First Rock Lake near Red Lodge: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  First Rock Lake falls in Carbon County, part of Montana. The ground around here is rolling bush. Small at around 19 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Red Lodge is the closest town at 16 miles. The nearest city of size is Billings, 70 miles away. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple. It holds up in poor weather better than open water does.

• Where to Fish on First Rock Lake

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. 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. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. The near bank of First Rock Lake is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 15°F in January up to 48°F in August. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Look for the thaw near mid June; the fishing lifts straight after. Expect the water usable from around mid June until roughly early November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Plan around that when you fish First Rock Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. The map shows no ramp or car park nearby, so this is a walk-in water. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Keyser Brown Lake sits 0.8 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm access to First Rock Lake locally before you travel.