Fishing Lake Koocanusa

AKA: Koocanusa Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Lake Koocanusa 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
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Lake Koocanusa, MT

Popular Fish Species Lake Koocanusa, MT

Lake Koocanusa Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Lake Koocanusa is stocked annually by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to maintain a healthy population of trout. Gerrard Rainbow Trout are one commonly stocked strain of rainbows. This year, fishing for rainbow trout in Lake Koocanusa continues to be very productive for local anglers. 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. 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.

Lake Koocanusa Popular Fish - Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon Fishing

Sockeye salmon which remain landlocked, never migrating to the ocean, are called kokanee salmon. On-going stocking of kokanee salmon by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks helps to maintain a nice population for the fishery. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. As one of the premiere kokanee fishing lakes in Montana, Lake Koocanusa delivers plenty of fish above normal averages. These tasty fish school in lakes at depths which remain at ideal temperatures of between 48 and 58 degrees. Once this depth is identified, use a fish finder to locate schools. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space.

Lake Koocanusa Popular Fish - Brook Trout

Brook Trout Fishing

While brookies prefer streams and creeks, the fishing for brook trout in Lake Koocanusa is quite good and popular with locals due to the abundance of these delectable trout. Brook trout spawn in the Fall, rather than the Spring, and they are quite prolific spawners. Brook trout can be easily caught on flies, small spinners, worms, maggots and wax worms.

Lake Koocanusa Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, kokanee salmon and northern pike at Lake Koocanusa in Montana.

Lake Koocanusa, situated along the Montana-Canada border, is a stunning reservoir that offers excellent fishing opportunities amidst breathtaking natural scenery. Spanning over 90 miles and covering approximately 30,000 acres, it is a popular destination for anglers seeking a variety of fish species.

This fishery is located in the northwest corner of the state. There various areas accessible for fishing from the bank, but many of the better fishing areas can only be reached via boat. Several boat launch ramps are located on either side of the lake. These water are teeming with healthy populations of bass, trout, sunfish, perch, kokanee and pike. Fishing success is enhanced annually with stocking of trout. And, because the lake is in a remote area, it does not get the fishing pressure other Montana lakes receive.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Koocanusa

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Koocanusa Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Abayance Bay Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats and kayaks
406 297-0566

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Abayance Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Mariners Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Barron Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off NF Road 333, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Libby Dam Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, at the west end of the dam, off Souse Gulch Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Peck Gulch Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Peck Gulch Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Rocky Gorge Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off State Route 37, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Tobacco Plains Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Sophie Lake Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Marinas

Abayance Bay Marina
290 Abayance Bay Drive
Rexford MT 59930
406 297-0566