Montana Fish Report

Water temperature is warming daily with the average being 68-72 degrees.  The lake is slightly stained with mud lines forming near the shore in the afternoon.  he trout are feeding in the main lake and near the mouths of major creek arms.  There is a large population of shad in the lake, and the trout are targeting them as their primary forage. The shad vary in size from 2-5". Also, there is a short period of time in the mornings and evenings where the trout will be feeding on the surface.  Kokanee fishing is good.  Most anglers are finding their limits in a few hours of fishing.  Main lake near the spillway, and the dam have been the most productive areas to locate schools.  The fish will be closer to the surface in the morning. Try trolling 20-30' until the sun comes up, then drop down to 40-50' throughout the afternoon.  Pink has been the hot color with orange coming in a close second.  Bass fishing is fair. The fish are finishing up with the spawn and are in a post spawn mode.  The majority of fish have pulled off the bank due to dropping water levels. They will move up in the morning and evenings to feed and then head out to deeper water midday. Early morning top water bite has been good.  Try using a walk the dog type bait such as a Spook, Rover, or Sammy.  Or, twitch a popper near the shoreline.  Add a feather tail to your bait to improve the action and get a few more blow-ups.  Once the top water bite dies, switch to a soft plastic presentation. Glory Hole Sports  (209) 736-4333, (209) 586-2383