Black Coulee Fishing Guide, Blaine County, Montana

• Overview

  Black Coulee is a Blaine County water, in Montana. It sits in pine and birch. Around 164 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. A shoreline of some 3.0 miles keeps the choices simple. It lies lower than most water we list in Montana. The nearest town is Fort Belknap Agency, 22 miles away. It is 201 miles to Billings, the nearest city. The boundary is close enough to be worth checking before you fish.

• Where to Fish on Black Coulee

  We hold no depth figure for this one. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. County-wide records name rainbow trout, walleye, black crappie, yellow perch and northern pike. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. Fish Black Coulee where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 67°F and January about 12°F. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. Break-up comes around mid April, and the run that follows is short and strong. On average, mid April opens the water and late November closes it again. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Black Coulee fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Black Coulee National Wildlife Refuge runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. The nearest alternative is Duck Lake, 5.2 miles out. Where Black Coulee is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.