Fishing Tongue River Reservoir
AKA: Tongue River Reservoir State Park
Popular Fish Species Tongue River Reservoir, MT
Walleye Fishing
Thanks to a significant baitfish population, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Tongue River Reservoir this year. 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. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on 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. A proven method 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 productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.
Crappie Fishing
With a history of good crappie fishing, Tongue River Reservoir continues to impress crappie enthusiasts this year. Light line and small hooks are key when fishing live bait. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. The lake has healthy populations of both white crappie and black crappie. These two species typically tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a bunch of hungry of crappie. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. 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, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Tongue River Reservoir continues to sustain a robust smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, sauger, brown trout, bluegill, green sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Tongue River Reservoir in Montana.
Tongue River Reservoir Fishing Video
The perfect destination for water-activity enthusiasts, Tongue River Reservoir draws visitors for boating, camping, water sports and fishing. This is a 3,700-acre lake in the southeast part of the state, 5 miles northeast of Decker.
Tongue River Reservoir, located in southeastern Montana, is a popular fishing destination known for its abundant fish populations and scenic beauty. This reservoir covers approximately 12,000 acres and offers anglers a variety of fish species to target.
One of the popular fish species found in Tongue River Reservoir is the walleye. Known for their excellent taste and challenging fights, walleye are highly sought after by anglers. Tongue River Reservoir boasts a healthy walleye population, providing ample opportunities for anglers to reel in these prized fish. Anglers often use techniques such as jigging with live bait or artificial lures, trolling with crankbaits, or casting near underwater structures to entice the walleye.
Northern pike is another popular species in Tongue River Reservoir. These aggressive predators offer an exciting angling experience and can be targeted using techniques such as casting with large spoons or swimbaits, or trolling with crankbaits. Anglers are drawn to Tongue River Reservoir for the chance to catch these toothy predators and experience the thrill of a pike strike.
Tongue River Reservoir is also home to a variety of other fish species, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Smallmouth bass, known for their acrobatic fights, can be targeted using techniques such as casting with jigs, crankbaits, or topwater lures. Largemouth bass can be found near submerged structures and can be caught using similar techniques. Crappie and catfish offer additional angling opportunities, with anglers using different bait and techniques to target these species.
Anglers visiting Tongue River Reservoir 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 reservoir's ecosystem.
With its diverse fish species, excellent fishing opportunities, and scenic surroundings, Tongue River Reservoir offers anglers a memorable fishing experience in Montana. Whether it's targeting walleye, pursuing northern pike, or casting for other popular fish species, Tongue River Reservoir provides an exciting and enjoyable angling adventure amidst the beauty of Montana's landscapes.
A boat trip around the nearly 20 miles of shoreline is a pleasure in itself, as beauty is everywhere you look. And the fishing is even better. Warm-water and cold-water species both thrive here giving fishing enthusiasts many options. Big fat crappie, giant walleye and plentiful bass and pike draw most of the attention during the summer season. Ice fishing for crappie, perch, walleye and pike can be very productive. The lake also has a sauger, catfish and a variety of sunfish. There are rental boats and a nice boat launch ramp at Tongue River Reservoir State Park.
Primary fish species residing in Tongue River Reservoir
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Tongue River Reservoir Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NO
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NO
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Tongue River Reservoir, and anglers can access the lake using public boat ramps. The reservoir allows for motorized boats, providing anglers with the opportunity to explore different areas and access prime fishing spots. Whether it's trolling for walleye, casting for northern pike, or searching for other fish species, boating enhances the overall fishing experience on Tongue River Reservoir.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Pee Wee North Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Tongue River Reservoir Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Tongue River Reservoir
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 facilities can be found near Tongue River Reservoir, offering anglers the opportunity to extend their fishing trips and fully enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds provide amenities such as picnic areas, fire pits, and restrooms, making it convenient for anglers and their families to relax and unwind after a day on the water.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Tongue River Reservoir State Park Campground - 406 757-2298
Tongue River Reservoir MT Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Tongue River Reservoir
Tongue River Reservoir State Park
292 Campers Point
Decker, MT 59025
406 8757-2298
Fishing lakes in each state.
081224
Tongue River Reservoir in MT
MONTANA
Fishing for crappie, walleye, bass and pike in southeast MT.
