Fishing Hauser Lake

AKA: Hauser Lake State Park and Dam

Popular Fish Species
Hauser Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Hauser Lake, MT

Popular Fish Species Hauser Lake, MT

Hauser Lake Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Excellent stocking programs by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout for anglers at Hauser Lake. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. While fishing from a boat is preferred, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Brown Trout Fishing

Currently, fishing for brown trout in Hauser Lake is delivering some nice catches. These hearty fighters migrate around the lake in search of baitfish and comfortable water temperatures, preferably in the 50 to 62 degree range. In spring brown trout, along with the baitfish, move to the shallows which warms first. As the days get warmer in summer they move deeper, again following schools of bait. As Fall and Winter arrive, browns tend to stay in deeper water. When these trout move deep, it is typically in the 20- to 45-foot range. Nightcrawlers are always a good bait for brown trout. In-line spinners, bait-colored crankbaits and small spoons are other options. Experiment with depth and retrieve speed.

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to a significant baitfish population, and presence of numerous small sunfish in the lake, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Hauser Lake 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.

Hauser Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for walleye, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, yellow perch and kokanee salmon at Hauser Lake in Montana.

Hauser Dam on on the Missouri River created Hauser Lake, a 3,200-acre lake in the west-central part of the state, on the northeast outskirts of Helena. It is a great getaway for boating, camping and fishing.

Avid fishing enthusiasts come for great walleye, trout, perch and kokanee fishing. There are about 35 miles of scenic shoreline, and everything you need to make your fishing trip memorable. Visitors will find boat ramps, rental boats, stores, fishing gear, camping and restaurants conveniently located around the lake. Hauser Lake State Park, Black Sandy State Park and Riverside Campground all make a great headquarters during your stay.

Primary fish species residing in Hauser Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Hauser Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Helena Boat Rental
Rentals: Pontoon boats
406 439-1183

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Clark's Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off York Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Devils Elbow Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off York Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Riverside Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, east side, off Riverside Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

White Sandy Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, west side, off Hauser Dam Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Lakeside Marina
5295 York Road
Helena MT 59602
406 227‐6076