Montana Fish Report

Goldwater Lake (Upper) - With water temperatures rising, the catfish bite should be the most prominent. Nightcrawlers, cut hot dogs, and anchovies are always a good bet. Bass anglers may want to stick with finesse patterns and focus their attention on shallow shaded structures. High water temperatures will decrease the trout bite, but they are still catchable. The key to catching lake dwelling trout in the heat is all about getting your lure to the right depth. Anglers that find the colder oxygenated water are more likely to find the suspended trout. Special Regulations: The limit is 1 bass;
minimum of 13 inches. Single electric motor only. For species not listed, or bodies of water without special regulations, refer to the statewide fishing regulations.

Goldwater Lake (Lower) - This lake is artificial fly and lure only. Trout anglers are mainly seeing rainbows coming out of lower Goldwater Lake. Targeting the colder oxygenated water with sinking lures or flies would be a good place to start for anglers new to the lake. We are also receiving reports of good-sized bass being caught out of the lower lake. Finesse lures around the weed lines and shallow cover would be a good starting point, as the bass will push shallow this time of year. Special Regulations: Catch and release only, artificial flies and lures only. Float tube only watercraft restriction. For species not listed, or bodies of water without special regulations, refer to the statewide fishing regulations.