Helena reservoirs: shore rainbows hot at Hauser and Holter, Canyon Ferry walleye slows

Rainbow trout are carrying the late-October fishing around Helena, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologists in Montana Outdoor's weekly reservoir report.

On Canyon Ferry, FWP's Troy Humphrey says rainbow fishing is good. The Silos area is the go-to spot for big fish, caught by trolling cowbells, spoons or crankbaits. Shore anglers are doing well with worms at the south end around Silos, Duck Creek and Confederate, and White Earth, Hellgate and Shannon have also produced. The walleye bite has slowed, with none reported over the weekend.

On Hauser, FWP's Chris Hurley reports excellent shore fishing for rainbows at the Causeway on nightcrawlers, or a black leech about 5 feet under a bobber. Trout are also biting below Canyon Ferry Dam. Docks have been pulled and the Black Sandy ramp is closed. Holter is producing great shore fishing for rainbows at Departure Point, Black Beach and Gates of the Mountains, though campgrounds there are closed and docks are out.

Kokanee snagging on the Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir runs through Oct. 31, with limits of 35 a day and 70 in possession.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Montana Outdoor — Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report 10.26.26 (Oct. 26, 2026), citing Montana FWP.