fishing for lake trout in montana

Yellowstone River. Begin your lake search below. Since many of the fish are still spawning during June, sight fishing is the preferred method on Trout Lake. Expansive flats may not hold many fish. Anglers lucky enough to cast their lines in the right waters can also catch Golden Trout, available in less than a dozen of lakes. Read the Standard Regulations that apply to all waters in that District. Usually look for mud/sand/small cobble bottom flats near slope changes or points. This section covers popular lakes located in the valleys and lower elevations of Montana. to 2 oz. Downrigger Dale was joined by Ben Galt of White Sulpher Springs for some lake trout fishing on Peck. test line will work. Lake trout (or mackinaw) are primarily fish eaters. If you think the fish are there, try different lures and colors and vary your techniques. Set the hook hard when you feel a tap or jerk. We have experienced great spring fishing for Lakers, transitioned to Lake Whitefish in mid-summer, and in between, Kokanee, and Cutthroat, big Yellow Perch and even a Bull Trout or two. Lake Trout inhabit very deep, cold lakes, living in water up to 200 feet deep. The clear, cold water in the lakes and rivers is a perfect habitat for trout and other freshwater fish. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including rainbow trout and cutthroat trout here. Generally fish near the bottom but don’t be afraid to fish mid depths, particularly near the thermocline (40′-60′) in summer, or wherever you see the fish on the finder. Anglers are allowed six lines each on Peck, so tip ups can be staged in multiple depths in different locations. Generally, trout are thought of as stream inhabitants but there are many lakes that can provide great trout action. Generally fish 30′-100′ deep for smaller (2-5 lb.) American Society of Icthyologists and Herpetologists, FishMT - Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Montana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, Natural Heritage MapViewer (Statewide Database of Animal Observations), Web Search Engines for Articles on "Lake Trout", Additional Sources of Information Related to "Fish". It takes 800 feet or more of line to reach bottom in 100 feet of water. Broadcasts spawn Oct-Nov. Eggs hatch in following March or April when water temperatures reach 34-38 degrees F. Fry soon move into deep water. or larger spoons such as Krocodiles in silver/red or gold/red or minnow-imitation plugs such as Rebels or Rapalas in black/silver, black/gold or fluorescent orange. lures or jigs. Fish Commission (a predecessor of today’s US Fish & Wildlife Service). Whatever fishing equipment you love best, a day of trout fishing on Lake Hebgen is definitely a memorable experience. Stocked lakes aren’t necessarily the best fishing waters. Fish the same lures and locations as flatlining with 3-8 colors out. The mainline ties to one swivel with a 4′-6′ leader off the opposite swivel to a lure. Otherwise, all other populations in the state are introduced. These same fish aren't that sophisticated because of the lack of flies they have seen. You can stillfish cutbait (fish) or worms on the bottom or cast 1/4 oz. Fish from 5-10 pounds are much oilier and are best if skinned, trimmed, and cooked to allow juices to drain away. 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. Leadagators, Trilobites, Nordics, Crippled Herring, Kastmasters, and Buzz Bombs will all work. Tie a short leader off the bottom swivel to a banana sinker (2-12 oz.). Deep, cold lakes and reservoirs (Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks 2003). Lake trout are typically trout-like in shape. Concentrate on spawning areas in the fall (points with rock or cobble) such as major points, Wild Horse Island, or around the Narrows. Expect to hang up occasionally. They spawn in the fall on the rocky substrate of the shoreline. For lake trout fishing, a 150-meter line is enough. Lead-core outfits such as those used for Kokanee can also be used on lake trout down to 50′ deep or more. We advise beginners to go for pre-rigged lines. Big Sky Country is brimming with wonderful spots for fishing. The genetic uniqueness and significance of Montana's native lake trout populations to the post-glacial distribution of the species mandate that these remnant native populations be conserved. Most days, you won’t see another angler as your guides spread clients across sections of the lake. Troll 3/8 oz. This fish swims in clear mountain lakes and can reach up to 18 inches in size. Steeper shorelines such as most of the east shore, Conrad Point to Painted Rocks, Wild Horse Island and around the Narrows are good spots. Look for this PDF icon at the top of each page as you search and browse. Montana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Species of Concern Status Reviews. Flathead Lake specifically offers excellent lake trout fishing opportunities. When learning how to catch lake trout, it’s important to know that they prefer light lures so consider stocking up on small spinners and spoons. Other productive jigging areas are the river mouth, Conrad Point, Painted Rocks/Cedar Island, Wildhorse Island, the Narrows, Finley Point, and Gravel Bay. The Best Fly Fishing in Bigfork Montana Some of the most divine fishing spots in the area include the Flathead River, the Swan River, the Blackfoot River, and the Lower Clark Fork River. With killer sizes of over 20lbs in some cases, the lake has varieties of huge fish such as a … Lake trout are generally easy to catch but they move a lot and action can turn on and off. View in other NatureServe Network Field Guides. This technique has really revolutionized lake trout fishing since it is simple, productive, and requires little gear. White, chartreuse, and glo-in-the dark are popular colors. Lake trout can be readily caught from shore in May-June and October-November when the water is cool and they’re in shallow to look for food (spring) or to spawn (fall). lakers and over 100′ deep for larger lake trout but expect lots of mixing of sizes. Fishing charters have been popular with vacationers and local residents – click pic for more! One of the major tributaries of the Missouri, the Yellowstone River also happens … They can dive 30-50 feet but will trip when a fish hits to allow a better fight. Lakes located high in the mountains, and which also provide excellent fly fishing, are covered in the mountain fishing section. Montana has an abuncance of quality lakes for fishing, boating, swimming and recreation. The clear rivers and streams are fed by runoff from the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, an ideal environment for trout and salmon. Used with a good fish finder you can target concentrations of fish and prime locations and precisely place your lure. Winter fishing on the Flathead.. Lake trout were intentionally stocked in Lewis and Shoshone lakes in 1890 by the U.S. Diet is largely other fish after reaching 2-3 lbs. There are plenty of Trout species you can catch in Montana – Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Bull Trout, and Lake Trout. Luckily, though, you’re close to some of the best fly fishing in Montana when you’re visiting Flathead Lake: Swan River and Yellowstone River, where you have the chance to catch some rainbow trout and cutthroat trout, and northern pike. They used #3 Shiver Minnows to catch these two lake trout in 90 feet of water. The lake trout's native range includes portions of all of the Canadian provinces except Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, and the states of Alaska, Maine, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Wisconsin. in weight. You’ll increase bites if you tip the jig with a piece of fish (sucker, Norther pike minnow, or perch) or use scents. Whereas lake trout can be found in cold rivers and shallow lakes in the northern portion of its range (Scott and Crossman 1973), in Montana native lake trout inhabit a few relatively deep, cold lakes remaining from the Pleistocene glaciations. new location. If you’re not catching fish and can’t see them on the finder move to a I hadn’t spent a spring day fishing for lake trout on Flathead Lake for the past few years and thought it might be a good destination. The lake gets very weedy later in the summer, making fishing extremely difficult. To work, the lure has to be skipping on the bottom. Shore Fishing for Lake Trout Lake trout can be readily caught from shore in May-June and October-November when the water is cool and they’re in shallow to look for food (spring) or to spawn (fall). jigheads, going to larger heads as you fish deeper. Trophy Lake Trout, Walleye and Northern Pike are caught almost every day. These fish are best targeted by fishing bait suspended deep from a boat or plying the shorelines and rock points with lures and flies early and late season. Mission Lake is a lake located just 15 miles from Cut Bank, in Glacier County, in the state of Montana, United States, near Hidden Lake Colony, MT. 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