Valley County, MT · Reservoir
Fort Peck Lake
One of the largest reservoirs in the United States — a 134-mile Missouri River impoundment behind Fort Peck Dam, with more shoreline than the California coast. A trophy multi-species fishery: walleye and smallmouth bass on the structure, northern pike in the bays, channel catfish, lake trout in the cold depths, and the region’s premier landlocked chinook salmon.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Chinook Salmon, Lake Trout & Channel Catfish — tied at the top (68/100)
6 species tied for best of 6 tracked at Fort Peck Lake.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Fort Peck Lake
6 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 6 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Walleye Workable day for Walleye. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 8 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Sander vitreus — Maryland's premier cool-water gamefish. Deep Creek Lake is the flagship fishery; also found in the non-tidal Potomac and the Youghiogheny River. Low-light feeder — dusk, dawn, and overcast/windy days are prime. Jigs, crankbaits, and nightcrawler harnesses are standard.
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · either tide · depth 10–40 ft.
- Daily creel
- 5
Eastern District: 5 walleye daily and 10 in possession.
Source: Montana Eastern District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
#1 Northern Pike Workable day for Northern Pike. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 8 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Esox lucius — A toothy, torpedo-shaped ambush predator that lurks in weed edges and drop-offs and strikes large spoons, spinnerbaits, and live suckers. Spawns in shallow flooded vegetation right after ice-out, holds shallow in spring and fall, and slides deeper through summer. Caught year-round, including through the ice — the prairie reservoirs of the northern plains, Fort Peck chief among them, grow trophy "gators" past 20 lb.
Prefers. Water 50–70°F (ideal 63°F) · either tide · depth 4–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- 10
Eastern District: 10 northern pike daily and in possession (no size limit). Pike are an introduced predator in much of Montana — many waters encourage harvest.
Source: Montana Eastern District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
#1 Smallmouth Bass Workable day for Smallmouth Bass. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 8 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- 5
Eastern District: 5 smallmouth bass daily and in possession.
Source: Montana Eastern District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
#1 Chinook Salmon Workable day for Chinook Salmon. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 8 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Oncorhynchus tshawytscha — The “king” — the largest Pacific salmon and the marquee stocked predator of the Great Lakes. Trolled over open water through summer, then staged off river mouths and run up tributaries on the fall spawning push. Flow and water temperature drive the river bite.
Prefers. Water 42–58°F (ideal 50°F) · either tide · depth 15–150 ft.
- Daily creel
- 5
Eastern District: salmon (chinook and kokanee combined) 5 daily and 10 in possession. Fort Peck Lake is the region’s premier landlocked chinook fishery — confirm the current Fort Peck salmon rules before the season.
Source: Montana Eastern District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
#1 Lake Trout Workable day for Lake Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 8 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Salvelinus namaycush — The native deepwater char of the Great Lakes and cold northern lakes. Holds in cold, deep water through summer and moves shallow to reefs in spring and fall. Targeted by deep trolling, jigging, and from shore early and late in the season.
Prefers. Water 40–52°F (ideal 48°F) · either tide · depth 30–200 ft.
- Daily creel
- 3
Eastern District: 3 lake trout daily, 6 in possession.
Source: Montana Eastern District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
#1 Channel Catfish Workable day for Channel Catfish. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 8 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Ictalurus punctatus — Native catfish of MD non-tidal rivers, reservoirs, and farm ponds. Bottom-feeder that takes chicken liver, stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. Most active at night and in warm water.
Prefers. Water 60–85°F (ideal 75°F) · either tide · depth 5–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- 10
Eastern District: 10 channel catfish daily, 20 in possession.
Source: Montana Eastern District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Montana Eastern District
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Fort Peck Lake: Montana FWP fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Fort Peck Lake?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Fort Peck Lake you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Fort Peck Lake?
Fort Peck Lake is listed on this site for 6 commonly-targeted species: Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Chinook Salmon, and 2 more. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Fort Peck Lake?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Fort Peck Lake against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Fort Peck Lake have?
Fort Peck Lake has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Fort Peck Lake?
state agency regulations apply at Fort Peck Lake. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Fort Peck Lake tidal water?
No. Fort Peck Lake is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.