Montana Fish Report

The lake level dropped two feet this week, and is currently at 958 ft. above sea level and 128 ft. from full.  The average water temperature is a very warm 78-84 degrees.  The lake is stained with mud lines forming near the shore in the afternoon.   

Trout: Fair.  There have been a few reports of trout being caught in the main lake by the Dam, spillway, and near the 49 bridge.  The trout are hanging around the old river channel in deeper/cooler water.  The shad are starting to school up near the mouths of major creek channels.  The intersection where a major creek channels meets the old river channel is great area to target the trout.  Night fishing anglers are still catching a few limits of chunky 2-pound plus rainbows while fishing under a submersible light.  Try using night crawlers and Power Bait to target these quality fish.  Trolling anglers try using shad patterned baits that have a large profile.  Shad Raps, Rattle Traps, Speed Traps, and Apexs are a few good choices.  Trolling in dingy/stained water it is a good time to use a large string of flashers. 

The kokanee are working their way upriver for their annual spawn and die.  We have reports of a few fish being caught in the dam spillway area, but the majority of fish are being caught near the 49 bridge and up toward Parrots Ferry Bridge.  The fish are starting to get a little color with some having a little hook mouth showing.  The bite has been fairly good for most.  The fish that are being caught are extremely feisty and very fun to catch.   The kokanee have been schooling in deep water for the last few months.  Try targeting fish from 70-100' of water. 

The best bass bite has been in the early morning and late evenings.  Generally the top water bite is good at this time of year but right now we are getting very few surface blow ups.  Most fish are being caught on a variety of soft plastic presentations.  A Carolina rig, Texas rig, dart head, and drop shot are all good ways to catch them.  The fish are in deep/cooler water throughout the day and move shallow early and late to feed.

 Glory Hole Sports  (209) 736-4333, (209) 586-2383