FISHING REPORTS

For the most current Ice Fishing conditions and reports, please visit www.iceshanty.com

You can always find great information and weekly updated fishing reports from our great friends at Montana Outdoor Radio Show

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.

4/20/2026

Canyon Ferry: Rainbow fishing from shore has slowed a bit as they are moving away from shore.  Some are still being caught around the Outhouse and Shannon while using leech pattern flies, black nymphs or hook and worm.  Boat anglers are picking up rainbows on the north end or in the Silos area while fishing with walleye gear.  Walleyes and an occasional perch are being caught between Pond 1 and the river in 10 to 15 feet of water while bottom bouncing with fire tiger or yellow spinner blades and a worm.  Crankbaits and jigs with a worm have also produced walleyes on the south end of the reservoir. Troy Humphrey, FWP, Helena

Hauser: A few rainbow trout, walleye, and perch are being caught in Lake Helena, from the Causeway Bridge and inside the Causeway Arm when the wind conditions have allowed anglers to get out on the water. Trolling bottom bouncers and spinner rigs, Crankbaits, or cowbells has been working well, and shore anglers are having luck with nightcrawlers on a floating jig, Power Bait, Various spinners, or flies.  Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena

Holter: Rainbow action has been HOT! The Gates of the Mountains area on the upper end of the reservoir has been a great spot to find a lot of trout. The BLM boat ramp as well as Log Gulch campground area and Departure Point have been great spots to fish if you are closer to Holter Dam. Some angers are catching a few trout while using worms and marshmallows, Power Bait, or casting spinners however fly fishing has been by far the most productive way to catch a lot of fish. Egg flies, balanced leeches, or San Juan worms have been working well. Boat anglers are catching a few trout while trolling crankbaits or cowbells throughout the reservoir when the wind conditions have allowed access. Walleye and perch fishing has been pretty slow in comparison but look for this to turn on with the warming water temperatures.   Chris Hurley, FWP, Helena

Christopher Hurley | Fisheries Technician

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks | Region 4

1534 9^th Avenue

P.O. Box 200701

Helena, MT 59620-0701

Office: (406) 495-3272