Freezeout Lakes in Madison County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Freezeout Lakes sits in Madison County, out in Montana. The bank gives way to lake country bush. Small at around 6 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. West Yellowstone lies 29 miles from the water. It is 167 miles to Billings, the nearest city. Other water within reach: Smith Lake about 3.7 miles, Wade Lake 3.9 miles away, Blue Lake about 6.1 miles, Cliff Lake 6.5 miles away and Otter Lake about 7 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Freezeout Lakes

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Species logged across Madison County include rainbow trout, brown trout and mountain whitefish. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Freezeout Lakes gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 15°F and July at about 58°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. Break-up comes around early May, and the run that follows is short and strong. Average temperatures cross freezing around early May in spring and again near mid November in autumn. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. Expect Freezeout Lakes to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Smith Lake sits 3.7 miles off and takes the overflow. Ask locally about Freezeout Lakes if anything is unclear.