Fishing at Elbow Lake, Beaverhead County, Montana

• Overview

  Within Beaverhead County, Montana, you have Elbow Lake. Land around it is mixed forest. About 7 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Nearest town is Dillon, 40 miles off. Anaconda is 41 miles away, with Salmon at 42 miles. Others worth noting: Baldy Lake 1.1 miles away, Schwinegar Lake sits 1.2 miles out, Lake of the Woods 1.7 miles away, Odell Lake sits 1.9 miles out and Grassy Lake 2.1 miles away. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Elbow Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Beaverhead County records list rainbow trout, brook trout and brown trout among the fish reported. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Elbow Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 18°F in December and 53°F in July. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid May. Climate figures give an open season running mid May to mid November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Plan any trip to Elbow Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. Should this one be busy, Baldy Lake is 1.1 miles off. Check the position at Elbow Lake before loading the car.