Stash Lake Fishing in Park County, Montana

• Overview

  Stash Lake lies in Park County, Montana. What surrounds it is rolling bush. Surface area runs to about 3 acres — small enough to read in one session. It is a small entry by Park County standards. The closest town, Red Lodge, is 29 miles distant. The big place round here is Billings, 80 miles distant. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Stash Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. Across Park County, recorded fish include rainbow trout, brook trout and california golden trout. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Take Stash Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, August reads 48°F and January reads 13°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly mid June. Averages suggest open water from about mid June through to roughly late October. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. It sets the rhythm of the year at Stash Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. A phone call first saves an afternoon. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Failing this one, try Weasel Lake, 0.2 miles away. Where Stash Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.