Deer Lodge County, MT · Lake
Georgetown Lake
A shallow, fertile 2,800-acre mountain lake at 6,400 ft between Anaconda and Philipsburg off MT Highway 1. One of Montana’s most productive stillwaters — fast-growing rainbow and brook trout plus a strong kokanee salmon fishery — and a hugely popular ice-fishing destination in winter.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout & Kokanee Salmon — tied at the top (68/100)
3 species tied for best of 3 tracked at Georgetown Lake.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Georgetown Lake
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 3 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rainbow Trout Workable day for Rainbow Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 5
Western District lakes: 5 trout daily, 10 in possession (all species combined), only 1 longer than 22".
Source: Montana Western District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
#1 Brook Trout Workable day for Brook Trout. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Salvelinus fontinalis — Maryland's only native trout and a conservation priority species. Surviving wild populations are in small, cold headwater streams in Garrett, Allegany, and a few pockets of central/western MD. Small, aggressive, and spectacularly colored — sensitive to warming and habitat loss.
Prefers. Water 40–65°F (ideal 52°F) · either tide · depth 1–10 ft.
- Daily creel
- 5
Western District lakes: 5 trout daily, 10 in possession (all species combined), only 1 longer than 22".
Source: Montana Western District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
#1 Kokanee Salmon Workable day for Kokanee Salmon. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Oncorhynchus nerka — Landlocked sockeye salmon — the marquee coldwater reservoir fishery of the Mountain West. A plankton feeder that suspends along the thermocline and is caught by downrigger trolling with squids and dodgers spring through fall, and through the ice in winter. The fall spawning run turns the fish brilliant red and triggers snagging seasons on designated waters; prized as table fare. In Colorado, Blue Mesa is the flagship water, with Dillon and Granby also producing.
Prefers. Water 45–59°F (ideal 53°F) · either tide · depth 20–120 ft.
- Daily creel
- 20
Western District: 20 kokanee daily, 40 in possession.
Source: Montana Western District regulations · verified 2026-06-01.
Location Info
Water Body
Lake
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Montana Western District
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Georgetown Lake: Montana FWP fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Georgetown Lake?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Georgetown Lake you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Georgetown Lake?
Georgetown Lake is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Kokanee Salmon. 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 Georgetown 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 Georgetown 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 Georgetown Lake have?
Georgetown Lake has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Georgetown Lake?
state agency regulations apply at Georgetown 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 Georgetown Lake tidal water?
No. Georgetown Lake is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.