Fishing Holter Reservoir

AKA: Holter Lake

Popular Fish Species
Holter Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Holter Reservoir, MT

Popular Fish Species Holter Reservoir, MT

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to a significant baitfish population, and presence of numerous small sunfish in the lake, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Holter Reservoir this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Holter Reservoir Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Excellent stocking programs by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout for anglers at Holter Reservoir. Brook and brown trout also reside here. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. While fishing from a boat is preferred, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

Holter Reservoir Popular Fish - Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch Fishing

Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Holter Reservoir. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.

Holter Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for walleye, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, brown trout, yellow perch, kokanee salmon and northern pike at Holter Reservoir in Montana.

Holter Dam, on the Missouri River, creates Holter Reservoir creating some excellent fishing opportunities. This 4,800-acre lake has around 50 miles of shoreline (Upper and Lower) and is located in the west-central part of the state, at Wolf Creek, MT.

Ice fishing throughout the winter provides some quality perch for fish fry's. From Spring through fall, anglers fish Holter Lake in search of walleye, trout, perch, salmon and pike. There are several areas of the lake with access for shoreline fishing, and a fishing pier as well. Launch a canoe, kayak or fishing boat at Holter Lake boat ramp and Log Gulch ramp. A marina, stores, restaurants and shopping are all close at hand. Campgrounds and RV parks are available at the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Holter Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Holter Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NO

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Burke Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the main lake, off Beartooth Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Gates Of The Mountains Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the upper lake, off Gates Of The Mountains Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Log Gulch Recreation Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side of the main lake, off Beartooth Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.