Final Winter Fishing Report for Helena Area Reservoirs

This report marks the conclusion of the winter fishing season, with summer updates set to resume in April.

What happened

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

Currently, a significant channel has opened on the south end of the river, leading to unstable ice conditions. While colder weather has allowed some areas to freeze again, access remains unsafe for staff from Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). Rainbow trout fishing is reportedly good near the north end, both from shore and by boat.

In the Causeway area, ice has recently formed but is expected to melt due to forecasted warm temperatures and high winds. Most of the reservoir is either open water or has unstable ice. Lake Helena also shows similar conditions, with good fishing opportunities for rainbows along ice-free shorelines.

The Gates of the Mountains area has seen recent ice formation, which is hindering boat launches. However, once the ice recedes, anglers can expect excellent rainbow fishing along the shorelines. The lower end of the reservoir has some skim ice, making it difficult for boats to launch at certain ramps.

Why it matters

• Safety is a priority as ice conditions are unstable and can change rapidly.
• Good fishing opportunities exist in areas with open water, particularly for rainbow trout.
• Understanding seasonal changes helps anglers plan their fishing trips effectively.

What to do next

• Monitor weather conditions and ice reports before heading out to fish.
• Plan to return for summer fishing reports starting in April.

Source

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