All rights reserved. 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. See Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks fishing regulations or check their web site at FISHMT for additional fishing regulation information. Hunting not your thing? The lake is 66 m deep, and the shoreline is 15 km long. Theres something about the twilight season that repels an angler from the rivers unceasing roll. Starting in mid-July, hatches of callibaetis mayflies occur. Select Road & Site Closures - Flood Damage, Hyalite Drainage Proposed Permanent Recreational Target Shooting Restriction. The trout here are solid and powerful fighters. Restaurant: YES. Winds can occasionally be a problem on the lake, and combined with a current and lots of hidden obstructions, Quake Lake poses challenges for boaters. As the lake's dominant predator, smallmouth bass are plentiful, and the population is well balanced. Hebgen Lake Fly Fishing 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! It's a wonderful place to go fly fishing, especially in late spring, late summer and early fall. LockA locked padlock As its name implies, the lake was formed by an earthquake that struck southwestern Montana in 1959. Fishing The lake behind it, which backs up almost to Hebgen Lake, stretches 6 miles long and reaches depths of 190 feet. These trees, combined with the countless trees that are completely submerged, provide excellent cover and habitat for trout, although it can complicate the fishing. Anglers target northern pike while ice fishing and have good success. Blessed with a number of lakes, the city is full of scenic spots that will offer you serenity: 1. Map Information Quake Lake in Custer County is 24.3 acres. 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. You can catch brown trout, stocked yearly, and good-sized rainbow trout. Shortly after dawn, we boarded a drift boat equipped with small trolling motor. In late fall, brown trout move from Quake Lake to the Between-the-Lakes section of the Madison River. But it was a fairly average day of fly fishing. Copyright 2002 - 2022 Big Sky Fishing.Com, Camping around Quake Lake | Custer National Forest, Earthquake Lake Visitor Center Information. A massive earthquake, measured at 7.5 on the Richter scale, shook loose a huge . Access to the lake is excellent. Yellow perch were highly abundant in 2013, consisting mostly of young, small fish. 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. Since 1995, we've built travel guides that promote great outdoor destinations. Anglers willing to do a bit of walking/hiking can find unique and productive places to fish from the bank. P.O. The least fishing pressure happens during the off-season and on weekdays. Lake Kochelsee is located 70 km south of Munich, and it's situated in the Bavarian Alps. The Quake Lake Visitor Center features overlooks of the slide area and the six-mile long, 190-foot-deep lake it created, as well as educational displays about earthquakes, native wildlife, and other information about the region. 33 people died in the landslide and subsequent flooding, and $11 million in damage was sustained. Plenty of wade fishing and the river is easily accessible. Call the visitor's center at (406) 682-7620. Give us a follow if you want to be kept up to date about whats happening! Quaker Lake is a 268 acre man-made lake located in Allegany State Park. Whatever you want to know about the Bozeman area's outdoor activities, lifestyle, wildlife, amenities, and culture it's all right here. However, all of this structure is fantastic habitat for the fish and can provide great opportunities for light-tackle anglers to catch a bruiser. Dry fly fishing around these submerged trees is popular. Rugged mountains surround about a dozen miles of shoreline, and the lake has standing timber in the water most everywhere. See Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks fishing regulations or check their web site at FISHMT for additional fishing regulation information. We arrived first, so we had our pick of spots. Fishing pressure ranges from low to moderate. Due to its sudden and violent creation, snags, submerged timber, and numerous other obstacles make this lake all but impossible to troll for trout using conventional methods. As Quake Lake flooded much of the former Madison River canyon, thousands of dead trees poke up through the water. I saw it feeding while we were hunting for larger fish in a couple of feeding lanes. Yellowstone National Park fishing regulations can be viewed at NPS.gov. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aa_fishing_com-leader-1','ezslot_10',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aa_fishing_com-leader-1-0'); Click here for a Montana Fishing License. We caught some beauties during our day on Quake Lake both on dry flies and later on nymphs. The result of the quake is that twenty-eight people died from the landslide and five more died from the resulting flood. West Yellowstone, MT 59758 Finally, on a recent mid-September morning, my podcast partner, Dave, and I got our opportunity to fish its upper reaches. United States government. Our clients have an opportunity to hunt with our coaches individually and get in some of the best locations where ducks and geese are rampant. Physical Features: Elevation: 1,365 feet Area: 268 acres The lake is located 600 m above sea level. As soon as the wind picks up, the dry fly fishing is entirely over. Quake Lake outlet to McAtee Bridge is open the third Saturday in May through the end of February. Quake Lake measures six miles long, up to a third of a mile wide, covers 611 acres