VOL. 14 · NO. 25 June 17, 2026 · Bozeman, MT LIVE · 6 RIVERS TRACKED · TOURNAMENTS THIS WEEK
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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

Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report (Feb. 23, 2026): Final Winter Update + Urgent Ice Safety Warning as Canyon Ferry Opens Up

Final winter fishing report for Helena-area reservoirs before updates resume in April. Ice is highly variable and can change fast, and Canyon Ferry’s south end is seeing expanding open water that’s undermining nearby ice—use extreme caution on any ice.

Key Takeaways

  • This is the final update for the winter fishing season; reports resume in April for the summer season.
  • Ice conditions can change fast and vary widely—from vehicle-supporting ice to open water.
  • Use extreme caution accessing any ice.
  • Canyon Ferry: open water is expanding on the south end and undermining the ice in many areas.

Ice Safety Update

Ice conditions can change quickly and vary widely across the same body of water—ranging from ice that may support a vehicle to areas of open water. Use extreme caution accessing any ice.

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Canyon Ferry Reservoir Update

Open water is expanding on the south end and undermining the ice in many areas.

Season Note

This is the final update for the winter fishing season. Reports resume in April for the summer season.

FAQ

Is this the last Helena-area reservoirs fishing report for winter?

Yes. This is the final update for the winter fishing season; reports resume in April for the summer season.

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How stable is the ice right now?

Ice conditions can change fast and vary widely across the same body of water—from ice that may support a vehicle to areas of open water.

What’s happening at Canyon Ferry?

Open water is expanding on the south end and undermining the ice in many areas.

Is it safe to access the ice?

Use extreme caution accessing any ice due to rapidly changing and highly variable conditions.


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