Fishing Fresno Reservoir
AKA: Fresno Reservoir Campground
Popular Fish Species Fresno Reservoir, MT
Walleye Fishing
Fresno Reservoir is home to a hearty population of big walleye. Good fisheries management by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.
Black Crappie Fishing
A nice population of black crappie resides in Fresno Reservoir. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Yellow Perch Fishing
Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Fresno Reservoir. 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. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. 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.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, sauger, rainbow trout, brown trout, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, kokanee salmon and northern pike at Fresno Reservoir in Montana.
Fresno Reservoir Fishing Video
A warm-water fishery which also offers fishing for cold-water fish species, Fresno Reservoir is a 3,200-acre lake in the north-central part of the state, 3 miles northeast of Kremlin. This sprawling lake has about 65 miles of shoreline.
Fresno Reservoir, located in north-central Montana, is a popular fishing destination known for its excellent angling opportunities and beautiful surroundings. This reservoir covers approximately 7,000 acres and offers anglers a variety of fish species to target.
One of the popular fish species found in Fresno Reservoir is walleye. This reservoir is known for its thriving walleye population, making it a favored spot for walleye enthusiasts. Anglers can target walleye using techniques such as trolling with crankbaits, jigging with live bait or artificial lures, or casting near underwater structures. Fresno Reservoir has produced impressive walleye catches, attracting anglers looking for both quantity and quality.
Northern pike is another sought-after species in Fresno Reservoir. These aggressive predators offer an exciting fishing experience and can be caught using techniques such as casting with large spoons, spinners, or jerkbaits. Northern pike in Fresno Reservoir can grow to impressive sizes, providing anglers with memorable battles.
Fresno Reservoir is also home to other fish species, including yellow perch and black crappie. Yellow perch are popular among anglers for their delicious taste and can be caught using small jigs or baited hooks. Black crappie, known for their schooling behavior and sporty fight, can also be targeted using various methods such as casting with small jigs or using live bait.
Anglers visiting Fresno Reservoir should be aware of fishing regulations and obtain the appropriate licenses. It's important to practice responsible fishing, including following catch limits and size restrictions, as well as practicing catch-and-release when necessary, to ensure the sustainability of the fish populations and the preservation of the reservoir's ecosystem.
With its diverse fish species, scenic surroundings, and abundant fishing and boating opportunities, Fresno Reservoir offers anglers a memorable fishing experience in Montana. Whether it's targeting walleye, casting for northern pike, or pursuing other popular fish species, Fresno Reservoir provides an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the thrill of reeling in some impressive fish.
Much of the shore is accessible for fishing from the bank. Fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, perch and northern pike is at the top of most anglers wish list here. In addition crappie, sauger, trout, sunfish and salmon fishing can be good as well. A public boat launch ramp is open to the public.
Primary fish species residing in Fresno Reservoir
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Fresno Reservoir Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Fresno Reservoir, and anglers can access the lake using the public boat ramp located on its shores. Boating allows anglers to explore different areas of the reservoir and access prime fishing spots. Whether it's trolling along the reservoir's open waters or navigating near submerged structures, boating enhances the angling experience on Fresno Reservoir.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Fresno Reservoir Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Fresno Reservoir Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Fresno Reservoir
Reel Therapy Charter Fishing - walleye
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Montana Fishing License.
Camping opportunities can be found in the surrounding areas, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and fully enjoy the natural beauty of the reservoir. Campgrounds offer amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and lakeside campsites, providing a comfortable and convenient base for anglers and their families.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Fresno Reservoir Campground - 406 759-5077
Fresno Reservoir MT Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Fresno Reservoir
Fresno Reservoir Campground
Havre, MT 59501
406 759-5077
Fishing lakes in each state.
091124
Fresno Reservoir in MT
MONTANA
Fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, perch and northern pike in north-central MT.
