Fishing At Fort Peck Lake

AKA: Fort Peck Reservoir

What to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, green sunfish, yellow perch, chinook salmon, northern pike, paddlefish, sauger and sturgeon at Fort Peck Lake in Montana.

Famous for trophy pike, lake trout and walleye, Fort Peck Lake provides excellent fishing year round. The lake supports healthy populations of bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, trout, sunfish, perch, salmon, paddlefish, sauger and pike.

Lake Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Montana Fish, Wildlife And Parks Department, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Lake Video

Fort Peck Lake, located in northeastern Montana, is one of the state's largest reservoirs and a renowned fishing destination. Covering over 245,000 acres, this expansive lake offers anglers a diverse range of fishing opportunities, stunning scenery, and abundant fish populations.

One of the most sought-after fish species in Fort Peck Lake is the walleye. This lake is known for its exceptional walleye fishery, with the potential for trophy-sized catches. Anglers can target walleye using various techniques such as trolling with crankbaits, jigging with live bait or artificial lures, or casting near underwater structures. Fort Peck Lake has a reputation for producing impressive walleye, making it a favorite among anglers looking for both quantity and quality.

Northern pike is another popular fish species found in Fort Peck Lake. These aggressive predators provide anglers with exciting battles and the opportunity to catch trophy-sized fish. Anglers often target northern pike using techniques such as casting with large spoons or spinners, trolling with crankbaits, or fly fishing. Fort Peck Lake is known for its robust northern pike population, attracting anglers seeking a thrilling fishing experience.

Fort Peck Lake is also home to other fish species, including sauger, lake trout, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. Sauger, closely related to walleye, offer anglers an alternative target with similar characteristics. Lake trout, also known as mackinaw, can be found in the deeper waters of the lake and provide a challenging fishing experience. Smallmouth bass and yellow perch offer additional angling opportunities and are popular among both recreational and tournament anglers.

Anglers visiting Fort Peck Lake should be aware of fishing regulations and obtain the appropriate licenses. It's important to follow catch limits, size restrictions, and specific rules regarding certain fish species to ensure the sustainability of the fish populations and the preservation of the lake's ecosystem.

With its vast expanse, diverse fish species, and breathtaking scenery, Fort Peck Lake offers anglers an unforgettable fishing adventure in Montana. Whether it's chasing trophy walleye, battling northern pike, or exploring the lake's other fishing opportunities, Fort Peck Lake provides a premier fishing experience amidst the beauty of Montana's landscapes.

Ice fishing in winter can be spectacular, due to relatively light fishing pressure. Major lake points and ledges near the river channel are ideal hangouts for quality fish, both in the warmer season and through the ice in winter. This 250,000-acre impoundment is located in the northeast part of the state, at Fort Peck. Campgrounds, parks and public access areas are scattered all around this giant fishery, which boasts over 1,500 miles of shoreline. Several marinas and boat launch ramps serve the boating public during the season.

Primary fish species residing in Fort Peck Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Fort Peck Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Fort Peck Lake, with several boat ramps and marinas available for anglers to launch their boats. The vast size of the lake allows for endless exploration and access to prime fishing spots. Whether it's trolling for walleye, casting for pike, or leisurely cruising the lake's expansive waters, boating enhances the overall fishing experience on Fort Peck Lake.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Bonetrail Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, west side, off County Road 425, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Crooked Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Crooked Creek Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Devils Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, east side, off Devil Creek Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Duck Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Duck Creek Boat Ramp Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Flat Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast corner of the lake, off Flat Lake Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Fort Peck Recreation Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Marina Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Rock Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, east side, off County Road 217, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Rock Creek State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, east side, off Trout Trail, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

The Pines Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Holladay Point Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Marinas

Hell Creek Marina
1 Hell Creek Rd
Jordan, MT 59337
406 557-2345

Rock Creek Marina
652 Rock Creek Marina Road
Fort Peck, MT 59223
406 485-2560

Click here for a Montana Fishing License.

Camping opportunities are abundant in the surrounding areas, with multiple campgrounds and recreational areas offering scenic views and convenient access to the lake. Campers can enjoy amenities such as picnic areas, fire pits, and access to boat ramps, allowing for a well-rounded outdoor experience.