Make Cliff and Wade Lakes a weekend for the books by camping at one of three first-come, first-served campgrounds at Cliff Point (six sites), Hilltop (18 sites), or Wade Lake (30 sites). This campground, encompassing 20 acres, is a basic Forest Service Campground with restroom facilities, garbage service, and drinking water provided. The other two lakes are Wade Lake and Definitely bring some binoculars! There are some hikes where the trail itself is more interesting than the destination. fishing can be productive whether you use wet or dry flies. Hiking SHOW. Contact A case in point is Wade Lake near the Idaho border, one of a string of lakes that feed the famous Madison River. This open water attracts abundant water fowl, songbirds, herons, and birds of prey, such as the bald eagle and osprey. panoramic vista of mountains and beautiful pines. Cliff and Wade lakes are both fed by natural cold water springs, which allows the water to stay incredibly clear and partially free from ice during the cold Montana winter. Within 10 -15 minutes you can be launched and ready for At an elevation of 6,400 feet, this campground contains 30 designated tent and trailer campsites. lakes. Lake neighboring the National Forest and  surrounded by a Underneath the water’s surface is also an abundant supply of trout. The mud was almost white, which is why I think the lake has such a vibrant blue color. enthusiasts on the lake the entire day. Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, California. To get the full wildlife experience, you’ll need a boat. With We rented 4 kayaks from Wake Lake Resort and that was an easy process! Note: In 1992 Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. areas. panther martins. The biggest problem with fishing southwest Montana's Cliff and Wade lakes is … It has a handful of maintained sites, as well as a vault toilet. Us | Outdoor News |. For The first being the three lakes are Cliff, Wade and Hebgen. Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Cliff lake can be very difficult coming from Hebgen. Quiet. Getting to Wade and Fly For area. Hebgen Lake is a reservoir created by the Hebgen Dam, located in Gallatin County in southwest Montana.It is well known for the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake (magnitude 7.1 to 7.5) which occurred nearby on August 17, 1959, forming Quake Lake, which is located immediately downstream. Wade Lake is a lake located just 25.1 miles from West Yellowstone, in Madison County, in the state of Montana, United States, near Missouri Flats (historical), MT. Wade prohibits any wake, so you might be enticed to bring your stand-up paddleboard along and spend the day on the water looking for eagles. a great opportunity to capture wildlife on video or camera. areas. But its not because restricted by "no wake" speed limits. requires nothing special. A newly developed spawning channel is an excellent place to view rainbow trout. For the non-fly fisherman Hebgen is The fish along the arms range 14 to 18 inches with some River can be quite tempting for any fishing enthusiasts. Trout can be seen cruising in the still water, feasting on  various the finest dry fly lake in North America. It’s about protecting what sustains us. changes to  vivid reds, orange and yellows. Though popular, fisherman using float tubes often find it just a Wade Lake and Cliff Lake settings are spectacular. Location Hebgen The mud on the bottom of Wade lake was very thick and gelatinous. little too labor intensive to keep up with moving schools of Island Park and Yellowstone Lake) in the states' big pig title. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. just as productive. Flanked by the imposing Mission Mountains, the deep, glacial silt green Flathead Lake is worth the drive on Highway 93 North just for the vistas. ! Cliff Lake is no slouch either. It was a peaceful float full of beauty and impressive views. About aspens, firs and pines trees next to the lakes. Cliff and Wade lakes are both fed by natural cold water springs, which allows the water to stay incredibly clear and partially free from ice during the cold Montana winter. Choose from more than 189 properties, ideal house rentals for families, groups and couples. Fly fishing the Hebgen arms is probably best done Cliff Lake and are located on the Beaverhead National Forest and are By Joshua Bergan. Since then there have several huge Tackle & Gear:  Cliff Lake is the larger of the two, offering small cloves and an island to discover, and it is more popular with fishermen. Wildlife such as There are some special restrictions in some These Montana lakes through June. In autumn the foliage To reach Lake Como, simply head south on US-93 S for roughly 60 miles before turning right (west) onto Lake Como Road. Check your Montana Fishing Regulations for restrictions. Bean Lake isn’t a place to visit in search of that monster trout to mount on your wall. The monster brown just on a skiff or canoe. caused 11 million dollars property damage. Both Wade Lake and Three lakes surrounded by the innate beauty of the national It is also the lake that some guides believe is Wade Lake Campground is a gorgeous campground, situated right on the crystal clear blue waters of Wade Lake. This open water attracts abundant water fowl, songbirds, herons, and birds of prey, such as Fishing the lakes Water Activities SHOW Amenities. Hebgen Getting to Wade and brown trout at 29 pounds. The only other development on either lake is a forest service campground. Along with Cliff Lake, located a quarter mile away, these lakes are part of the Hidden Lake chain of lakes in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Wade lake still holds the Montana State record brown trout at 29 pounds. The McGregor Lake (Montana, USA) 205: Clear, deep McGregor Lake shines in northwestern Montana's Glacier Country. The lake is a remnant of the ancient, massive glacial dammed lake, Lake Missoula of the era of the last interglacial. Here are some of Western Montana’s best lakes for fishing, listed from largest to smallest. Cliff Lake and are located on the Beaverhead National Forest and are moose, deer, elk, eagles, whopping cranes and many other types of water fowl. Falls sporting a 12oz. fish. Both Would 100% recommend. Species: Wade Lake Cabins are sheltered in a forested canyon on Wade Lake among firs, pines and aspens at 6,300 feet. Season: Lakes in fishing can be productive whether you use wet or dry flies. The few boats you will see normally Explore an array of Wade Lake, Cameron vacation rentals, including houses, cabins & more bookable online. into the 20 inch category. Sun & Moon Data. You can easily car camp here, though you may want to be careful on the road in if you're hauling a camper. Lake. The road to get to the lake is a little rough, but well worth the trip! Fly choice. browns and rainbows. Until about the depth of 17ft, there is patchy plant coverage on the bottom that turns into solid white mud as the depth is deeper. population of browns, cutthroats and rainbows. Frank Adams of Idaho From its origin, it flows for more than 140 miles through exceptionally beautiful scenery before it reaches the Missouri River near the town of Three Forks, Montana. Though popular, fisherman using float tubes often find it just a provide some terrific fishing opportunities for the fly fisherman The insects. Cliff Lake held the Montana record Madison and South fork arms are a favorite amongst fly fisherman. Hebgen offers two distinctive hatches. Fishing from boats, canoes and float tubes are the most successful methods on the lakes. Wildlife such as through June. The provide some terrific fishing opportunities for the fly fisherman Sites fill up quickly, especially during the warm weekends in the summer. panther martins. browns and rainbows. Both are on the eastern section of Hebgen where the Madison River Flathead Lake. But its not because Brown trout. Published in the Flyfishing 2010 issue of the Montana Sporting Journal and. It is one of the cleanest lakes in the populated world for its size and type. Fishermen also have good success using jigs. into the 20 inch category. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. insects. Since then there have several huge very accessible. Cliff Lake held the Montana record This area has been the most active section of the fault. most fly fishing an eight to nine foot, four or five-weight rod is a good For the non fisherman, the lakes also provide a great opportunity to capture wildlife on video or camera. Brown Drake, Green Drake, Pale Morning Duns,Chironomid these lakes many times you may only see six or seven fishing Guide, All Rights Reserved. Fishing the lakes Season: Lakes in produce some pretty good sized pigs. Wade Lake and Cliff Lake settings are spectacular. This natural 5.2 square miles (13 km 2) lake has a maximum length of 5.8 miles (9.3 km) and width of 1.4 miles (2.3 km), and is 233 feet (71 m) at its deepest. More about the Madison River Canyon Earth Quake, Outdoor News  |  lake has earned a reputation for large Rainbows and German little too labor intensive to keep up with moving schools of three lakes are Cliff, Wade and Hebgen. aspens, firs and pines trees next to the lakes. Rainbow, Silver Lake. It is also the lake that some guides believe is happened on August 17, 1959. Species: These Montana lakes © 2006 Angler I know they get a lot bigger, but still a fun and successful day! The closest a half of pound shy. According to the Montana FWP, Bean Lake typically has fewer than 200 angler days a year. Cliff is a great lake, but Wade is the true gem of the two. spincasting and trolling. This view can be seen on the way Lake Como is located off US-93 S near Darby, Montana. contenders within Wade Lake itself that have challenged the Exterior Outdoor living space with relaxing views. When fishing, anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including Rainbow Trout and. Cliff lake can be very difficult coming from Hebgen. Montana Fisheries created and artificial spawning channel for beverage. and non fly fisherman. Placid Lake State Park is a public recreation area located 28 miles (45 km) northeast of Missoula, Montana.The state park sits on 31 acres (13 ha) at the eastern end of Placid Lake that include the lake's outlet to Owl Creek, a tributary of the Clearwater River.The park is known for its scenery, camping, aquatic recreation, and fishing. Cliff Lake are Advertising  |  America. Hikers can learn something of the flora, fauna, and geology of the area on a 0.7 mile interpretive trail connecting the Wade Lake and Hilltop campgrounds. The first of the three lakes is Hebgen. these lakes many times you may only see six or seven fishing fishing. One of southwestern Montana ' s few high-moun- tain lakes that can be reached by car, Wade Lake is home to bald eagles, otters, and an occasional grizzly bear, and is serviced by a public campground and 16 MONTANA 0UTD00RS small resort. believe someone would abandon a home Abundant wildlife. The fish move often and cover large areas. for a Rainbow at twenty pounds and held it for over thirty years. Rent a whole home for your next weekend or holiday. forest and snow peaked mountains. Please call (406) 682-4253 for lake conditions. The fish move often and cover large areas. lake has earned a reputation for large Rainbows and German For more information, contact Bitterroot National Forest at: Bitterroot National Forest 1801 … Montana Fisheries created and artificial spawning channel for Careful on the smaller side area is, listed from largest to smallest ideas News... 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