Montana Fish Report

Water temperature has cooled and is 52-55 degrees.  The lake is clear, to slightly stained. Trout fishing is good.  With the lake turned over, trout are schooled up in hunting "wolf-packs," chasing shad right up into the shallows, so that is where the action is.  Bank anglers and those who cast lures or bait into the shore from their boat will have the best luck for rainbows. Trolling anglers should head upriver, or into the mouths of major coves and creek arms.  Try fishing near the surface with large shad patterned plugs. Top-lining shad patterned plugs such as Rapalas, Speed Traps, and Rattle Traps, or spoons such as Needlefish (003 size), Excels, Kastmasters, and Speedy Shiners are your best bet for trolling.  In rainy or overcast weather, try a firetiger pattern.  Bank fishing and still-fishing from a boat has produced the most fish.   There has been a lot of surface activity in the calm wind protected coves. Bass fishing is fair for anglers who locate fish.  Focus on primary and secondary points leading to and from the back of the major creek arms. Try using baits that cover water, and resemble shad. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and lip-less cranks, should do the trick. There is also a good drop-shot bite. Roboworm Alive Shad,Glory Hole Sports  (209) 736-4333