Elk Lake Fishing in Carbon County, Montana

• Overview

  Elk Lake is one of the Carbon County waters in Montana. Beyond the shoreline you have lake country bush. The water measures roughly 12 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. Red Lodge sits 20 miles from the bank. Absarokee is 27 miles and Columbus 38 miles. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout. Ground round the water is mixed, open in parts and thick in others.

• Where to Fish on Elk Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Across Carbon County, recorded fish include rainbow trout, brook trout and sauger. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. Elk Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  August is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 46°F, while January sits near 13°F. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around mid June. Break-up near mid June, freeze-up near late October: that is the shape of an average year. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Time your trip to Elk Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. If the gate is shut, Rimrock Lake at 1.9 miles is the nearest alternative. Nothing here settles the position at Elk Lake for certain.