Fishing at Hidden Lake, Deer Lodge County, Montana

• Overview

  Hidden Lake is one of the Deer Lodge County waters in Montana. The bank is 8,225 feet above sea level. At roughly 12 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. The nearest town is Anaconda, 31 miles away. Beyond it, Hamilton at 37 miles and Warm Springs at 39 miles. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Hidden Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. County-wide records name rainbow trout, brook trout and Arctic grayling. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. At Hidden Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 53°F, with December the cold end at about 18°F. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid May. Climate figures give an open season running mid May to early November. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Plan any trip to Hidden Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. You can camp half a mile off, which suits an early start. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. The nearest alternative is Sawed Cabin Lake, 0.7 miles out. Ask locally about Hidden Lake if anything is unclear.