Elk Horn Lake in Carbon County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Elk Horn Lake is a Carbon County water, in Montana. Land around it is pine and birch. At 2 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. On size it sits at the modest end of our Carbon County list. Red Lodge at 15 miles is the nearest place to stop. Absarokee is 33 miles and Powell 41 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Elk Horn Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Survey and observation records for Carbon County include rainbow trout, brook trout and sauger. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Fish Elk Horn Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year August sits at 51°F and January at 17°F. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around late May. Averages suggest open water from about late May through to roughly early November. Fishing peaks soon after break-up and again before the cold returns. Expect Elk Horn Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. The nearest alternative is Crescent Lake, 0.3 miles out. Confirm access to Elk Horn Lake locally before you travel.