Fishing Clark Canyon Reservoir

AKA: Clark Canyon Dam

Popular Fish Species
Clark Canyon Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
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Clark Canyon Reservoir, MT

Popular Fish Species Clark Canyon Reservoir, MT

Clark Canyon Reservoir Popular Fish - Brook Trout

Brook Trout Fishing

Brook trout thrive in cool, clear, well-oxygenated water. Clean inflows of water are prime areas to fish. Fishing for brook trout in Clark Canyon Reservoir is popular due to the abundance and size of these tasty brookies. Brookies are most actively feeding at dawn, and again at dusk. Brook trout feed on plankton, worms, leeches, insects, mollusks, and small baitfish. They spawn in the Fall, rather than the Spring, and they are quite prolific spawners. Other times they tend to move deeper and are more difficult to locate. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for brook trout is a fun way to spend a winter day. Brook trout can be easily caught on minnows, flies, small spinners, worms, maggots and wax worms.

Clark Canyon Reservoir Popular Fish - Brown Trout

Brown Trout Fishing

Currently, fishing for brown trout in Clark Canyon Reservoir is delivering some nice catches. These hearty fighters migrate around the lake in search of baitfish and comfortable water temperatures, preferably in the 50 to 62 degree range. In spring brown trout, along with the baitfish, move to the shallows which warms first. As the days get warmer in summer they move deeper, again following schools of bait. As Fall and Winter arrive, browns tend to stay in deeper water. When these trout move deep, it is typically in the 20- to 45-foot range. Nightcrawlers are always a good bait for brown trout. In-line spinners, bait-colored crankbaits and small spoons are other options. Experiment with depth and retrieve speed. When the lake freezes over, enjoy ice fishing for trout.

Clark Canyon Reservoir Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fishing for rainbow trout at Clark Canyon Reservoir can be effective using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic prey. Use the lightest fishing line for the best possible results, based on conditions. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing can still provide some nice fishing. Annual stocking by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout. While fishing from a boat is often the preferred method, 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.

Clark Canyon Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout and burbot at Clark Canyon Reservoir in Montana.

Running along side Interstate 15, Clark Canyon Reservoir is a 4,800-acre lake in the southwest corner of the state, 15 miles south of Dillon. Including several islands, the lake sports about 17 miles of shoreline with plenty of access for fishing from the bank.

Several nice boat ramps welcome boaters to launch canoes, kayaks, pontoons and power boats. Fishing here is for trout and perch is good during the season as well as ice fishing in winter. Beaverhead Campground offers free camping.

Primary fish species residing in Clark Canyon Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Clark Canyon Reservoir Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Beaverhead Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Clark Canyon Dam Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Horse Prarie Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off State Route 324, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Northwest Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off State Route 324, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.