Beanhole Lake, Montana: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Beanhole Lake lies in Missoula County, in Montana. It stands 7,270 feet above sea level. This is a pocket water of some 8 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. It is a small entry by Missoula County standards. Ronan is the closest town at 18 miles. Seeley Lake is 19 miles and Pablo 22 miles. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Beanhole Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. County-wide records name rainbow trout, brook trout and cutthroat trout. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. The near bank of Beanhole Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  August is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 58°F, while December sits near 19°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from early May. Averages suggest open water from about early May through to roughly mid November. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. It sets the rhythm of the year at Beanhole Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Eagle Lake at 0.5 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the position at Beanhole Lake before loading the car.