Martin Lake, Montana: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  This water sits in Lincoln County, Montana. Lake country bush runs right down to the water. It covers about 3 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Most waters listed here for Lincoln County are larger. The closest town, Libby, is 15 miles away. Ponderay is 40 miles and Sandpoint 41 miles. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Martin Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Species logged across Lincoln County include rainbow trout, sockeye salmon, brook trout and northern pike. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Read Martin Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 56°F at the top of summer and 18°F at the bottom of winter. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Winter locks it down, and early May brings it back. Climate averages put the opening at about early May and the closing near mid November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. It sets the rhythm of the year at Martin Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Failing this one, try Tahoka Lake, 0.3 miles away. Check the position at Martin Lake before loading the car.