Lower Riddell Lake Fishing near Seeley Lake, Montana

• Overview

  Lower Riddell Lake lies in Lake County, in Montana. The water sits 7,129 feet up. The water measures roughly 6 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Lake County. For supplies, Seeley Lake is 19 miles out. Ronan follows at 21 miles, then Frenchtown at 24 miles. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Lower Riddell Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Survey and observation records for Lake County include rainbow trout, sockeye salmon and smallmouth bass. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. On Lower Riddell Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between December at about 17°F and August at about 55°F, the water has a wide range to work through. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from mid May. Climate averages put the opening at about mid May and the closing near mid November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Time your trip to Lower Riddell Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Upper Riddell Lake sits 0.4 miles off and takes the overflow. The position on Lower Riddell Lake is worth confirming on the day.