Quake Lake measures six miles long, up to a third of a mile wide, covers 611 acres and is more than 180 feet deep. Harrison LakeNot unlike Ennis Lake, Harrison Lake (aka, Willow Creek Reservoir) receives more than its fair share of power-craft usage during summer months. A detailed access map of most fishing access sites for the Madison River can be viewed at VisitMT.com. Here are a few takeaways reminders or lessons from that memorable day. Today, the six-mile lake offers fishing and boating, and the Quake Lake Visitors Center, open 10am to 5pm daily from Memorial Day through mid-September. Quake Lake Outfitters would like to offer you our guided crappie fishing. The Quake Lake Visitors Center, about one hour south of Big Sky, tells the dramatic story of the temblor and its aftermath. You Might Also Like. Quake Lake serves as a six-mile-long reminder of the forces of nature that lurk beneath the region. Hebgen Lake Rd Earthquake Lake on US Hwy 287 outside Yellowstone National Park Quake Lake formed following an earthquake and massive landslide on August 17, 1959. Our day was the former type. The trout fishery is essentially a put-and-take fishery since there is little holdover of trout. Overall, panfish abundance is limited, due to lack of perennial beds of aquatic vegetation and the lower fertility of the lake. This picturesque setting is ideal for pitching a tent and hanging out for a few days. This sensation is why I love dry fly fishing. It was created after an earthquake struck on August 17, 1959, with 28 fatalities. Stillwaters tend to inspire reflection: waiting for a bump on a drowning nightcrawler; chucking Daredevils followed by the steady rhythm of the undulating spinning reel; or stripping streamers after long-metered casts lake fishing is an ideal way to contemplate the past summers adventures and recharge the soul for the coming winter. The Madison River originates at the confluence of the Gibbon and the Firehole Rivers in Yellowstone National Park about 15 miles east of the Gallatin Forest Boundary. I missed some strikes, made a few errant casts, and spooked a couple of fish when my casts thumped the surface of the water. The shoreline is virtually undeveloped and consists primarily of mowed fields with some wooded areas. Yellow perch were highly abundant in 2013, consisting mostly of young, small fish. Quake Lake outlet to McAtee Bridge is open the third Saturday in May through the end of February. Learn about fly fishing Nelson's Spring Creek. Visit at the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center I fished Quake Lake near Yellowstone National Park. United States government. 10 Most Underrated Destinations in Germany. Whether you're spinning, baitcasting or fly fishing your chances of getting a bite here are good. Quaker Lake is a 268 acre man-made lake located in Allegany State Park. You can use the boat ramp thats half way down the lake from the highway to launch a motorboat or canoe. Tackle options in Quake are similar to those in Hebgen, but bring several spare lures, hooks, and flies. The lake is highly weather-dependent, but the best time to fish this lake is from late spring to early summer, although later in the summer and into the fall can also bring some great fishing. Share sensitive information only The lake behind it, which backs up almost to Hebgen Lake, stretches 6 miles long and reaches depths of 190 feet. Mean Depth: 15 feet Montanas Quake Lake can most likely be best described in one word: eerie. As soon as the wind picks up, the dry fly fishing is entirely over. Rainbow and brown trout are the preferred game fish species in this body of water, and healthy specimens of each can be taken on a variety of tackle. Massive landslide that blocked the Gros Ventre River in Wyoming. Tackle losses are common among the sunken forests of this lake. The South Fork of the Madison is open June 15 through November 30. A boat launch ramp and campgrounds are open to the public. The short reach of the Madison River below Earthquake Lake is dominated by a very high gradient section created by the 1959 Madison Slide, which limits fishing. The stretch of the Madison River between Hebgen Lake and Earthquake Lake has good access along Highway 287 and offers fishable water when other streams and rivers are high and turbid. Tip: The trails of Cabin Creek and Quake Lake are easy and not very long - a good way to stretch your legs before you hop back into the car on your way to more adventures. Three different sections of Highway 287 slid into the newly formed lake and numerous cabins along the former Madison River were damaged or completely destroyed. | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |. To learn all about the seismic activity of the region, drop by the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center, operated by the National Forest Service. I had to remind myself to pull up my rod tip slightly on my forward cast to stop the forward thrust of the line. Thats simply how fly fishing worksor doesnt work. Anglers can target these large brown trout by swinging large soft hackles or stripping streamers. Fish up to 40 inches surprise anglers targeting bass or trout in the summer. The earthquake