Worden Lake, Montana: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Worden Lake is a Missoula County water, in Montana. It sits at 6,706 feet above sea level. Small at around 10 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. Nearest town is Bonner-West Riverside, 11 miles off. It is 170 miles to Spokane, the nearest city. Not far off: Carter Lake just 0.6 miles, McKinley Lake 0.7 miles away, Roosevelt Lake just 0.8 miles, Big Lake 0.9 miles away and Sheridan Lake just 1.2 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Worden Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Reported across Missoula County: rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout, northern pike and sockeye salmon. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. On Worden Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  August is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 56°F, while December sits near 19°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around early May. Averages place the thaw at early May and the freeze at mid November. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. Worden Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Mapping records no facilities at all near this water. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. If the gate is shut, Carter Lake at 0.6 miles is the nearest alternative. Confirm before you fish Worden Lake.