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Montana · Fishing
Browning sits at the eastern edge of Glacier National Park, and the fishing around it is almost entirely backcountry lake fishing — no stocked ponds off the highway, no easy drive-up access.
6 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 6 spots
Browning sits at the eastern edge of Glacier National Park, and the fishing around it is almost entirely backcountry lake fishing — no stocked ponds off the highway, no easy drive-up access. The six lakes in and near this area, including Oldman Lake, Two Medicine Lake, Pitamakan Lake, and Horse Lake, sit inside Glacier National Park or on the Blackfeet Reservation, which shapes everything about how you plan a trip: permits, access routes, and the kind of fishing you should expect. Two Medicine Lake is the most accessible of the group, reachable by road and then a short walk or boat shuttle. Oldman, Pitamakan, Boy, and Aubery lakes require real trail miles to reach, which means lighter gear and a willingness to pack in what you need. The fish in these high-elevation lakes tend to be smaller but willing, and the crowds thin out fast once you leave the trailhead. If you're driving from Browning, the Two Medicine Road is your main corridor into this country. Plan around the park's operating season, carry a Montana fishing license, and check whether the specific water you're targeting falls under Glacier National Park regulations or Blackfeet Tribal fishing rules — those are two separate permit systems.
It depends on which lake you're targeting. Lakes inside Glacier National Park require a Montana fishing license but no separate park fishing permit. If you're fishing waters on the Blackfeet Reservation, you need a Blackfeet Tribal fishing permit instead of or in addition to a state license. Check the boundary of each specific lake before you go, because the lines aren't always obvious on the ground.
Most of these backcountry lakes are inaccessible or snow-covered until late June or early July, and the trails can stay icy into early summer. The most reliable window is mid-July through September. By October, weather at elevation gets unpredictable fast and some park roads close.
St. Mary Campground
~25 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Zips Place Cabin
~35 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Emery Bay Campground
~56 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Swan Lake Campground
~1h 24m drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Swan Lake - Swan Lake Campground Access
~1h 22m drive
Easy
Apgar Group Sites
~52 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Devil Creek Campground
~38 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Riverside Campground
~52 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Lid Creek Campground
~56 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Fish Creek Campground
~52 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Murray Bay Campground
~52 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Lost Johnny Point Campground
~58 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Early morning and evening are consistently more productive than midday, when high-altitude sun puts fish down in deeper water. If you're camping near the lake, fishing the first hour after sunrise is worth prioritizing over sleeping in.
A 4- or 5-weight fly rod covers most situations, and a light spinning setup works well if you prefer lures. Pack light — you're carrying everything in on foot. Small spinners, dry flies, and nymphs all produce depending on conditions. Bring a bear canister; it's required for overnight trips in Glacier.
Yes, Two Medicine Lake is the most accessible lake on this list. You can drive to the Two Medicine area and fish from shore or rent a boat at the camp store when it's operating. It's a reasonable choice for anglers who want the scenery without committing to a multi-mile backcountry approach.
