Whitcomb Lake, Montana: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Whitcomb Lake is listed under Carbon County, Montana. The water sits 9,554 feet up. About 13 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Compared with other Montana water on our list, it sits high. 23 miles away sits Red Lodge, the nearest town. The nearest city of size is Billings, 77 miles away. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Whitcomb Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Survey and observation records for Carbon County include rainbow trout, brook trout, sauger, walleye and channel catfish. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. At Whitcomb Lake light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put August at about 47°F and January near 13°F. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near mid June. Ice usually gives way near mid June, and forms again about late October. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Time your trip to Whitcomb Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. For a change of water, Spogen Lake is 0.4 miles distant. Rules at Whitcomb Lake are worth checking on the day.