Fishing South One Horse Lake in Missoula County, Montana

• Overview

  South One Horse Lake stands in Missoula County, Montana. It sits in mixed forest. About 6 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. It is a small entry by Missoula County standards. Lolo lies 10 miles from the water. Beyond it, Stevensville at 13 miles and Orchard Homes at 17 miles. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on South One Horse Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Missoula County records list rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout and northern pike among the fish reported. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. South One Horse Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August near 55°F and December near 19°F on the long-run figures. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early May. Climate averages put the opening at about early May and the closing near mid November. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. That shapes the year on South One Horse Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Formal access is not mapped, so the last stretch is likely on foot. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. If the gate is shut, Reed Lake at 0.6 miles is the nearest alternative. Rules at South One Horse Lake are worth checking on the day.