Helena area lakes

[Wapiti Warrior]

I know this is a hunting place, but I could use some help in the fishing department. I am going to Helena to visit family and will bring my boat. Any suggestions where to fish for walleye? I am not looking for secrets. is Canyon ferry the best or Hauser or Holter? I fish Fort Peck and have an idea on how to fish just have never fished the Helena lakes.

Thanks,
John

 

[LopeHunter]

Stole this from a blog and if was me I would hit Holter hard like a Mike Tyson jab:

Canyon Ferry is the first reservoir created by a series of dams on the Missouri River. This system has trout, a good number of walleyes and some trophy-class fish.

Downstream from Canyon Ferry, is Hauser Reservoir and then Holter Reservoir. Holter is one of the most scenic fisheries in the state with over 20 miles from the dam to the Gates of the Mountains. Lewis and Clark traveled these waters over 200 years ago and marveled at the beauty in their journals. The same breath-taking views through the canyons and Little Belt Mountains are still here for you to enjoy. You can catch nice trout and walleye and frequently see mountain sheep, bald eagles, or mountain goats while fishing. Holter has a slot limit on walleyes so there are fish of all sizes with another a great opportunity for the catch of a lifetime.

 

[Wapiti Warrior]

I might try Holter. Sounds like the scenery might be worth it. Hopefully I might even catch a walleye or two.

Thanks,
John

 

[Rat Fink]

If you want scenery go to Holter, if you want fish go to Canyon Ferry. But it all depends on the timing of when you will be here.

 

[starvingoutdoorsman]

Canyon Ferry can be great for trout and walleye. Only place I catch many fish as hauser is drifting a worm as close to the dam as I can so other people might have a better idea on that lake. Holter is very scenic. We have done decent there and it is one of my favorite places.

 

[Wapiti Warrior]

I am assuming there are walleye in all 3 reservoirs? I will be there Memorial weekend with the family.

Thanks,
John

 

[starvingoutdoorsman]

I am assuming there are walleye in all 3 reservoirs? I will be there Memorial weekend with the family.

Thanks,
John

Yes,

I have had better luck with Canyon Ferry and Holter for walleye though. I have seen them caught around the boat ramp below Canyon Ferry but they were tiny.

 

[Hem]

Canyon ferry also has some huge Pike,but the policy makers are killing them as fast as they can.This lake could support all if they simply improved the baitfish situation.Meanwhile I root for every pike that slips by the traps/gillnets.Stupid policy.(no offense to anybody affiliated to fisheries...mdunc)

 

[mdunc8]

Canyon ferry also has some huge Pike,but the policy makers are killing them as fast as they can.This lake could support all if they simply improved the baitfish situation.Meanwhile I root for every pike that slips by the traps/gillnets.Stupid policy.(no offense to anybody affiliated to fisheries...mdunc)

You would quickly appreciate my opinion towards pike in our reservoirs if I posted a picture of the smile on my face last weekend at Fort Peck...

 

[Wapiti Warrior]

Headed to Fort Peck this weekend

 

[Hem]

Okay Mike,make me jealous.Don't hijack the thread but lets see some pics.!!

 

[mdunc8]

I didn't say pictures actually existed...

 

[Wapiti Warrior]

How deep is Holter lake? I have a 17' lund with a prop.

Thanks again,
John

 

[MattK]

Wapiti Warrior- I'm certain it is over 90 feet deep in spots as I have caught trout trolling in 92+ feet of water. According to wikipedia it gets to be 121 feet deep with an average of 50 feet. BuzzH, my two boys, my dad and I went over to Holter two weeks ago and we all caught our limit of trout trolling. Depending on how the wind blows on Holter, it can get pretty nasty but we've never really had any problems. I've never fished for walleye on Holter.

 

[FishN4Eyes]

I would fish Holter if it were me.

Canyon Ferry is REALLY low right now and tough to put a boat in.

It should be rising now but Holter should be heating up by Memorial Day weekend.

I would recommend drifting from the mouth of the Gates of the Mountains down the canyon as the 'eyes should be in that area about now.

Right around Mann Gulch is usually a decent spot. Hint....

 

[PJ0311]

I run a 16' Lund on holter with no problems. The lake does get rough from time to time but usually doesn't stay that way long. I've only had one lights out day fishing for walleye there but the trout are usually easy to find with leaded line or a deep diving rapala taildancer.

 

[starvingoutdoorsman]

How deep is Holter lake? I have a 17' lund with a prop.

Thanks again,
John

Should have no issue. My dad has an 18.5' G3 with an outboard and does fine. However I am not sure if you need to be really careful like at Yellowtail with the underwater (for lack of a better word so I may be wrong) "spires" and log jams. I know that the one camp we have stared at has a boat dock you can park the boat in at Holter. The river downstream is pretty good to...