Star Lake in Park County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Star Lake is set in Park County, Montana. This is rolling bush ground. Compared with other Montana water on our list, it sits high. Red Lodge at 33 miles is the nearest place to stop. Further out sit Absarokee (37 miles) and Columbus (49 miles). Nearby alternatives: Astral Lake within 0.4 miles, 0.4 miles away is Little Green Lake, Hilltop Lake within 0.5 miles, 0.6 miles away is Green Lake and Bob Lake within 0.7 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Star Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. Survey and observation records for Park County include rainbow trout, brook trout, california golden trout and brown trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Work Star Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 13°F to 48°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Ice-out usually falls in mid June, and the weeks after it fish hardest. From about mid June to around late October, expect open water on the long-run figures. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. Star Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. No made access is recorded, so a short walk in is the likely arrangement. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Rules for this water may differ from the county norm. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. The nearest alternative is Astral Lake, 0.4 miles out. Confirm access to Star Lake locally before you travel.