Montana Fish Report

The trout bite is starting to pick up. Fishing at night under a submersible light can be a great way to some nice holdover trout.  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.

Bass fishing 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.

Catfishing is very good 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.