Fishing Cradle Lakes in Madison County, Montana

• Overview

  Madison County in Montana is where Cradle Lakes sits. The country round it is rolling bush from end to end. At roughly 6 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Compared with other Montana water on our list, it sits high. Head to West Yellowstone, 23 miles away, for anything you forgot. The nearest city of size is Billings, 157 miles away. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Cradle Lakes

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Survey and observation records for Madison County include rainbow trout, brown trout and mountain whitefish. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. At Cradle Lakes the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 15°F in January to roughly 53°F in July. Winter shuts things down for a spell, then spring reopens them fast. Winter locks it down, and late May brings it back. Average temperatures cross freezing around late May in spring and again near mid November in autumn. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. It holds true on Cradle Lakes more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Public data shows nothing built here, so treat the whole approach as informal. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Failing this one, try High Hope Lake, 0.7 miles away. Nothing on Cradle Lakes should be assumed from this page alone.