Fishing Sue Lake in Flathead County, Montana

• Overview

  Sue Lake is a Flathead County water, Montana side. The country round it is mixed forest from end to end. The water covers some 87 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. The nearest town is Cardston, 34 miles away. Beyond it, Columbia Falls at 37 miles and Whitefish at 38 miles. Also worth knowing: Atsina Lake 1 mile, Margaret Lake 1.4 miles away, Mokowanis Lake 1.8 miles, Ipasha Lake 1.9 miles away and Stoney Indian Lake 2 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Sue Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Reported across Flathead County: rainbow trout, sockeye salmon and largemouth bass. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Anyone new to Sue Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year August sits at 54°F and January at 14°F. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. After mid May the shallows warm and the fish move up. Open water usually runs from mid May until about mid November. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. On Sue Lake that shapes the whole year.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. If the gate is shut, Atsina Lake at 1 mile is the nearest alternative. Ask locally about Sue Lake if anything is unclear.