Elk Lake:
You can step outside your cabin door and enjoy fly-fishing a lake full of large and feisty Westslope and Yellowstone Cutthroat. With nearly 400 acres water surface, Elk Lake has plenty of water - and lots of feed. None the less, it is only lightly fished. Thus, your early morning casts can produce several colorful, firm fish in the 3 to 5 pound range.
Hidden Lake: Just up the road - at the end of the line - lies a secluded gem. This brilliant blue lake, surrounded by emerald green forests, and overshadowed by rocky cliffs is considered to be one of the best natural rainbow fisheries in southwestern Montana. Wet your line and enjoy wrestling a colorful rainbow. Hidden Lake is best fished from one of our row boats, or your own float tube. This lovely lake won't let you down. You can expect to catch beautiful, colorful rainbows ranging from 3 - 5 pounds. One lucky young man landed a 12 pound Rainbow not long ago.
Elk Springs Creek: A slow moving 
creek fed by the underground outlet of Elk Lake, Elk Springs Creek meanders the valley floor before pouring into Swan Lake. Elk Lake Road divides 'fishing' sections, with the creek west of the road open for fishing from the 3rd Saturday in May to the end of November. The section east of the road opens July 15th and remains open to the end of November. This creek runs through Refuge Lands and is accessible, by foot, to the public.
Odell Creek: This pretty little creek tumbles down from the Centennial Mountains to pour into Lower Red Rock Lake. Home to Yellowstone Cutthroat and Grayling, it is open to fishing from the 3rd Saturday in May to the end of November. Be sure to ask permission before crossing private land.
Red Rock Creek: Some may see this as a humble creek, but Red Rock Creek is actually the headwaters of the mighty Missouri River. It also
has its own claim to fame as the home to some very large Yellowstone Cutthroat (our fish biologist says they can run up to 10#!) and the unique sport fish - Arctic Grayling. In fact, Upper Red Rock Lake (closed to fishing), Odell Creek, and Red Rock Creek support one of the last native strains of Arctic Grayling in the lower 48 states (all catch and release for Grayling). Open to fishing from the 3rd Saturday in May to the end of November, this creek flows mostly through public lands and the refuge before pouring into Upper Red Rock Lake. Be sure to seek permission before crossing private land.
Local Ponds: Many of the old-timers tell tales of the HUGE brook trout which lived in Culver Pond. Although, today it is a little more humble - fly-fishermen still find Culver Pond and nearby MacDonald Pond to produce some gorgeous brook trout. Located on the Red Rocks National Wildlife Refuge these ponds open for fishing July 15th and close the end of November. Also fishable are nearby Widgeon Pond and Picnic Creek.
Most Popular Fishing Gear - For our local lakesMost fishermen in our neck of the woods prefer flies. However, we've had fish caught on bait (the 12# lunker caught at Hidden Lake bit into a 'cheese sandwich'), lures, and even a worm on a Sponge Bob pole. Whether you like to troll, fly-fish, or use spinners, we've included some of the most successful gear below.
Fishing Tips
Elk Lake: 
Most fishermen prefer fishing the shoreline along the southwest edge of the lake up to and just past the Resort. Several 'hot' spots exist in the bay near the Resort. Another favorite spot is the rocky drop off toward the northeast end of the lake. Still another is in the weeds on the north end. Most fish are in water depths of not more than 25', and they commonly run in schools. Most fishing success seems to be found by fishing along the weed beds either at the point where the shoreline drops off, or just over their tops. Best fishing times are from 'ice off' (usually Mid-May) to mid-July and then again from late August through 'ice up'. In addition, ice fishing has been a real hit at times.
Hidden Lake: 
Opening annually around June 15th, Hidden Lake remains fairly consistent through most of the summer. Most fishermen prefer using boats and float tubes to access this lake as most of the shoreline is heavily timbered. Float tubes are a favorite as it is a 1/4 mile walk from the parking lot to the lake. If you don't want to carry in your gear, we offer row boats for rent. Although this lake is VERY deep, the fish still tend to be found in 25 feet of water, or less.
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For the convenience of our guests, we sell Montana fishing licenses.
2009 Montana Fishing License Pricing (prices good to February 2010)Resident:
Non Resident:
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Just 1 Hour From West Yellowstone, Montana
phone: (406) 276-3282 - ♥ - fax: (406) 276-3399
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