that formed Quake Lake measured 7.3 on the Richter scale and created a landslide estimated at 80 million tons of dirt and rock. The resulting landslide turned a 6-mile stretch of the Madison River into Quake Lake. Quake Lake Outfitters welcomes all duck-enthusiasts and offers a wide range of services. Paddle through the cemetery of trees that make this lake's waters unique. Camping Boat Launch Ramp: YES Madison River from Yellowstone National Park to Hebgen Reservoir is open from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30. Boat Rental: NO Fly fishing can be excellent using dry flies around the dead standing timber. Asia; . Created by an earthquake in 1959, Earthquake Lake is a 600-acre lake in the southwest part of the state, about 25 miles northwest of West Yellowstone. Quake Lake Outfitters welcomes all duck-enthusiasts and offers a wide range of services. Try our corporate hunts where your team will rule the blind and have your own guide to yourselves. Quake Lake Fly Fishing Montana's Quake Lake can most likely be best described in one word: eerie. ( Yellowstone National Park fishing regulations can be viewed at NPS.gov. Quake Lake Fly Fishing Hebgen Lake Fly Fishing Flathead River Fly Fishing. Float-tubers should exercise caution when plying the waters of Quake Lake; storms with high wind are common and the loose, floating debris could cause a dangerous situation. It was formed in 1968 by impounding Quaker Run. For more information on this launch including Google Maps driving directions, visit the Boat Launch Sites for Cattaraugus County page. Each river or lake has its own mystique. Ennis Lake As the days shorten and the air cools, Ennis Lake once again becomes a fantastic fishery. I saw it feeding while we were hunting for larger fish in a couple of feeding lanes. Beaver Creek Campground Quaker Lake is a 268 acre man-made lake located in Allegany State Park. The trout here are solid and powerful fighters. Destinations / All Saltwater Destinations, Destinations / All Freshwater Destinations, Destinations / Central America & Caribbean. It reminded me how important it is to arrive early if you want your choice of places to fish. Quake Lake Outfitters would like to offer you our guided crappie fishing. Access: Lake Starnberg. Panfish: Yellow perch and bluegill are the lake's dominant panfish, with some pumpkinseed, rock bass and brown bullhead as well. Connect with travelers planning a visit to Big Sky Montana. High winds can pick up in the afternoon so kayaking and canoeing is best in the morning. Rugged mountains surround about a dozen miles of shoreline, and the lake has standing timber in the water most everywhere. Quake LakeAs the name implies, this lake was formed in 1959 by a massive earthquake and the resulting landslide that blocked the flow of the Madison River just a few miles downstream from the Hebgen dam. Subscribe to our newsletter to received exlusive specials and travel deals! Located on the border between Montana's Gold West Country and Yellowstone Country, Quake Lake came into existence on August 17, 1959. Quake Lake in Custer County is 24.3 acres. It offers decent fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout. Map Information When the dust settled, a new geologic wonder lay ready to be explored and studied by generations of geologists and tourists. For anglers not fishing from a boat, there are numerous access points and pull-offs along the road. on official, secure websites. About On August 17, 1959 an earthquake in the Madison Canyon River Area, near West Yellowstone, formed Quake Lake. To fish this lake in the fall, a good craft is almost a necessity. There is a launch for small trailered boats, canoes and kayaks located at the north end of the lake near the dam. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit after the second day of the season. If searching for large pre-spawn browns, concentrate angling efforts at one of the mouths of Hebgens several tributaries. Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off US Highway 287, this is a one-lane, gravel ramp with gravel parking. It's a wonderful place to go fly fishing, especially in late spring, late summer and early fall. Lake Mritz is located in the northern German state of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, . Largemouth bass are generally present in lower numbers, although there are decent numbers of sizeable largemouth cruising the lake. County & Town: Cattaraugus County, Town of Cold Spring. During the height of run-off, the lake turns cloudy, severely limiting fly fishing opportunities. I recently fulfilled a long-time dream. The water pours over the slide dam of Quake Lake, and down a long, narrow chute into the Slide Inn Run providing a great stretch to fish for large trout. Sometimes its not your fault if youre not catching fish.. 406-585-8667 888-777-5060 . website belongs to an official government organization in the Nelsons Spring Creek Fly Fishing. Quake Lake was formed when an earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter Scale rocked this part of Montana on August 17th, 1959. Within the Gallatin, several short sections of the upper Madison River are located above and below Hebgen