Otter Lake Fishing Guide, Madison County, Montana

• Overview

  The Madison County entry here is Otter Lake, in Montana. Height above sea level is 6,522 feet. Small at around 6 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. West Yellowstone lies 24 miles from the water. Billings is the closest city, 167 miles away. Also within reach: Goose Lake near enough 0.3 miles, Hidden Lake 1.2 miles away, Cliff Lake near enough 2.8 miles, Conklin Lake 3.5 miles away and Elk Lake near enough 4.7 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Otter Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Fish documented in Madison County include rainbow trout, brown trout, mountain whitefish, brook trout and california golden trout. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Otter Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 58°F at the top of summer and 14°F at the bottom of winter. Winter puts a hard lid on this one. Break-up comes around early May, and the run that follows is short and strong. The season between ice runs from about early May to mid November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. The season on Otter Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. No made access appears within a short radius, so plan to park on a verge and walk. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. The nearest alternative is Goose Lake, 0.3 miles out. Confirm access to Otter Lake locally before you travel.