Harrison Lake, Montana: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Beaverhead County in Montana is where Harrison Lake sits. It stands 8,622 feet above sea level. At roughly 4 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is a small entry by Beaverhead County standards. Dillon lies 28 miles from the water. After that come Salmon at 34 miles and Butte at 61 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Harrison Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Beaverhead County records list rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout and Arctic grayling among the fish reported. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Harrison Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 55°F, the coldest about 17°F. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid May. Climate figures give an open season running mid May to mid November. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Harrison Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Nothing in the way of made access shows up nearby: no ramp, no car park, no path. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. The nearest alternative is Peterson Lake, 7.6 miles out. The position on Harrison Lake is worth confirming on the day.