Black Lake Fishing near Seeley Lake, Montana

• Overview

  Black Lake lies in Missoula County, in Montana. The bank is 4,843 feet above sea level. With some 117 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. It ranks high for size among our Missoula County listings. Start from Seeley Lake, 11 miles down the road. Bonner-West Riverside is 23 miles and East Missoula 25 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Black Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Survey and observation records for Missoula County include rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout and northern pike. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. On Black Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between December at about 19°F and August at about 58°F, the water has a wide range to work through. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around late April. Ice clears near late April and comes back about mid November in a typical year. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. On Black Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. 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. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. If the gate is shut, Lower Jocko Lake at 1.4 miles is the nearest alternative. Rules at Black Lake are worth checking on the day.