The Angels Bathing Pool, Montana: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  The Angels Bathing Pool is set in Lake County, Montana. The country round it is rolling bush from end to end. At 20 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. The nearest place of any size is Seeley Lake, 18 miles away. Ronan follows at 21 miles, then Pablo at 25 miles. Also within reach: Gray Wolf Lake 1.4 miles, Whelp Lake about 1.6 miles, High Park Lake 1.6 miles, Crystal Lake about 2.1 miles and Buck Lake 2.2 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on The Angels Bathing Pool

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. Survey and observation records for Lake County include rainbow trout, sockeye salmon, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and largemouth bass. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Read The Angels Bathing Pool before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 57°F for August and 18°F for December. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Count the season from break-up, usually early May. Open water usually runs from early May until about mid November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. The season on The Angels Bathing Pool follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Gray Wolf Lake at 1.4 miles is the sensible second choice. Rules at The Angels Bathing Pool are worth checking on the day.