Two Bits Lake Fishing Guide, Carbon County, Montana

• Overview

  Two Bits Lake lies in Carbon County, in Montana. It sits at 10,233 feet above sea level. Surface area runs to about 13 acres — small enough to read in one session. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Montana listings. Red Lodge at 20 miles is the nearest place to stop. Absarokee follows at 34 miles, then Columbus at 44 miles. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Two Bits Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Fish documented in Carbon County include rainbow trout, brook trout and sauger. The county list is broader than any single water. On Two Bits Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 13°F in January and 47°F in August. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. Look for the thaw near mid June; the fishing lifts straight after. In an average year the thaw lands around mid June and the freeze near late October. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. At Two Bits Lake the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. For the trout, small spinners and a box of nymphs cover both approaches. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Triskele Lake at 0.4 miles is the sensible second choice. Confirm access to Two Bits Lake locally before you travel.