Hebgen Lake Fishing

Hebgen Lake has made it to the top of many anglers’ lists as the premiere place to go to catch large trout with admirable tenacity in the spring and summer.

  • Hebgen Lake, in southwestern Montana, has legendary fishing
  • Close to Yellowstone National Park so you can also take in the sights
  • Arrive in mid-May to late July for the best fishing
  • Catch large brown and rainbow trout
  • Fish the weed beds where trout are trying to hide

Overview of Location

Hebgen Lake, in southwestern Montana near Yellowstone National Park, has legendary fishing, based on reports from locals and seasonal anglers. The shoreline offers many weed beds where trout love to hide.

Type of waterway

An earth-filled dam retains this man-made lake that is more than 16 miles long and between 2.5 and 4 miles wide. It’s not great for float tubing, since the winds get quite strong, but other crafts fare wonderfully, such as motorboats, canoes and kayaks. With boats, anglers can cover more area in a shorter amount of time.

Fishing seasons

The best times for Hebgen Lake fishing are from the middle of May to late in July. In the early spring, the trout are learning to feed on the top of the lake, thus making for perfect dry fly fishing. In July get your spot by the weed beds to find the fish. But move around, because the fish are going to follow the hatches, which migrate throughout July and August.

Most common fish species

Hebgen Lake boasts great populations of both brown and rainbow trout. They are large too, averaging about 14 to 16 inches.

Directions

Hebgen Lake is to the west of the junctions of US 287 and US Highway 191. It’s only 20 minutes west of West Yellowstone, making it easy to combine some great fishing with a western vacation in Yellowstone and surrounding forestlands.

Explore the fishing outfitters in the area so you are well prepared for the best fishing experience possible.

View the local providers:

Henry's Fork AnglersIsland Park, ID
Hebgen Lake has a good population of rainbows and browns with some cutthroat. Most of the fish run 15 to 18 inches with an occasional 20-incher.
Website
Map
Phone (208) 558-7525
Madison Arm Resort - tent campers prefer usWest Yellowstone, MT
Tent campers! Stay in a nice, safe & clean facility near Yellowstone. Campsites right on Hebgen Lake complete with showers, store, laundry, boat marina, cabins & boat rentals.
Website
Map
Phone (406) 646-9328
Wild Trout Outfitters - we fish Hebgen LakeBig Sky, MT
Your choice - walk/wade trips, drift boat float trips, float tube trips to Hebgen & Quake Lakes. Plus, we hit all major rivers (Gallatin & Madison) with experience & results.
Website
Map
Phone (800) 423-4742

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