Summit Lake in Big Horn County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Big Horn County, Wyoming, is where Summit Lake sits. It lies 10,367 feet above sea level. At 17 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. You are 27 miles from Buffalo. Billings is the closest city, 115 miles away. Also within reach: Middle Cloud Peak Lake at 1.4 miles, Lake Solitude within 1.6 miles, Upper Crater Lake at 2.5 miles, Mistymoon Lake within 2.7 miles and Crater Lake at 2.7 miles. No boundary runs near, so the county rules hold throughout.

• Where to Fish on Summit Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. This is a lake, so the margins and the first drop matter most. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Public occurrence data for Big Horn County names brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, white sucker and common carp. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Read Summit Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 48°F in August and bottoms out near 12°F in January. The season turns properly here, and fish follow it closely. Ice is part of the season here, ending near mid June. Averages suggest open water from about mid June through to roughly late October. May into June fishes hardest, and September gives a second good stretch before the lid returns. It holds true on Summit Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Middle Cloud Peak Lake sits 1.4 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm access to Summit Lake locally before you travel.