Montana · Fishing
Fishing in Cooke City, Montana
Cooke City sits at roughly 7,600 feet in a narrow valley just outside the northeast corner of Yellowstone, and the fishing around it reflects that high-country character.
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Cooke City sits at roughly 7,600 feet in a narrow valley just outside the northeast corner of Yellowstone, and the fishing around it reflects that high-country character. The lakes listed here — Rock Island, Margaret, Knott, Twin Island, Skull, Boulder, and Reed — are all alpine or near-alpine lake fisheries, not tailwaters or spring creeks. That means shorter seasons, colder water, and fish that tend to run smaller but hit aggressively when conditions are right. Most of these lakes sit above 8,000 feet and require anywhere from a short walk to a legitimate half-day hike to reach, so you're not pulling up to a boat ramp. The payoff is genuine backcountry solitude, especially on weekdays or after Labor Day when the Yellowstone tourist traffic thins out. Montana fishing licenses are required for anyone 12 and older, and some waters near the park boundary have specific regulations that differ from standard statewide rules, so checking the Montana FWP regulation booklet for the Stillwater drainage before you go is worth the five minutes it takes.
Frequently asked questions
What species can I expect to catch in these lakes?
The activity listings cover lake fishing only, so specific species data isn't confirmed for each water body. High-country lakes in this part of Montana commonly hold cutthroat trout, and some are stocked periodically by Montana FWP. Check the FWP lake fishing reports or call the Billings regional office for current stocking and species information on specific lakes like Knott, Skull, or Reed before you make the drive.
When is the fishing season open and what's the best time of year to go?
Montana's general fishing season for most lakes runs from the third Saturday in May through November 30, but high-elevation lakes near Cooke City may still have ice into June. Late July through mid-September is typically the most reliable window — the ice is out, water temperatures have risen enough to get fish actively feeding, and the access roads and trails are clear. Early morning and late evening are the most productive times of day on calm, sunny alpine lakes.
How hard is the hike to reach these lakes?
It varies by lake. Some of the Boulder Lakes can be reached with a moderate hike of a few miles, while others like Skull Lake involve more elevation gain and rougher trail conditions. Plan on at least an hour of hiking each way for most of them, and build in extra time if you're carrying a full pack with camping gear. Topo maps or the Caltopo app will give you a clearer picture of the specific trail to whichever lake you're targeting.
What gear setup makes sense for these high-country lakes?
A 4- or 5-weight fly rod handles most situations well, and a small ultralight spinning setup works equally well if you prefer that. Small spinners, dry flies, and soft hackles are all productive. Because you're hiking in, keep your kit minimal — a small sling pack with a few boxes of flies or lures, a collapsible net, and a license holder is all you need. Waders are rarely worth the weight for lake fishing here; wet wading in late summer is manageable with neoprene socks and wading shoes.
Do I need a special permit or are there any regulations I should know about?
A standard Montana fishing license covers most of these waters, but because Cooke City is right on the Yellowstone boundary, some drainages fall under special regulations that differ from the statewide defaults. The Montana FWP regulation booklet breaks this down by drainage and water body. Download the current year's booklet from the FWP website or pick one up at a local outfitter in Cooke City before heading out.
