Upper Carters Pond near Lewistown: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  The Fergus County entry here is Upper Carters Pond, in Montana. Everything around it is lake country bush. Surface area runs to about 18 acres — small enough to read in one session. Lewistown sits 6.2 miles from here and is the nearest stop. For a city, Billings is 104 miles off. Neighbouring water: Crystal Lake after 25 miles and McLean Lake at about 31 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Upper Carters Pond

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. County-wide records name rainbow trout, brook trout and yellow perch. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. The shape of Upper Carters Pond decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 65°F in August and bottom out at 20°F in January. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near early April. The water is typically free of ice between early April and late November. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Upper Carters Pond runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. Nothing is listed nearby for parking or launching a boat. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. If the gate is shut, Crystal Lake at 25 miles is the nearest alternative. For Upper Carters Pond, the notice at the access point is the final word.