Fishing North Hidden Lake in Carbon County, Montana

• Overview

  Look for North Hidden Lake in Carbon County, Montana. Country round the bank runs to mixed forest. At 19 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Montana listings. Nearest place of any size is Red Lodge, 22 miles away. It is 76 miles to Billings, the nearest city. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on North Hidden Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Species logged across Carbon County include rainbow trout, brook trout and sauger. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On North Hidden Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, August reads 47°F and January reads 13°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near mid June. The open-water window runs from around mid June to about late October in an average year. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. On North Hidden Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. 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. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Failing this one, try Heart Lake, 0.3 miles away. Rules at North Hidden Lake are worth checking on the day.