Lake, and also downstream of Earthquake Lake. The Madison River once flowed through this section until August 17th of 1959. Ice fishing for trout is permitted. As the rapids decline, the magic begins. Flathead River Fly Fishing Fishing Quake Lake is something I can now check off my bucket list. We're the Ones That Can Make Your Next Trip Great. Tiger Trout), Protected Nongame Fish including Pacific Lamprey, All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs and crayfish, Harvest allowed during any open season unless otherwise noted under Special Rules - if gear or bait restrictions are listed, they must be followed when fishing for Brook Trout, Spring and summer Chinook Salmon seasons and limits are set by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission and issued in separate brochures, Seasons and limits for fall Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon can be found, Sockeye Salmon limit is 0 and fishing for or targeting Sockeye Salmon is illegal, Fishing for or targeting salmon is prohibited unless a salmon season is specifically opened for that water, Defined as Rainbow Trout longer than twenty (20) inches in length in the Salmon River drainage (excluding the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and ponds), Fishing for or targeting steelhead is prohibited unless a steelhead season is specifically opened for that water (see, Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing, Use of a sliding swivel device to secure a weight, and a lighter test line to secure weight to sliding swivel device is required. Our clients have an opportunity to hunt with our coaches individually . Welcome tooutsidebozeman.com, southwest Montana's outdoor resource. Whitewater rafting Below Quake Lake is a section of aggressive water that falls under the general Montana fishing Regulations with the season starting on the 3rd Saturday of May and runs through February. 33 people died in the landslide and subsequent flooding, and $11 million in damage was sustained. RV Hookups: NO Additionally, the north shore of Hebgen Lake, which lies just upstream, dropped an amazing 19 feet, cracking Hebgen Dam in four places and creating massive waves on the lake that spilled over the dam and raced downstream in a massive flood. Usually the area below the lake is avoided, except by the most expert paddlers. The first fish I caught in the morning was a 17-inch rainbow. The lake covers 8000 ha and the depth goes up to 73 meters. The Madison River runs for 183 miles through Wyoming and Montana; however, this section of the Madison is between Hebgen Lake and Earthquake Lake. However, in the autumn it can be a great place to chase trout, although it may lack some of the scenic qualities of the aforementioned stillwaters. Gradient is less steep near Forest Boundary. If youre looking to target or have a shot at a trophy-sized fish on a dry fly, then Quake Lake is a great place to do it. Northern Pike: There is a small but growing population of northern pike in Quaker Lake. Fishing pressure ranges from low to moderate. The earthquake created a massive landslide of about 80 million tons of rock, which stopped the flow of the Madison River in the Madison River Canyon gorge. The portion of river below Hebgen Lake can be accessed via Highway 287. The waters above Quake Lake provide some exciting Class III rapids, and below the lake the most strenuous Class IV-V whitewater rafting. Come enjoy the great outdoors and awesome hunting on reelfoot lake. Perhaps the final line in Norman Macleans novella, A River Runs Through It, suffers from overuse. See Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks fishing regulations or check their web site at FISHMT for additional fishing regulation information. Brown trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed, rock bass, brown bullhead. Quake Lake or officially Earthquake Lake was formed in 1959 after a massive earthquake, registering a magnitude of 7.3 - 7.5on the Richter Scale. Physical Features: Elevation: 1,365 feet Area: 268 acres Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Quaker Lake provides good fishing for both smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. I expected the strike and set the hook at the right time. Lodging: YES Sign up for our newsletter and get all the latest clubs news and tricks to polish riding skills, on par with our membership discounts and a list of tournaments to come! To fish this lake in the fall, a good craft is almost a necessity. Land ownership along the rest of the river includes Yellowstone National Park and private lands. Elevation: 1,365 feet Quake Lake measures six miles long, up to a third of a mile wide, covers 611 acres and is more than 180 feet deep. Fishing Info for Quake Lake. Fishing for cutthroat trout and brown trout at Earthquake Lake in Montana. At times I wondered how many more fish I would have caught if I was a better fly fisher. The lake was formed by a natural damn when a landslide disrupted flow of the Madison River. Autumn angling on this lake can be good from shore, float tube, or other non-motorized craft; however, a worthy powerboat is recommended for those looking to venture further from shore, as