Fishing Fort Peck Lake
AKA: Fort Peck Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Fort Peck Lake, MT
Walleye Fishing
If you want to catch big walleye, Fort Peck Lake is a great option. Thanks to good fisheries management, a healthy population of walleye are now thriving in Fort Peck Lake this year. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. 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 these big walleye can be very productive and exciting. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during warm-water conditions.
Lake Trout Fishing
Year round, fishing for lake trout in Fort Peck Lake is often quite good and the fish are plentiful. These large trout can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 20 feet to as deep as 120 feet or more, and anywhere in between. Good electronics are a big help in locating lake trout. They feed on baitfish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for big lake trout with spoons can deliver some great catches.
Northern Pike Fishing
Thriving in the cool waters of Fort Peck Lake, northern pike are a very popular target for local anglers. This year they are being caught in good quantity and some mighty big sizes as well. The best time to fish for northern pike typically runs from April or May throughout the summer, Fall can be good as well sometimes stretching into as late as 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 freezes over, try ice fishing for northerns.
Fort Peck Lake Lake Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, green sunfish, yellow perch, chinook salmon, northern pike, paddlefish, sauger and sturgeon at Fort Peck Lake in Montana.
Famous for trophy pike, lake trout and walleye, Fort Peck Lake provides excellent fishing year round. The lake supports healthy populations of bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, trout, sunfish, perch, salmon, paddlefish, sauger and pike.
Fort Peck Lake, located in northeastern Montana, is one of the state's largest reservoirs and a renowned fishing destination. Covering over 245,000 acres, this expansive lake offers anglers a diverse range of fishing opportunities, stunning scenery, and abundant fish populations.
One of the most sought-after fish species in Fort Peck Lake is the walleye. This lake is known for its exceptional walleye fishery, with the potential for trophy-sized catches. Anglers can target walleye using various techniques such as trolling with crankbaits, jigging with live bait or artificial lures, or casting near underwater structures. Fort Peck Lake has a reputation for producing impressive walleye, making it a favorite among anglers looking for both quantity and quality.
Northern pike is another popular fish species found in Fort Peck Lake. These aggressive predators provide anglers with exciting battles and the opportunity to catch trophy-sized fish. Anglers often target northern pike using techniques such as casting with large spoons or spinners, trolling with crankbaits, or fly fishing. Fort Peck Lake is known for its robust northern pike population, attracting anglers seeking a thrilling fishing experience.
Fort Peck Lake is also home to other fish species, including sauger, lake trout, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. Sauger, closely related to walleye, offer anglers an alternative target with similar characteristics. Lake trout, also known as mackinaw, can be found in the deeper waters of the lake and provide a challenging fishing experience. Smallmouth bass and yellow perch offer additional angling opportunities and are popular among both recreational and tournament anglers.
Anglers visiting Fort Peck Lake should be aware of fishing regulations and obtain the appropriate licenses. It's important to follow catch limits, size restrictions, and specific rules regarding certain fish species to ensure the sustainability of the fish populations and the preservation of the lake's ecosystem.
With its vast expanse, diverse fish species, and breathtaking scenery, Fort Peck Lake offers anglers an unforgettable fishing adventure in Montana. Whether it's chasing trophy walleye, battling northern pike, or exploring the lake's other fishing opportunities, Fort Peck Lake provides a premier fishing experience amidst the beauty of Montana's landscapes.
Ice fishing in winter can be spectacular, due to relatively light fishing pressure. Major lake points and ledges near the river channel are ideal hangouts for quality fish, both in the warmer season and through the ice in winter. This 250,000-acre impoundment is located in the northeast part of the state, at Fort Peck. Campgrounds, parks and public access areas are scattered all around this giant fishery, which boasts over 1,500 miles of shoreline. Several marinas and boat launch ramps serve the boating public during the season.
Primary fish species residing in Fort Peck Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Fort Peck Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Fort Peck Lake, with several boat ramps and marinas available for anglers to launch their boats. The vast size of the lake allows for endless exploration and access to prime fishing spots. Whether it's trolling for walleye, casting for pike, or leisurely cruising the lake's expansive waters, boating enhances the overall fishing experience on Fort Peck Lake.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Bonetrail Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, west side, off County Road 425, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Crooked Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Crooked Creek Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.
Devils Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, east side, off Devil Creek Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Duck Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Duck Creek Boat Ramp Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Flat Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Flat Lake Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Fort Peck Recreation Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Marina Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Rock Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, east side, off County Road 217, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Rock Creek State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, east side, off Trout Trail, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
The Pines Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Holladay Point Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Marinas
Hell Creek Marina
1 Hell Creek Rd
Jordan, MT 59337
406 557-2345
Rock Creek Marina
652 Rock Creek Marina Road
Fort Peck, MT 59223
406 485-2560
Fishing Guides On Fort Peck Lake
Fort Peck Fishing with Matt Sunderman - walleye, lake trout, northern pike
Trevor's Guide Service - lake trout, walleye
If you offer fishing guide services on Fort Peck Lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Montana Fishing License.
Camping opportunities are abundant in the surrounding areas, with multiple campgrounds and recreational areas offering scenic views and convenient access to the lake. Campers can enjoy amenities such as picnic areas, fire pits, and access to boat ramps, allowing for a well-rounded outdoor experience.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Hell Creek State Park Campground - 406 557-2362
Crooked Creek Campground - 406 526-3411
Fourchette Creek Campground - 406 526-3411
Downstream Campground - 406 526-3411
West End Campground - 406 526-3411
Fort Peck Lake MT Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Fort Peck Lake
Hell Creek State Park
2456 Hell Creek Rd
Jordan, MT 59337
406 557-2362
Fishing lakes in each state.
031224
Fort Peck Lake in Montana.
MONTANA
Information about fishing lakes in Montana
Fishing in northeast Montana for bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, perch, salmon and pike.