Nelson Reservoir, Montana: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Nelson Reservoir is one of the Phillips County waters in Montana. It sits at 2,205 feet above sea level. At roughly 6.4 sq miles it ranks among the larger waters in the region. The perimeter is close to 23 miles, and wind can be flat in one arm and rough in the next. It is the biggest water on our Phillips County list. Malta lies 15 miles from the water. For a city, Regina is 191 miles off. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Nelson Reservoir

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Fish documented in Phillips County include black crappie, northern pike, rainbow trout and walleye. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. At Nelson Reservoir the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 70°F for July and 12°F for January. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly early April. Expect the water usable from around early April until roughly late November. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Expect Nelson Reservoir to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Failing this one, try Mud Lake, 3.1 miles away. Nothing here settles the position at Nelson Reservoir for certain.