Montana Fish Report

Water temperature is 80-83 degrees. Water is green-stained (lots of plankton) with strong mud lines near shore. Watch for floating debris and unmarked island tops. Trout bite is starting to pick up. Fishing at night under a submersible light attracts holdover trout. The light attracts plankton, which attracts the baitfish, which attracts the rainbows and brown trout. Drop a nightcrawler/Power Bait combo or a live minnow under the light. Allow an hour or two for the baitfish to come around the light- then the action starts. Also use a vertical jigging spoon below the light to draw a reaction strike. If you wish to troll for trout, fish 50-60 feet deep over the deepest water in the main lake or creek channels with shad-patterned lures such as Excel, Apex, Needlefish, or Rapala Countdowns, and use Bang or ProCure threadfin shad scent on your lures. If you are in the mood for a beautiful boat ride, head upriver and still-fish under the logjam. Bank anglers should head to local creeks like Angels Creek, although we have the occasional trout caught by bank anglers in Angels Cove.

Kokanee are close to structure such as submerged humps and points, 70-120 feet deep near the dam/spillway. Kokanee are congregating in the main lake 70-100 feet deep near the bottom. Bottom bouncing (dragging your weight along the bottom) is the preferred technique by successful kokanee anglers in the late season- there are narrow downrigger weights made just for this purpose, which get caught less. With the kokanee running deeper and the water so stained, darker colors such as blue and purple and green are working best. Bass action is fair. Water is very stained, so noisy baits are your best bet. Fish a Lucky Craft LV500, Luhr Jensen Speed Trap, or a Strike King Red Eye Shad close to the bank and on the outside edge of the mudlines. Morning and evening are a good time to throw top water baits. Throughout the day the fish will move to deeper water, 30-50 feet. Use a ½ oz football head jig in a crawdad pattern and fish offshore structure. Also is a great time to fish at night. Be very quiet and move your baits slowly. Dark colored baits work best. Remember to practice catch and release. There is very good catfishing right now. Catfish are in coves and in shallower water. A sliding sinker rig, and a ball of crawlers or a piece of anchovy or sardine is your best bait. Leave your bail open so the cats can't feel the line if still-fishing. Successful catfish anglers move their bait often, even dragging it along the bottom and bouncing it into rocky nooks and crannies, rather than letting it sit still. Fishing for cats is usually best at night, but plenty of anglers catch them during the day as well.   (209) 736-4333, (209) 586-2383