Finger Lake Fishing Guide, Park County, Montana

• Overview

  The Park County end of Montana holds Finger Lake. Beyond the shoreline you have rolling bush. At roughly 7 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is high ground by Montana standards. You are 30 miles from Red Lodge. Absarokee is 36 miles away, with Columbus at 48 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Finger Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Survey and observation records for Park County include rainbow trout, brook trout, california golden trout, brown trout and black-spotted cutthroat trout. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Take Finger Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 48°F, the coldest about 13°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Winter locks it down, and mid June brings it back. Averages place the thaw at mid June and the freeze at late October. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Time your trip to Finger Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Peanut Lake sits 0.4 miles off and takes the overflow. Rules at Finger Lake are worth checking on the day.