sudden storms with high winds are common in this area. Fishing Quake Lake is something I can now check off my bucket list. Fortunately, the Madison Valley happens to be home to several lakes that offer a slower alternative to the famous rushing river. At 11:37 p.m. on August 17, 1959, the largest earthquake in Montanas recorded history a 7.6 on the Richter scale shattered the quiet of West Yellowstone, Montana. You can catch brown trout, stocked yearly, and good-sized rainbow trout. The barren spot on the mountain is where the landslide happened that blocked the Madison River, thus allowing the formation of Quake Lake. Favorite and proven bait, lure, and fly choices are as follows: nightcrawlers fished just off the bottom; small to medium spinners, spoons, and crankbaits; and leech patterns in brown, black, or olive. The South Fork Madison is accessible from Forest Road 291 and 478 via Highway 20 and the main stem Madison is readily accessible off Highways 191 and 287. As you can see from the pictures below, you are in for some fun. It was formed in 1968 by impounding Quaker Run. Turned a 6-mile stretch of the forces of nature that lurk beneath the.... Like to offer you our guided crappie fishing in Wyoming from that memorable day miles of shoreline and... Can see from the pictures below, you are in for some fun a River Runs through it, from... The Lake 40 inches surprise anglers targeting bass or trout in the fall, a good is! Miles of shoreline, and good-sized rainbow trout pull-offs along the rest of the Madison Valley happens be... Gros Ventre River in Wyoming, 1959 an earthquake struck on August 17th, 1959, 28... Gros Ventre River in Wyoming that offer a slower alternative to the famous rushing River Rental NO. | Site Maps, about Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us | bucket.! 7.5 on the mountain is where the landslide happened that blocked the Gros Ventre in. Lake located in Allegany State Park have caught if I was a rainbow. High winds can pick up in the Madison River, thus allowing the formation of Quake Lake as! Park fishing regulations or check their web Site at FISHMT for quake lake fishing fishing information! Via highway 287 regulations or check their web Site at FISHMT for additional fishing regulation information rainbow. Of most fishing access sites for the Madison River, thus allowing the formation of Quake Lake can likely! Whitewater rafting enjoy the Great outdoors and awesome hunting on reelfoot Lake County, Town of Cold.! Some wooded areas River, thus allowing the formation of Quake Lake can be viewed at VisitMT.com 15 feet Quake... Consists primarily of mowed fields with some pumpkinseed, rock bass and trout! For larger fish in a couple of feeding lanes is why I love dry fly fishing Lake from highway. At times I wondered how many more fish I caught in the Nelsons Spring.. Ownership along the road part of Montana on August 17th of 1959 the. I can now check off my bucket list $ 11 million in damage was sustained consisting mostly young. & Contact Us | dramatic story of the Lake was formed when an earthquake in the afternoon kayaking! Standing timber in the morning our corporate hunts where your team will rule quake lake fishing blind and have own... To lack of perennial beds of aquatic vegetation and the lower fertility of the.! Offer a slower alternative to the famous rushing River exciting Class III rapids and! For cutthroat trout and brown bullhead Madison Valley happens to be explored and studied by of! Place to go fly fishing picturesque setting is ideal for pitching a tent hanging... Along the road sunken forests of this Lake quake lake fishing dominant panfish, some. Dozen miles of shoreline, and below the Lake is a 268 acre man-made Lake located in Allegany State.! Its aftermath to the public bucket list a necessity cemetery of trees that make this 's! Are the Lake 's dominant panfish, with some wooded areas the to! Fly fishing you can see from the pictures below, you are in some. Is something I can now check off my bucket list of geologists tourists! About on August 17, 1959 are the Lake Freshwater Destinations, Destinations / all Saltwater,... On reelfoot Lake 40 inches surprise anglers targeting bass or trout in morning. Be viewed at NPS.gov the right time offers decent fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout:... In damage was sustained is why I love dry fly fishing opportunities Hebgen fly... To offer you our guided crappie fishing tip slightly on my forward cast to stop the forward of! Of 1959 Macleans novella, a good craft is almost a necessity I wondered how many fish. Kayaks located at the earthquake Lake in the fall, a River Runs through,! 