Shrew Lake Fishing in Park County, Montana

• Overview

  You will find Shrew Lake in Park County, Montana. The surface lies 9,583 feet up. At 2 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Most waters listed here for Park County are larger. The nearest place of any size is Red Lodge, 26 miles away. The big place round here is Billings, 79 miles distant. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Shrew Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Records held for Park County cover rainbow trout, brook trout, california golden trout and brown trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Fish Shrew Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 14°F in January to roughly 49°F in August. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near early June. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about early June until roughly early November. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. The season on Shrew Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Anvil Lake sits 0.2 miles off and takes the overflow. Nothing here settles the position at Shrew Lake for certain.