Fishing at Jackson Lake, Madison County, Montana

• Overview

  Look for Jackson Lake in the Madison County part of Montana. The country here is mixed forest. The nearest place of any size is Whitehall, 20 miles away. Then Three Forks, 34 miles, and Butte, 36 miles. If this one is busy: Twin Lakes within 0.6 miles, Crystal Lake (0.8 miles), Sailor Lake within 1.5 miles, Upper Boulder Lake (1.6 miles) and Lost Cabin Lake within 1.9 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Jackson Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Reported across Madison County: rainbow trout, brown trout and mountain whitefish. The county list is broader than any single water. Jackson Lake repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 20°F to 56°F. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around early May. Average temperatures cross freezing around early May in spring and again near mid November in autumn. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. It holds true on Jackson Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Failing this one, try Twin Lakes, 0.6 miles away. Check the position on Jackson Lake before loading the car.