Fishing Nelson Reservoir

AKA: Nelson Lake

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Nelson Reservoir Fishing Video
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Nelson Reservoir, MT

Popular Fish Species Nelson Reservoir, MT

Walleye Fishing

Walleye are thriving in Nelson Reservoir again this year thanks to a plenty of forage in the lake, and good fishery management by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rocky and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. 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. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. 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. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Nelson Reservoir Popular Fish - Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch Fishing

Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Nelson 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. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. 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.

Nelson Reservoir Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Northern pike are voracious feeders and they have the tools necessary to catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. They are currently thriving in the cool waters of Nelson Reservoir. This year they are being caught in good quantity and some mighty big sizes. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can also be a big help.

Nelson Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, yellow perch and northern pike at Nelson Reservoir in Montana.

Ice fishing for perch, walleye and northern pike can be very productive at Nelson Reservoir, a 4,100-acre lake in the north-central part of the state, 8 miles west of Saco. In season there is great boating and fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, perch and pike.

Visitors can explore 30 miles of shoreline while cruising the blue waters of this fertile fishery. The lake has limited amenities, so come prepared. There is a boat launch ramp and campground, but no marina or rental boats. There are plenty of areas accessible for fishing from the bank.

Primary fish species residing in Nelson Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Nelson Reservoir Amenities

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

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Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Nelson Reservoir Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off State Route 243, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.