and is more than 180 feet deep. Access: Quake Lake is sometimes forgotten, but it can be an excellent fishery. Putting in at Lake Story and motoring up to the inlet of the Madison River; fishing Beaver Creek, stripping Streamers around the big dead trees and spot fishing to risers, the lake showed it's pre runoff glory!!! Fishing for cutthroat and brown trout in southwest MT. United States. You can catch brown trout, stocked yearly, and good-sized rainbow trout. Are you looking for a great way to gel your team? I fished Quake Lake near Yellowstone National Park. fishing isn't allowed, but a small commercial fishery provides ample smoked fish which are local delicacies. Need the best times to visit Yellowstone Park? The highway follows the lake and provides views of the effects of the massive earthquake and landslide. Boat Rental: NO Panfish: Yellow perch and bluegill are the lake's dominant panfish, with some pumpkinseed, rock bass and brown bullhead as well. This sensation is why I love dry fly fishing. The visitor's center is open from Memorial Day through mid-September from 10am to 5pm. Massive landslide that blocked the Gros Ventre River in Wyoming. Each river or lake has its own mystique. The South Fork of the Madison is open June 15 through November 30. We had a satisfying day, and between sporadic success and the mystique of Quake Lake, its a day that Ill remember for a long time. Here are a few takeaways reminders or lessons from that memorable day. 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. Live baits including worms and minnows work well for panfish; rock bass are also fond of small crayfish. Directly below Quake Lake the river roars into 5 long miles of Class V whitewater with steep gradients and large boulders along the way. They will try to break you off on the many trees and downed timber present in the lake. | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |. Quake Lake Montana is mostly within Gallatin National Forest on US Highway 287 about 27 miles northwest of West Yellowstone. Earthquake Lake on US Hwy 287 outside Yellowstone National Park Fishing Quake Lake is something I can now check off my bucket list. The jumble of rocks that slid from the mountain, the scars the slide left, and the trunks of trees killed by the rising flood waters tell their own story. Asia; . Anglers can target these large brown trout by swinging large soft hackles or stripping streamers. The quadrangle is rich in natural resources, and prospecting for gold, silver . The South Fork of the Madison River is also a major tributary lying entirely within National Forest Systems lands. The lake covers 8000 ha and the depth goes up to 73 meters. Bavaria - Lake Chiemsee; By Anna under CC BY-SA 2.0. Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off US Highway 287, this is a one-lane, gravel ramp with gravel parking. Madison River from Yellowstone National Park to Hebgen Reservoir is open from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30. 406-585-8667 888-777-5060 . 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. connected to the .gov website. Give us a follow if you want to be kept up to date about whats happening! Marina: NO Articles, maps, gear reviews, events, photo galleries if it's outdoors and southwest Montana, it's in here. Overall, panfish abundance is limited, due to lack of perennial beds of aquatic vegetation and the lower fertility of the lake. We're the Ones That Can Make Your Next Trip Great. At times I wondered how many more fish I would have caught if I was a better fly fisher. Despite its legendary lake monster, the lake draws fishermen from around the country who come to cast their lines and test their luck. Tackle losses are common among the sunken forests of this lake. 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. 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. About On August 17, 1959 an earthquake in the Madison Canyon River Area, near West Yellowstone, formed Quake Lake. In mid-August, anglers can target rising trout cruising the bank with tricos, hoppers, and spruce moth patterns. Quake Lake Fly Fishing Hebgen Lake Fly Fishing Flathead River Fly Fishing. Official websites use .gov A .gov The Mud Volcano is a popular natural wonder in Yellowstone National Park. Perhaps the final line in Norman Macleans novella, A River Runs Through It, suffers from overuse. . This picturesque setting is ideal for pitching a tent and hanging out for a few days. Lakes lend themselves to fall fishing in ways that rivers cant. An official website of the During the height of run-off, the lake turns cloudy, severely limiting fly fishing opportunities. Quake Lake was formed when an earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter Scale rocked this part of Montana on August 17th, 1959. Quake Lake, also known as Earthquake Lake, was the result of a devastating earthquake. It reminded me how important it is to arrive early if you want your choice of places to fish. Trout anglers do very well from shore with egg sacks on the north end of the lake by Kim's Marina. Related Articles: Tackle options in Quake are similar to those in Hebgen, but bring several spare lures, hooks, and flies. Ice fishing for trout is permitted. Camping There is a launch for small trailered boats, canoes and kayaks located at the north end of the lake near the dam. Later in the summer and into the fall is also great 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. Since 1995, we've built travel guides that promote great outdoor destinations. Quake Lake measures six miles long, up to a third of a mile wide, covers 611 acres and is more than 180 feet deep. Spend a day with us and let our pro guides put you on the fish in the great Tennessee River. Crawlers tipped with flavored marshmallows can work wonders, as will leech and crayfish patterns, and small to medium spinners and spoons. Share sensitive information only Quake Lake measures six miles long and about a third of a mile wide. Quake Lake formed following an earthquake and massive landslide on August 17, 1959. It has a bottom primarily of mud with some cobble and gravel. ) or https:// means you've safely Our clients have an opportunity to hunt with our coaches individually . Quake Lake is accessible year-round. Construction for this center completed in 1967, and it stands as a shrine to the fateful events of that day in 1959. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit after the second day of the season. More trophy fish come out of the Madison than most rivers in Montana. A boat launch ramp and campgrounds are open to the public. Not to mention every back issue ofOutside Bozemanat your fingertips you can search the site by topic, view articles by specific authors, or scroll through each issue article by article. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock AKA: Quake Lake What to fish for. Bank fishing here is easy, and a boat may not be required, but wind can be an issue so prepare for sudden weather changes and plan accordingly. It was formed in 1968 by impounding Quaker Run. I tossed a size #20 Midge pattern a few yards above it and let the current take it above the trouts nose. The landslide traveled down the side of the mountain at about 100 miles per hour, and resulted in the fatality of 28 campers in that section. Whitewater rafting Hebgen LakeThe first major lake in the Madison drainage, Hebgen is formed by the Hebgen dam. The hours for Earthquake Lake Visitor Center are 10 am to 6 pm seven days a week. Do you just do fly fishing on the lakes? Excellent staffExcellent hunts, well organized team. It's about 180 feet deep in its deepest parts. Quake Lake Fly Fishing Montana's Quake Lake can most likely be best described in one word: eerie. This article covers various river sections, flies, seasons, and lodging options. The Quake Lake Visitors Center, about one hour south of Big Sky, tells the dramatic story of the temblor and its aftermath. As the rapids decline, the magic begins. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Quaker Lake provides good fishing for both smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. Fishing Info for Quake Lake. The best fishing on Quake Lake occurs in late spring and early summer, and again later in the summer and fall. 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. Located on the border between Montana's Gold West Country and Yellowstone Country, Quake Lake came into existence on August 17, 1959. Box 520 West Yellowstone, MT 59758 (406) 823-6961 At a Glance General Information Directions: 8 mi N of West Yellowstone on US 191, 16 mi W on US 287 Accessibility: Open from Memorial Day - September 10 Weather dependant Parking: Largest parking Spurs: 12' x 55' & 22' x 30' Recreation Map Map showing recreational areas. On this day, a terrible earthquake occurred in the area, resulting in a massive rock slide that buried twenty-eight people camping on the Madison River that night in over 80 million tons of rubble. 17 Best Places to Visit in Germany. Spend a day with us and let our pro guides put you on the fish in the great Tennessee River. The landslide also caused tornado force winds that fanned out in front of the landslide and flood, destroying most everything in its path. You Might Also Like. Lest my previous point give the impression that Im a master fly fisher, I will quickly confess that I missed my share of fish on Quake Lake that day. The trout fishery is essentially a put-and-take fishery since there is little holdover of trout. Popular lake and vacation spot just outside Glacier Park. I missed some strikes, made a few errant casts, and spooked a couple of fish when my casts thumped the surface of the water. Horse Riding Pack & Fishing Trips near Yellowstone, A massive earthquake formed Quake Lake in 1959, Learn all about the seismic activity of the region by dropping by the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center, Experience the lake by kayaking around it, Catch some brown or rainbow trout in Quake Lake. The following daily bag limits apply to all waters within each region except as modified in the Special Rules. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. The lake is situated between the "Slide" and the "Between-the-Lakes" section of the Madison River. Another personal favorite of mine is Canyon Ferryit's one of the most popular bodies of water in the region. Earthquake Lake, more commonly shortened to Quake Lake, is one of the few lakes to have been created this way in recent times. It was created after an earthquake struck on August 17, 1959, with 28 fatalities. So grab your favorite fly fishing rod and reel, and head out to Earthquake Lake. Connect with travelers planning a visit to West Yellowstone Montana. It is best to fish Quake in the early morning or late evening when the wind isnt present. This is because there are many sharp rocks coming from the rockslide that formed the lake. with changes in elevation seen as recent as the 1964 earthquake. Come enjoy the great outdoors and awesome hunting on reelfoot lake. The waters above Quake Lake provide some exciting Class III rapids, and below the lake the most strenuous Class IV-V whitewater rafting. 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