This will be the final ice fishing report sent out for our Helena Area Reservoirs for the season. We will resume our spring and summer open water fishing reports when conditions allow in April.
Anglers are reminded that ice conditions can be extremely variable. Ice thickness can range from thick enough to support a vehicle to open water. Extreme caution should be used when accessing the ice.
Canyon Ferry: The south end has open water with the remainder of the reservoir having poor ice conditions. Look for some great rainbow fishing in open water areas, especially on the north end as the ice pulls away from the shore. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena
Hauser: The rainbow bite has been great in open water at the Causeway while using plain crawlers, leech pattern flies or powerbait. The ice on Lake Helena and Hauser is going away fast. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
Holter: The ice is now gone at the Gates of the Mountains and anglers are excited to get boats out and chase those big rainbows. The rainbow bite has been great along shore and while out in the boat with leech pattern flies, plain crawlers and marshmallows, various spoons or powerbait. The ice conditions on the lower end of the reservoir are unsafe. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir: The kokanee bite has been great the last couple of weeks while jigging in 25 to 40 feet of water with Swedish Pimples or Halis jigs tipped with maggots or corn. The ice is quickly becoming unstable and will most likely be unsafe to be out on by next weekend. Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena
