Best Ice Fishing In Montana. The fishing is good all year long here, though the summer months are the best and the most popular. One of the most popular lakes in Glacier National Park also happens to be a great fishing spot. Come stay with us at Missoula’s best Bed and Breakfast this spring, and experience the joy of fishing in Missoula for yourself. For anglers, fishing in Montana is about as close as you can get to heaven. There is a small campground at the south tip of the lake that is quiet and uncrowded. This is arguably one of the most beautiful lakes in Montana. Fishing Licenses. If you don’t mind a little crowd, Lake Elmo is a beautiful place to take the family. Love Montana? The list of fishing places is as long as the Missouri River, but these 12 Montana fishing spots are especially perfect for casting a line. They’re popular, easy to find, and beautiful. The clear, cold water in the lakes and rivers is a perfect habitat for trout and other freshwater fish. It’s open for fishing from November 15 to September 15, so you can try for your catch of the day almost anytime. Big Sky Country is brimming with wonderful spots for fishing. In the spring and early summer you’ll most likely catch lake trout using spinners and streamers. The 12,500-acre reservoir lies conveniently just outside the western ... Hungry Horse Reservoir: Hungry Horse Reservoir in Montana's Glacier Country offers a wealth of recreational opportunities to northwestern Montana visitors. Montana fishing trips are great for anglers of all skill levels. Wade into crystal clear lakes or pebble-filled trout streams. Fishing in Montana is a dream come true. Not only is the Bitterroot River beautiful, but it’s one of America’s best trout streams. Bowman Lake. If you plan a trip to Montana in late fall you had better be ready to fish in a snowstorm just in case. Visit one of these 10 lakes in Montana this summer when you need to relax and unwind. Angling for Yellowstone cutthroat trout has been a popular pastime since the late 1800s, with angling still being offered from June 15 to the first Sunday in November. Numerous campsites line its shores, so it’s possible to enjoy some lakeside camping. The Nelson Reservoir, which is close to Malta, is full of perch and walleye as well as some lesser known species. Hebgen Lake: Anglers will find some of Montana's best stillwater trout fishing at Hebgen Lake. Fishing licenses are available through Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks. There is year-round fishing here, and with 26 rivers, 30 large lakes, hundreds of small lakes, and countless tributaries, it’s no wonder that many Trout rivers in Montana have been awarded the acclaimed blue-ribbon status. 10. But don’t get too attached to the fish you hook—it’s catch and release only. When the Montana Power Company built a dam on the Madison River in 1905, Ennis Lake was born. Kleinschmidt Lake is a lake located just 17.1 miles from Lincoln, in Powell County, in the state of Montana, United States, near Geary, MT. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. This is the place to go to try your hand at catching wild, native fish. If you take the time to drive up the gravel road there a few miles, you will discover two of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Montana. If you love rainbow trout, you’ll love Duck Lake. This river holds an incredible 6,000 fish per mile, many of which are 20 inches of longer. Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State. Though they’re a less common catch, you could also end up with a cutthroat. Going-to-the-Sun Road runs along the lake’s southern shoreline, so if you can’t stop, you can at least snap some photos. Thank you! Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. So grab your favorite fly … These waters are also home to Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Mountain Whitefish. 20. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Swan Lake is located in Bigfork. Wade and Cliff Lakes. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! During summer, lunkers seek haven in the deeper, cooler waters, so the fishing is often better at night. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: The Smith River is one of the most amazing fishing spots in Montana… if you’re lucky enough to get there. You’ll find Hebgen Lake in Southwest Montana in the Yellowstone area. Bass are generally found near some kind of cover - shady spots under weed beds, over-hanging trees, logs, brush, stumps, rocks and rocky points. Dress for the Weather . Madison River. This area is called the “50 mile riffle,” and it’s nice and wide and shallow. Fall weather in Montana is very unpredictable—it can be warm and pleasant or you can receive an early dose of winter weather. Mystic Lake is the deepest lake in the Beartooth Mountains, and it has a nice, large sandy beach to enjoy. Overall, Flathead Lake is one of the most premier and recreational and fishing lakes in Montana. If you go boating there this summer, don’t forget to stop at a roadside stand along the east shore and pick up your Flathead cherries and plums. Temperature. Whether you're a long-time angler, or someone who has only dreamed of pulling in their first big one, there is a lot of information on fishing available out there. Fort Peck is one of the most popular fishing spots in Eastern Montana, but there are some other great waters worth exploring. Bad weather days also can produce some huge trout so you want to be on the water even in foul weather. Flathead Lake Flanked by the imposing Mission Mountains, the deep, glacial silt green Flathead Lake is worth the drive on Highway 93 North just for the vistas. Montana fly fishing is synonomous with large rivers and mountain streams, but it is also home to some of the best stillwater fishing in the world. There’s nothing like a hot summer day spent by a beautiful lake. It may be the most productive of the Big Sky bass lakes as well, according to Kranitz, who ranks it as one of the state's two top bass fisheries. Montana Fly Fishing Lakes. The Madison River is ideal for fly fishing, especially the stretch that runs from Quake Lake to Ennis. Ultimate Montana Fishing Montana is known for some of the best river, spring creek and lake fishing in the nation, including many legendary blue ribbon wild trout streams. Written by Brad Lane Nov 28, 2019. Duck Lake. Bring your dogs along, too—Lake Elmo State Park has a 200 square foot dog park. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! This quintessential Montana lake is a must-see for anyone visiting Glacier National Park. The Missouri is not to be missed on any fly-fishing trip to Montana. Fishing is a central part of life during the spring and summer months in Missoula, and of course there is no shortage of lake and river waters to explore. Formed by the vast Fort Peck Dam, Fort Peck Lake has 1,520 miles of shoreline. Hungry Horse Dam When the Montana Power Company built a dam on the Madison River in 1905, Ennis Lake was born. Will you be doing any fishing this year? We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. This beautiful setting makes any day spent on the lake a rewarding one. Will you be spending time at any of these lakes in Montana? Avalanche Lake is another of Glacier’s finest. If you get the opportunity, make an effort to hit the salmonfly hatch here. While you’re there, check out the Hebgen Dam. There are also a number of beautiful lakes lying along the Rocky Mountain Front that provide excellent fishing, such as Willow Creek Reservoir. Bass, like all fish, are cold blooded, which means that their body temperature is always the same as the water in which they swim. Lakes in Montana - Montana has an abuncance of quality lakes for fishing, boating, swimming and recreation. The 35-mile stretch below Holter Dam, the barrier forming a chain of lakes and Canyon Ferry Reservoir, is the focus of most trout anglers, world famous for its dry fly fishing. The landscapes, besides being stunningly beautiful, are relatively undeveloped - the nation’s fourth-largest state only has a population of 800,000. Join us as we discuss the Montana Fishing License options, fishing rules and Montana's most popular bass lake is Echo, a 732-acre lake located 15 miles east of Kalispell. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! These two lakes are found close to the Madison River at $3 Bridge. Montana Fishing Guides excels in planning and executing the best-guided fishing trips all year round for one simple reason: we know Montana and that means we know how, where, and what time of year you’ll find exactly which river or lake is best for your vacation. The longest undammed river in the country is gorgeous, and the fly fishing is great. Like many of the other best lakes in Montana, Bowman Lake sits within the Glacier National Park. You’ll find the Hyalite Reservoir about 19 miles south of Bozeman. For campsites with a view, the best campgrounds in Montana are within eyesight of glacial lakes, snowy mountains, and trout-filled rivers, nestling into the many state parks, national forests, and special places across the state. That’s a lot of space to explore! From half-day to multi-day trips, you can find countless ways to spend a week on the waters of Montana. It is probably the best fishing of the year. 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Here are some of Western Montana’s best lakes for fishing, listed from largest to smallest. Montana's best gulper fishing over the calibaetis hatch can be found on lakes such as Hebgen and Ennis in Southwest Montana Central Lakes Some of Montana's largest lakes such as Canyon Ferry are found in Central Montana and are home to some large trout along with warmwater species James and I had a blast venturing to fish at a mountain lake in Montana to catch some trout! Whether you’re baitcasting, fly fishing or spinning your chances of getting a bite here are good. Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church Is A Pretty Place Of Worship In Montana, Treat Yourself To A Magical Winter Vacation At Grey Cliffs Ranch In Montana, A Christmas Star Will Light Up The Montana Sky For The First Time In Centuries, Plan A Trip To Fort Benton, One Of Montana’s Most Charming Historic Towns, The Little Known Natural Oasis Hiding In Montana That’s Impossible Not To Love, This Little Known Lake In Montana Will Be Your New Favorite Summer Destination, The Sapphire Lake In Montana That’s Devastatingly Gorgeous, The Underrated Montana Lake That’s Perfect For A Summer Day, Most People Have No Idea This Unique Tunnel In Montana Exists, The Montana Hiking Trail You’ve Never Heard Of But Must Experience, Most People Don’t Know About This Ancient Sacred Park In Montana And It’s A Shame. Where are your favorite Montana fishing spots? Flathead is the place to be for all Western Montanans in the summertime. Flathead Lake, Frenchtown Pond State Park, Georgetown Lake, Placid Lake State Park, Seeley Lake and Salmon Lake State Park all welcome you to fish their waters. Each February a drawing for permits is held. You can catch these on Pheasant Tails, PMD’s, Parachute Adams as well as terrestrial flies all ranging from size 12-18. Central Montana Lakes Central Montana is home to several of the most productive lakes for fishing in Montana, including Holter Lake and Canyon Ferry Reservoir. It has been the top-producing lake in Kranitz' Western Montana Bassmasters club over the past seven years. From Flathead Lake to Whitefish Lake, to Beaver Lake and Echo Lake, to the lakes surrounding the Seeley/Swan and the famous lakes “Up North”, you can find the best and most numerous, epic places for ice fishing in Montana. Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State. Gloria Cabada-Leman / Flickr. It is not really a great fly fishing but it’s popular for both fishing and pleasure boating. In the 1980s, Ashley Lake yielded a state and world record hybrid rainbow-cutthroat trout. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. Located on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation east of Glacier National Park, this spot draws anglers from across the country and from Canada. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! The best bass fishing in Montana takes place in the morning and late evening. The clear rivers and streams are fed by runoff from the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, an ideal environment for trout and salmon. What makes our lakes so terrific is the callibaetis hatch. Thank you! The callibaetis mayfly hatches throughout the summer produce awesome site fishing to very large trout. You could fish for decades and still not experience the full potential of the Yellowstone. If you’re a lucky lottery winner, you’ll be catching brown and rainbow trout that average 14-16 inches long. Whitefish City Beach Park has a nice sandy beach, designated swimming areas, docks, gazebos and picnic tables. Two Medicine Lakes at Glacier National Park holds a nice variety of brook trout and rainbow trout. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including walleye, northern pike and crappie here. Fort Peck is one of the most popular fishing spots in Eastern Montana, but there are some other great waters worth exploring. Yellowstone Lake is a massive 35,000 hectare lake that boasts a 180 kilometre shoreline that is home to camping grounds, hiking trails and a fishing bridge, which sits at the north tip of the lake. There’s an abundance of trout in this river, and the summer dry fly fishing is excellent. Missoula’s Best Trout Fishing It’s the perfect lake for fly fishing, and it’s a great starting point for a Yellowstone National Park adventure. In the winter, come to Hebgen Lake for excellent ice fishing. The fishing is also good here, and it’s a great destination for a day hike. The Kalispell area lake remains a great place for fishing. For the best views, check out the lake by hiking the Trail of the Cedars. The Madison offers an impressive diversity of water in its 183 miles of flow. You can find these fish in almost every cold-water lake or river whenever you’re fly fishing around Montana. Unlike other Montana rivers, anyone who wants to fish the Smith River needs a permit. Cast your line in the Paradise Valley or on Flathead Lake, only … Here are just a few tips to help you get started, and improve the skills you already have: If lake fishing is more your speed, you'll find plenty of options here as well. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Ennis Lake. Sumrell recommends fishing the “Bird Float,” from the Grey Owl access to Mallard’s Rest, any time between mid-June and mid-July. The Gallatin is great for beginners, especially from June through August. Located near West Yellowstone and Yellowstone National Park, Hebgen Lake arguably offers the best dry fly lake fishing in Montana. The Nelson Reservoir, which is close to Malta, is full of perch and walleye as well as some lesser known species. These include the Madison, Yellowstone, Boulder, and the Missouri. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 8. It is one of the lesser visited lake’s in the park due to its remote area, which is part of its charm. It’s the perfect lake for fly fishing, and it’s a great starting point for a Yellowstone National Park adventure. Whether you enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, or just lounging on the shores with a picnic, the perfect lake is never far away when you live in Montana. 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