Lake Sutherlin Fishing in Meagher County, Montana

• Overview

  In Montana, Lake Sutherlin falls inside Meagher County. Elevation runs to 5,456 feet. At 377 acres this is proper open water rather than a pond. The edge runs 2.5 miles or so, easy to work in an afternoon. Of the waters listed here in Meagher County, this is the largest. Townsend sits 43 miles from here and is the nearest stop. After that come East Helena at 56 miles and Helena Valley Southeast at 56 miles. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Lake Sutherlin

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Fish documented in Meagher County include rainbow trout, brook trout and brown trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Lake Sutherlin that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 19°F and August at about 62°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid April. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about mid April until roughly late November. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. It sets the rhythm of the year at Lake Sutherlin.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. No built facilities appear in mapping around this water. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Failing this one, try Buckingham Reservoir, 11 miles away. The position on Lake Sutherlin is worth confirming on the day.