Dry Lake Fishing in Lincoln County, Montana

• Overview

  Dry Lake sits within Lincoln County in Montana. Country round the bank runs to lake country bush. At roughly 20 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. By elevation it sits in the lower part of our Montana listings. The nearest place of any size is Eureka, 10 miles away. Whitefish is 36 miles away, with Libby at 39 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Dry Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Reported across Lincoln County: rainbow trout, sockeye salmon, brook trout and northern pike. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Read Dry Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put August at about 63°F and January near 20°F. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near late March. On average, late March opens the water and late November closes it again. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Time your trip to Dry Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Expect a half a mile walk in from where the car goes. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Loon Lake sits 2.2 miles off and takes the overflow. For Dry Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.