Herrin Lakes Fishing near Lincoln, Montana

• Overview

  Herrin Lakes is a Lewis and Clark County water, Montana side. Height above sea level is 4,652 feet. It covers about 8 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. On size it sits at the modest end of our Lewis and Clark County list. Nearest place of any size is Lincoln, 2.3 miles away. Helena Valley Northwest follows at 32 miles, then Helena Valley West Central at 35 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Herrin Lakes

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Across Lewis and Clark County, recorded fish include rainbow trout, sockeye salmon, brown trout, yellow perch and brook trout. Protected fish appear in the records for this area, so treat the list as information, not an invitation. The shape of Herrin Lakes decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 21°F in January up to 62°F in August. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early April. The open-water window runs from around early April to about late November in an average year. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. Herrin Lakes runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Nothing formal is recorded here: no ramp, no car park, no marked path. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Failing this one, try Smith Lake, 3.5 miles away. Confirm before you fish Herrin Lakes.