Fishing High Lake in Ravalli County, Montana

• Overview

  In Montana, High Lake falls inside Ravalli County. It stands 7,375 feet above sea level. It measures about 40 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. It is among the larger waters listed here for Ravalli County. Nearest place of any size is Hamilton, 9.7 miles away. The nearest city of size is Spokane, 174 miles away. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on High Lake

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Survey and observation records for Ravalli County include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and brook trout. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. On High Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 55°F; the cold one sits at 18°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Winter locks it down, and early May brings it back. On average, early May opens the water and mid November closes it again. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to High Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. No slipway, car park or made path shows up nearby in mapping, so treat access as rough. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Should this one be busy, Lomo Lake is 0.9 miles off. Confirm before you fish High Lake.