Fishing Report Updated May 8, 2023

This Montana lake fishing report is valid May 8 through May.

Fishing is getting good on area lakes. Ice is out on all in our operations area and going out even on the high-elevation lakes like Hebgen. Both trout and perch are starting to feed heavily, and the lakes are clear.

For trout, look for windswept rocky shallows. Fish streamers, leeches, and chironomids. San Juan Worms can also work well. Hatches won’t happen to any significant degree until late May.

For perch, fish jigs in 6–10 feet of water around weeds. We could have sight-fished for good “eater” perch in Dailey Lake last week in these sorts of areas, the lake is so clear.

Our next Montana lake fishing report will drop around June 1 when the weeds start to grow and hatches intensify.

Learn more about fishing Montana public lakes.