Montana Fish Report

Water temperature is in the upper 50s, and exceeding 60 degrees on warm days.  The water temperature is really warming up, and will continue to do so with the warm weather.  Lake is slightly stained, with mud lines forming around the shore on windy days.

Trout bite slowed down a bit for the bank anglers, and continues to get better for the trolling anglers.  The water temperature in the shallows is warming up faster than the main lake, pushing the trout out into deeper, cooler water.  Trolling have been doing better since the trout have moved off of the bank. But the bite is definitely not wide open.  Most trolling anglers are using an assortment of colors and lures. A few of the popular ones includes, Apex, Needlefish, Wedding Rings, Rapalas, Hootchies, and Cripplures. Shad patterned baits work well, but bright colors such as chartreuse, pink, and orange seem to be triggering more bites in the stained water. Troll 10-50 feet deep in the main lake or upriver.  Night fishing  has been picking up. Drop Power Bait or minnows under a submersible light near the spillway/dam, or under the Highway 49 Stevenot Bridge.  Kokanee are starting to school up and become more aggressive, but are still on the small side.  Most anglers are picking up 11 to 14 inches kokanee along with a couple of trout to fill out their limit.   Kokanee that are being caught are 10-40 feet deep in the main lake- the north side of the lake has been very productive. Some schools of larger fish are showing up from 40-60 feet, but don't seem to be biting yet.  Try a small lure such as a pink or orange Micro Hootchie or tube bug with a small teardrop dodger or Slingblade.  Also, with the trout bite being good, try using spinners that will attract both trout and kokanee. Uncle Larry's Spinners and Wedding Ring are both good bets to caught kokanee and trout. Be sure to add scent to your bait. Garlic, Kokanee Special, and anise have been good choices.  Don't forget your corn soaked in the same scents.  Glory Hole Sports  (209) 736-4333, (209) 586-2383