Goose Lake Fishing near Plentywood, Montana

• Overview

  Look for Goose Lake in the Sheridan County part of Montana. Around the bank it is lake country bush. This is sizeable water at about 453 acres, and a boat opens up most of it. There is roughly 9.2 miles of bank, more than one visit can cover properly. It is one of the larger waters we list anywhere in Montana. Nearest place of any size is Plentywood, 23 miles away. After that come Crosby at 36 miles and Williston at 51 miles. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Goose Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Across Sheridan County, recorded fish include northern pike, yellow perch, walleye and largemouth bass. The county list is broader than any single water. On Goose Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 69°F; by January the average is down near 7°F. Winter closes the water for a while, and the reopening is worth catching. Count the season from break-up, usually mid April. Averages suggest open water from about mid April through to roughly mid November. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. It holds true on Goose Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Records list it as a natural water body rather than an impoundment. Public data shows nothing built here, so treat the whole approach as informal. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. North Lake at 4.8 miles is the sensible second choice. Treat access at Goose Lake as something to verify.