Earthquake Lake

Tucked into Montana, United States, Earthquake Lake is a lake that fishes differently season to season. Spring brings fish into the shallows to spawn or feed on early baitfish; midsummer pushes them to cooler, deeper water; autumn turns them aggressive again as they pack on weight before winter. Anglers planning a trip to Earthquake Lake should check water temperature and recent weather — a sudden cold front can shut a lake like this down for a day.

Location

44.8419, -111.3885 · View on OpenStreetMap →

Species at This Spot

Rainbow troutBrown troutCutthroat troutSteelhead

Fishing Techniques

• For Rainbow trout

  Vary your retrieve speed when using spinners to find what triggers a strike; sometimes a slow, steady retrieve works best, while other times a faster, erratic retrieve is more effective.

• For Brown trout

  When fishing streams, focus on seams and current breaks, where trout hold to ambush prey.

• For Cutthroat trout

  When fishing streams, cast upstream and retrieve with the current to mimic natural drift, increasing your chances of hooking wary cutthroat trout.

Recommended Gear

Tackle commonly used to target the species at Earthquake Lake.

Plan Your Trip

Before fishing Earthquake Lake, make sure your licence covers Montana, United States and that any species-specific seasons are open. Local regulations change year to year, so check the current rules rather than going from memory.

Nearby Spots in Montana

See all fishing spots in Montana →

Other Fishing Regions in United States