Twin Lakes Fishing in Madison County, Montana

• Overview

  Twin Lakes is a Madison County water, in Montana. The ground round it is pine and birch. Small at around 15 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. On our Madison County list it sits near the top for size. For a base, Big Sky sits 24 miles out. The nearest city of size is Billings, 167 miles away. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Twin Lakes

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Look for the band where the shallows give up and the bottom falls away. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. County-wide records name rainbow trout, brown trout and mountain whitefish. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. At Twin Lakes the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 57°F, the coldest about 18°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early May. In an average year the thaw lands around early May and the freeze near mid November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. The season on Twin Lakes rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Facilities include toilets around half a mile from here. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. If the gate is shut, Reservoir Lake at 0.6 miles is the nearest alternative. Check the current arrangement for Twin Lakes.