Copepod Lake Fishing in Carbon County, Montana

• Overview

  Copepod Lake lies in Carbon County, Montana. It lies 10,433 feet above sea level. At 7 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Compared with other Montana water on our list, it sits high. Red Lodge lies 21 miles from the water. Absarokee follows at 33 miles, then Columbus at 44 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Copepod Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Fish documented in Carbon County include rainbow trout, brook trout and sauger. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. On Copepod Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical August readings run about 47°F; by January the average is down near 13°F. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. Count the season from break-up, usually mid June. Average temperatures cross freezing around mid June in spring and again near late October in autumn. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. It sets the rhythm of the year at Copepod Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Cladocera Lake sits 0.5 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm before you fish Copepod Lake.