Final Winter Fishing Report for Helena Area Reservoirs

This report marks the conclusion of the winter fishing season, with updates resuming in April.

What happened

The winter fishing season is coming to a close, and this will be the last report until summer updates begin in April. Anglers are advised that ice conditions are highly variable, with some areas having thick ice while others are open water.

Currently, a large channel has opened on the south end of the river, leading to deteriorating ice conditions. While colder weather has allowed some areas to freeze again, officials believe it is unsafe for staff to access these locations. Good fishing for rainbow trout is reported on the north end, particularly near the shore and by boat, with expectations for improvement as more open water becomes available.

In the Causeway area, recent freezing has occurred, but warmer temperatures and high winds are expected to eliminate the ice by the end of the week. Most of the reservoir remains either open water or has unstable ice. Lake Helena is experiencing similar conditions, with anglers finding success catching rainbow trout in areas free of skim ice.

The Gates of the Mountains area has also seen ice formation, preventing boat launches. However, once the ice recedes, good fishing for rainbow trout is anticipated along the shorelines. The lower end of the reservoir has some skim ice, making it difficult to launch boats.

Why it matters

• Safety concerns regarding unstable ice conditions are critical for anglers.
• Fishing opportunities may improve as warmer weather leads to more open water.
• Understanding current conditions helps anglers plan their fishing trips effectively.

What to do next

• Exercise caution when accessing ice-covered areas.
• Monitor weather forecasts for changes that may affect ice conditions.

Source

Original reporting by www.montanaoutdoor.com: https://www.montanaoutdoor.com/2026/02/helena-area-reservoirs-mt-fishing-report-2-23-26/