Hunter Lake Fishing near Columbus, Montana

• Overview

  Out in Stillwater County, Montana, sits Hunter Lake. The bank is 3,993 feet above sea level. It runs to roughly 78 acres — big enough to hold fish away from the bank, small enough to learn. Around 1.3 miles of margin, front to back. It is among the larger waters listed here for Stillwater County. Columbus is the closest place, 17 miles off. It is 27 miles to Billings, the nearest city. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Hunter Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Reported across Stillwater County: rainbow trout, california golden trout, brown trout, brook trout and black crappie. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Hunter Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 69°F and January near 24°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around late March. Break-up sits around late March on average, with the water closing again about early December. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. Plan around that when you fish Hunter Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Records show it does not hold water year-round. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Big Lake, 3.4 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Check the position at Hunter Lake before loading the car.