Fishing Lake Elwell

AKA: Tiber Reservoir

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Lake Elwell Fishing Video
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Lake Elwell, MT

Popular Fish Species Lake Elwell, MT

Walleye Fishing

Walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Lake Elwell, also known as Tiber Reservoir, this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Lake Elwell Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Northerns are currently thriving in the cool waters of Tiber Reservoir. This year they are being caught in good numbers. Northern pike are voracious feeders and they have the tools necessary to catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can also be a big help.

Yellow Perch Fishing

Another popular species here is Yellow perch, which tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Lake Elwell. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch at Tiber Reservoir is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.

Lake Elwell Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, lake trout, yellow perch and northern pike at Lake Elwell in Montana.

Home to giant walleye, northern pike and lake trout, Lake Elwell, aka Tiber Reservoir, is a 14,800 acre lake in the north-central part of the state, 15 miles southwest of Galata. This sprawling fishery has over 180 miles of shoreline and plenty of fish to chase.

Walleye, pike, trout, catfish and perch all reside here in good numbers. Boat launch ramps, some improved - others primitive, are located at or nearby most campgrounds around the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Elwell

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Tiber Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NO
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

South Bootlegger Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Bootlegger Trail, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Timber Dam Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off at the west end of the dam, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Timber Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, north side, off S Tiber Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.