Lake of the Pines in Gallatin County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Look for Lake of the Pines in the Gallatin County part of Montana. Height above sea level is 7,208 feet. The whole thing is a single swim; walk it in a minute. Our Gallatin County list holds plenty of bigger water. Nearest place of any size is Big Sky, 13 miles away. Further out sit Four Corners (19 miles) and Bozeman (21 miles). The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Lake of the Pines

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Fish documented in Gallatin County include rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and mountain whitefish. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. On Lake of the Pines a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 58°F on average, January about 19°F. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early May. Break-up near early May, freeze-up near mid November: that is the shape of an average year. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Lake of the Pines.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Failing this one, try Pioneer Lakes, 2.7 miles away. Nothing here settles the position at Lake of the Pines for certain.