Bass fishing is a great sport but is limited in Montana. Since bass are not native to our state, the bass fishing we have is limited. The MTFWP does stock bass in appropriate habitat for anglers to enjoy.

Bass fishermen are some of the friendliest and sharing anglers on the water. Fly fishermen are often on the other end of the scale. I have also found walleye guys to be generous with information and friendship.

Here are some places to catch Bass in Big Sky Country~

Echo Lake    This lake near Kalispell is very popular for largemouth bass.

Lake Elmo     The state record Largemouth was caught here. This Billings area lake hosts a diversity of fish including the huge 9*57 lb. record largemouth.

Canyon Ferry    Even though this fishery was supposed to be for trout, it contains other warm water species including bass.

Tongue River Reservoir    This SW Montana Lake has a great diversity of warm water fish that includes large and small mouth bass.

Fort Peck    This large lake is home to an abundant population of large and small mouth bass. Night fishing using Tiny Torpedo’s and Jitterbugs can be amazing in the Summer.

Other lakes include Flathead, Bull Lake, Castle Rock Reservoir, Noxon Reservoir, Lake Koocanusa, Nelson Reservoir, Seeley Lake, Dan Hanighian Reservoir, and others offer great bass action. Some lakes have specific boat, motor, or catch restrictions. The MTFWP has this information posted on their website and in the Fishing Regulations pamphlet.

There are also many private ponds where bass can be caught.

Bass are also great eaters. Their white meat is flaky and tasty. Big bass are strong fighters. Small mouth bass may be the hardest fighting fish that swims. Ounce for ounce they fight harder than many other species.

Add Bass to your fish catch list in Big Sky Country!

Montana Grant