Running Crane Lake, Montana: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Set in Glacier County, Montana, this is Running Crane Lake. The bank is 7,339 feet above sea level. At roughly 20 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Supplies mean a trip to South Browning, 19 miles off. Browning lies 19 miles off, North Browning another 19 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Running Crane Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Records held for Glacier County cover brook trout, northern pike and longnose sucker. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. On Running Crane Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 16°F to 54°F. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. The lid usually sets by midwinter and gives way around mid May. The lid tends to go about mid May and return around early November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Running Crane Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Lonely Lakes sits 1.4 miles off and takes the overflow. None of that is settled for Running Crane Lake in what we hold.