Ennis Lake in Madison County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  This water sits in Madison County, Montana. Land around it is rolling bush. At roughly 5.9 sq miles it ranks among the larger waters in the region. There is roughly 11 miles of bank, more than one visit can cover properly. Nothing else we list in Madison County covers more water. Some 18 miles away sits Big Sky, the nearest settlement. It is 156 miles to Billings, the nearest city. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Ennis Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Records held for Madison County cover rainbow trout, brown trout, mountain whitefish, brook trout and california golden trout. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. Anyone new to Ennis Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 24°F and July at about 66°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Winter locks it down, and late March brings it back. In an average year the thaw lands around late March and the freeze near early December. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Time your trip to Ennis Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. This is a reservoir by origin, with the deepest water near the dam. Public mapping records no formal access here, so plan for a walk and soft ground. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Cherry Lake, 7.6 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Confirm before you fish Ennis Lake.