bays are still producing the best bite, especially at Shannon, Court Sherriff, Cave Bay and Chinamen’s Bay. Flies continue to the best bet (San Juan worm, prince nymph, copper john and wooly buggers), but anglers are also having decent success with worms, spawn sacks, Power Bait, jigs, spinners and Rapalas. The walleye bite continues to be slow, but a few anglers are having some success. Pitching jigs, pulling bottom bouncers and trolling cranks are good methods to try for walleye. Look for better fishing overall toward the end of this week as temperatures are expected to reach the low 70’s by Friday. Adam Strainer, FWP, Helena

Hauser: Rainbow fishing has improved and some good action can be found from shore, especially at Riverside and the Causeway Bridge. Rainbow fishing from boat has been productive around Black Sandy while trolling crankbaits. Lake Helena has been producing some small walleye while trolling bottom bouncers with worms. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena *NOTE: Lake Helena ramp is not deep enough to launch large boats.

Holter: Rainbow fishing is still providing some good action. Shore fishing around Log Gulch and Holter Lake Ramps is producing rainbows while using pheasant tail nymphs or scuds. Boat anglers are doing well while trolling cowbells or olive crankbaits in 5 to 15 feet of water throughout the reservoir. Walleye fishing is slow. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena

Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir: No Report. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena