Fishing Ashley Lake

AKA: Ashley Lake Boat Ramp & Campground

Popular Fish Species
Ashley Lake Fishing Video
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Ashley Lake, MT

Popular Fish Species Ashley Lake, MT

Ashley Lake Popular Fish - Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon Fishing

Sockeye salmon which remain landlocked, never migrating to the ocean, are called kokanee salmon. On-going stocking of kokanee salmon by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks helps to maintain a nice population for the fishery. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. As one of the premiere kokanee fishing lakes in Montana, Ashley Lake delivers plenty of fish above normal averages. These tasty fish school in lakes at depths which remain at ideal temperatures of between 48 and 58 degrees. Once this depth is identified, use a fish finder to locate schools. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space.

Ashley Lake Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

There is a good population of stocked rainbow trout for anglers to pursue at Ashley Lake. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. While fishing from a boat is preferred, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Yellow Perch Fishing

Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Ashley Lake. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.

Ashley Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, yellow perch and kokanee salmon at Ashley Lake in Montana.

Three campgrounds and a boat launch ramp welcome visitors to Ashley Lake, a 3,200-acre lake set in the northwest part of the state, 8 miles west of Kalispell. Over 16 miles of shoreline wrap these turquoise and blue waters where trout, kokanee and perch reside. The lake covers approximately 4.5 square miles and offers abundant opportunities for fishing. There is areas around the boat ramp for fishing from the bank. Try your luck ice fishing here in winter.

Primary fish species residing in Ashley Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Ashley Lake Amenities

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

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Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Ashley Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Ashley Boat Launch Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.