Fishing Ovis Lake in Park County, Montana

• Overview

  Ovis Lake lies in Park County, in Montana. It lies 9,613 feet above sea level. At roughly 12 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is high ground by Montana standards. Nearest town is Red Lodge, 34 miles off. Then Absarokee, 38 miles, and Columbus, 50 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Ovis Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. County-wide records name rainbow trout, brook trout and california golden trout. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. Read Ovis Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 52°F, the coldest about 14°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Ice is part of the season here, ending near late May. Break-up near late May, freeze-up near early November: that is the shape of an average year. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Time your trip to Ovis Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. No built facilities appear in mapping around this water. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Long Lake at 0.4 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the position at Ovis Lake before loading the car.