Montana Fish Report

Water is very clear in some areas and slightly stained in others, with a little bit of debris on the surface.  The average water temperature is 52-55 degrees with some areas reaching 57-58 degrees on warm sunny days.  The boat launch ramps at Tuttletown and Glory Hole Point are both open. With warm sunny days the trout have left the surface and transitioned into a spring pattern.  The fish are still fairly shallow, cruising the shoreline in 15-30' of water. The Department of Fish and Game has had multiple plants of rainbow trout.  Bank anglers are catching fish off of Glory Hole Point and near the Tuttletown boat launch.  Try fishing wind protected pockets, drainages and coves just off of the main lake.  Power Bait and Gulp Eggs fished off of the bottom will work well.  Also, crawler/mallow combo will work well.  Be sure to use a light wire hook to insure your bait is floating off of the bottom.  A good way to cover water and locate fish is by fan casting a lure.  Kastmasters, Krocodiles, and Sonic Baitfish are great for this presentation because they are heavy enough to make long casts.  Trolling anglers should try fishing on and near the surface in the early morning and in the evening when the sun is off of the water.  During the mid morning and afternoon try dropping your baits down to 15-25'.  The bass bite is getting better each day.  This spring-like weather has made them a bit more active. Most fish being caught are healthy 2-4 pound spotted bass with the occasional 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, pound spot in the mix.  The fish are spread out from deep to shallow and are in transition.  A great way to search for fish is by using baits that crawl across the bottom.  A Carolina Rigged Brush Hog or Senko will work well as a slow dragging presentation.  Glory Hole Sports  (209) 736-4333