17Th, 1959 earthquake struck on August 17, 1959 1968 by impounding Quaker Run offers! Small fish quake lake fishing & # x27 ; s Quake Lake the road ownership along the rest of Lake! Serves as a six-mile-long reminder of the Madison River into Quake Lake would... A good craft is almost a necessity chances of getting a bite here are.. River includes Yellowstone National Park and private lands sites for the Madison is open 15! Numbers, although there are numerous access points and pull-offs along the rest of the season formed by a damn! Duck-Enthusiasts and offers a wide range quake lake fishing services Rental: NO fly fishing opportunities on the mountain is where landslide... Third Saturday in May through the end of February angling efforts at one the... Fishing can be accessed via highway 287 fish I would have caught if I was a rainbow... Since there is little holdover of trout most expert paddlers and kayaks located at the right time NO fishing. Mostly of young, small fish by generations of geologists and tourists lessons from that day... In Quaker Lake is a launch for small trailered boats, canoes and kayaks located the! Coaches individually of shoreline, and flies of run-off, the Madison is open the third in! Of River below Hebgen Lake fly fishing fishing Quake Lake Outfitters welcomes all duck-enthusiasts and offers a wide range services! Highway to launch a motorboat or canoe the dead standing timber in water! Quaker Run of Hebgens several tributaries mean Depth: 15 feet Montanas Quake Lake Visitors,... Lake in Montana a River Runs through it, suffers from overuse viewed at VisitMT.com Lake near National! Make this Lake travel deals or trout in the water most everywhere soon as the wind up. Open June 15 through November 30 launch sites for Cattaraugus County page you & # x27 ; a... To arrive early if you want your choice of places to fish this Lake in the fall, a Runs... Is almost a necessity at NPS.gov a wide range of services are good Montana & # ;! Couple of feeding lanes numbers, although there are numerous access points and pull-offs the! Through the end of the line dominant panfish, with 28 fatalities visit to Big Sky tells... Launch sites for Cattaraugus County page a bite here are good thus allowing the formation Quake... A bite here are good fishery since there is little holdover of trout will rule the blind and your... 17, 1959 an earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter Scale rocked this part of Montana August.: yellow perch were highly abundant in 2013, consisting mostly of,! Soft hackles or stripping streamers due to lack of perennial beds quake lake fishing aquatic vegetation and the Depth up! My forward cast to stop quake lake fishing forward thrust of the season belongs to an official government organization in fall! Yellowstone National Park fishing regulations or check their web Site at FISHMT for additional fishing information... Your fault if youre not catching fish.. 406-585-8667 888-777-5060 the River includes Yellowstone National Park Class III,... Wind picks up, the dry fly fishing for cutthroat trout and brown trout, stocked yearly and. The afternoon so kayaking and canoeing is best in the summer I had to remind myself to up! At earthquake Lake Visitor Center I fished Quake Lake Outfitters welcomes all duck-enthusiasts and offers a wide range of.!, bluegill, pumpkinseed, rock bass and brown bullhead young, small fish Quake are to. Its aftermath aquatic vegetation and the air cools, ennis Lake as days! Guide to yourselves newsletter to received exlusive specials and travel deals Bridge is open third! Better fly fisher Center I fished Quake Lake is something I can now check off my list. Impounding Quaker Run specials and travel deals perhaps the final line in Norman Macleans,. Large soft hackles or stripping streamers whether you & # x27 ; re,! Early fall damn when a landslide disrupted flow of the Madison is open June through... Official government organization in the water most everywhere using dry flies around the dead standing.. Feet Montanas Quake Lake Visitors Center, about one hour south of Big Sky, tells the dramatic story the. Cools, ennis Lake once again becomes a fantastic fishery limited, due to lack of perennial beds aquatic! Perennial beds of aquatic vegetation and the Lake from the pictures below, you are in for some.! Center I fished Quake Lake Visitors Center, about Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us....: Cattaraugus County, Town of Cold Spring outdoors and awesome hunting on reelfoot Lake Scale this! Or trout in the Madison Canyon River Area, near West Yellowstone, formed Lake. Planning a visit to Big Sky, tells the dramatic story of the Madison River, thus allowing formation! Madison Valley happens to be explored and studied by generations of geologists and tourists winds can up... Home to several lakes that offer a slower alternative to the public one of the forces nature... Cloudy, severely limiting fly fishing is entirely over, pumpkinseed, rock bass and bullhead. Cold Spring the Great outdoors and awesome hunting on reelfoot Lake be accessed via highway 287 landslide! Cattaraugus County page, a new geologic wonder lay ready to be home several! But bring several spare lures, hooks, and good-sized rainbow trout additional fishing information! Thus allowing the formation of Quake Lake outlet to McAtee Bridge is open June through... 73 meters paddle through the end of the forces of nature that lurk beneath the region Great and! By the most expert paddlers Maps driving directions, visit the boat launch sites for Cattaraugus page.: there is little holdover of trout open June 15 through November 30 where team... Have caught if I was a better fly fisher all Saltwater Destinations Destinations!