Fishing Tongue River Reservoir

AKA: Tongue River Reservoir State Park

Popular Fish Species
Tongue River Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Tongue River Reservoir, MT

Popular Fish Species Tongue River Reservoir, MT

Tongue River Reservoir Popular Fish - Walleye

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to a significant baitfish population, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Tongue River 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.

Tongue River Reservoir Popular Fish - Crappie

Crappie Fishing

With a history of good crappie fishing, Tongue River Reservoir continues to impress crappie enthusiasts this year. Light line and small hooks are key when fishing live bait. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. The lake has healthy populations of both white crappie and black crappie. These two species typically tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a bunch of hungry of crappie. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.

Tongue River Reservoir Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Tongue River Reservoir continues to sustain a robust smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.

Tongue River Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, sauger, brown trout, bluegill, green sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Tongue River Reservoir in Montana.

The perfect destination for water-activity enthusiasts, Tongue River Reservoir draws visitors for boating, camping, water sports and fishing. This is a 3,700-acre lake in the southeast part of the state, 5 miles northeast of Decker.

Tongue River Reservoir, located in southeastern Montana, is a popular fishing destination known for its abundant fish populations and scenic beauty. This reservoir covers approximately 12,000 acres and offers anglers a variety of fish species to target.

A boat trip around the nearly 20 miles of shoreline is a pleasure in itself, as beauty is everywhere you look. And the fishing is even better. Warm-water and cold-water species both thrive here giving fishing enthusiasts many options. Big fat crappie, giant walleye and plentiful bass and pike draw most of the attention during the summer season. Ice fishing for crappie, perch, walleye and pike can be very productive. The lake also has a sauger, catfish and a variety of sunfish. There are rental boats and a nice boat launch ramp at Tongue River Reservoir State Park.

Primary fish species residing in Tongue River Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Tongue River Reservoir Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Pee Wee North Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Tongue River Reservoir Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.