Montana Fish Report

The average water temperature is a very warm 78-86 degrees.  The lake is stained with mud lines forming near the shore in the afternoon.   

Trout: Slow.  The trout are hanging near the main river channel and major creek channels. They are avoiding the very warm surface temperature.  Try to focus on deep cut banks and outside bends on these channels.  Get a good contour map of the lake to locate these areas.  The trout are primarily feeding on 3-5" shad in 40-60' of water. Night fishing anglers have been catching some chunky 2-pound rainbows near the dam and the spillway.  Night crawlers and Power Bait have been the two most productive baits to use at night.  Kokanee: Good.  Anglers are catching their limits in 60-90' of water.  The kokanee will suspend in cool water over creek channels and the main river channel. They will also use these channels in the late summer and fall to migrate for their annual spawn. The fish that are being caught are very fat, and up to 13-15" in length. There have been many fish caught on a variety of different baits. Glitterbug's Micro Hoochies, Uncle Larry's Spinners, Rocky Mountain Assasins, and Apex are few good choices that consistently produce fish.  Pink is the number one color choice for either dodger or lure with green/chartreuse coming in a close second.  Also, the water is a little stained and the fish are fairly deep.  Try using gold and copper blades. They will stand out much better than silver in stained water and low light conditions. Bass: Slow.  Early morning and late evening try throwing top water, and reaction baits.  Once the sun comes up the fish will pull off of the shoreline and out to deeper water.  A Carolina rig is a great set up to cover water at many different depths.  Try using baits with a large profile that will push more water. Lizards, brush hogs, and beavers are good choices for soft plastics.  Another good way catch them is with a Texas rig worm.  Catfish: Very good.  Anglers are catching plenty of nice cats with average size being 4-8 pounds.  Most fish are in shallow water from 5-20". Glory Hole Sports  (209) 736-4333, (209) 586-2383