Fish the High Country
Now is the time to trek into the mountains for great fishing. Lakes over 7,000 feet are plenty cool and full of fish. With Hoot Owl closures on the horizon, get above the tubers, warmer waters, and crowded waters.
The MTFWP routinely stocks high mountain lakes with trout. Go to their website and explore the stocking history for these lakes. Pick an area near you. The best time to catch BIG trout is the 3rd year after stocking. The stocked fish are around 66-9 inches or smaller. It takes a few seasons to grow larger. There are usually a few veteran fish that make things interesting.
Stocking is done using helicopters, airplanes, trucks, and backpacks. Each lake has a different means of access.
Some high mountain lakes can completely freeze solidly. This may kill all the fish in the lake. Each trip can be different but there are usually nearby lakes to try.
Bears also enjoy the high-country summers so pack a weapon or bear spray. Moose can also be dangerous. Any deer or elk with calves may also challenge hikers and anglers.
Some of these lakes are accessible by a short hike. Others may require a wheeler or some serious 4WD action. The lakes may be higher than 9,000 feet. Roads and trails can be aggressive so pick and choose accordingly.
It’s fun to fish these clean lakes and have a shore lunch. Backpack in what you need and enjoy fresh fish. If you want to camp overnight, bring your sleeping gear as well.
Make some High Lake Goals. Perhaps you have never caught a Golden Trout in Montana. Locate a choice of Golden lakes to target. Golden trout are not native to Montana. The strain in Big Sky Country is from California. There are also grayling lakes to explore.
Each lake has a unique species, size, and challenge. Most of the fish in these less fished waters are eager biters. A spinner or basic baits will often do the trick. Fish around structures and in/outflows.
I use a 4-wheeler to climb into lakes in the Tobacco Root Mountains. The wheelers were challenged by the terrains trail. It was often on just 2-3 wheels. You need to have some skills to navigate these boulder strewn trails. Sylvan Lake in the Absarokee Range is a couple of mile walk for outstanding fishing.
Once at the lake, icebergs were floating in the water. We caught our limit of Cutthroat trout easily. Most of the trout are the same size, based on the last stocking. I chipped off some to fill a cooler for my fresh fish.
You may encounter mosquitoes or other heavy insect swarms. Be prepared. The higher altitudes also make getting sunburn easier. Carry an essentials pack that has what you may need.
The skies get Bigger as you go higher. There are also fewer people and more wildlife to enjoy. Celebrate the high country with friends and family.
Get High!
Montana Grant
