VOL. 14 · NO. 25 June 18, 2026 · Bozeman, MT LIVE · 6 RIVERS TRACKED · TOURNAMENTS THIS WEEK
THE WIRE
FISHINGExperience Montana’s Free Fishing Days This Father’s DayJun 17 FISHINGMastering Fly Selection: The Rock Method for Trout FishingJun 17 HUNTINGCan Arkansas Hunters Really Prepare for a Montana Spring Bear Hunt? Deadhaul…Jun 17 CONSERVATIONBeavers Rewilded 12,000 Montana Wetland Acres Better Than Anyone ExpectedJun 17 HUNTINGWildlife Policy Battle: Sportsmen Defend Hunting TraditionsJun 17
Missoula Chevrolet — APRIL 2024

FWP Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report 5.26.26

Rainbows, walleye, and perch are all biting across Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter, with trolling, jigging, and shoreline setups producing steady action throughout the region.

Canyon Ferry: The rainbow bite is still holding up while trolling rapalas, spoons or cowbells around Hole in the Wall and from White Earth to the Cemetary Island/Yacht Basin/Outhouse areas. A few rainbows are being caught from shore while using spawn sacks or worms throughout the reservoir. The walleye bite is starting to take off with great action happening between Ponds 3 and 4 while using a combination of bottom bouncers with worm harnesses, rapalas or jigs with a worm.  Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena

Hauser: A few rainbows continue to be picked up while trolling cowbells or ford fenders with wedding ring style spinners between York Bridge and Black Sandy. Riverside Campground area is also producing a few rainbows from shore while using streamers or powerbait. The walleye and perch bite on Lake Helena has been good while tolling crankbaits, various jigs, or bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses tipped with leeches or worms. 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.  Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena

Holter: A few walleye are being caught in the Canyon near the Gates of the Mountains, near Cottonwood Creek, and along the Clay Banks on the lower end of the reservoir while vertical jigging with leeches. The perch bite has been pretty good while pitching smaller jigs and crawlers around the Oxbow Bend and from the docks at the BLM boat ramp near the Dam. Good numbers of rainbows are still being caught while using caddis or midge nymphs near the Gates of the Mountains and while trolling dodgers or cowbells with wedding ring style spinners on the lower end of the reservoir from Split Rock to the Dam.  Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena


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