Fishing at Mudhole Lake, Ravalli County, Montana

• Overview

  Mudhole Lake falls in Ravalli County, part of Montana. Height above sea level is 5,794 feet. It covers about 6 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Hamilton lies 35 miles from the water. The nearest city of size is Boise, 173 miles away. Others worth noting: Watchtower Lake 5.1 miles, Canyon Lake a touch under 6 miles, Boulder Lake 6.3 miles, Lake Crystal a touch under 6.3 miles and Lake Turbid 6.3 miles. One jurisdiction covers this water end to end.

• Where to Fish on Mudhole Lake

  Depth figures are not published for this one. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Survey and observation records for Ravalli County include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout and brown trout. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Mudhole Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 55°F in July and bottom out at 20°F in December. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly early May. Average temperatures cross freezing around early May in spring and again near mid November in autumn. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. Anyone fishing Mudhole Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. Watchtower Lake at 5.1 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the position at Mudhole Lake before loading the car.