Barker Lakes Fishing near Anaconda, Montana

• Overview

  Set in Deer Lodge County, Montana, this is Barker Lakes. Elevation runs to 7,910 feet. At roughly 17 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. The town to know is Anaconda, 8.8 miles out. Warm Springs is 17 miles and Deer Lodge 28 miles. Nearest other option: Haggin Lake at 1.5 miles, 2.2 miles out stands Miller Lake, Hearst Lake at 2.5 miles, 3.7 miles out stands Lake of the Isle and Twin Lakes at 4.5 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Barker Lakes

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Fish documented in Deer Lodge County include rainbow trout, brook trout, Arctic grayling and brown trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Fish Barker Lakes where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 54°F, with January the cold end at about 18°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Look for the thaw near early May; the fishing lifts straight after. On average, early May opens the water and mid November closes it again. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. It holds true on Barker Lakes more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Nothing is listed nearby for parking or launching a boat. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Failing this one, try Haggin Lake, 1.5 miles away. Check the position on Barker Lakes before loading the car.