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Montana · Fishing
Noxon sits in the far northwest corner of Montana where the Cabinet Mountains crowd the sky and the Clark Fork River widens into Noxon Rapids Reservoir before pushing west toward Idaho. The fishing here runs the range from moving water to still water within a short drive of town.
6 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 6 spots
Noxon sits in the far northwest corner of Montana where the Cabinet Mountains crowd the sky and the Clark Fork River widens into Noxon Rapids Reservoir before pushing west toward Idaho. The fishing here runs the range from moving water to still water within a short drive of town. The Clark Fork River area draws anglers working the current for trout and other cold-water species, while lake fishing at spots like Bad Medicine Campground and the Bull River Guard Station gives you a quieter, shore-based option. Triangle Pond and Bull River Pavilion round out the surf fishing options for those who want to cast from the bank without a boat. The area is genuinely off the beaten path compared to the Bitterroot or Blackfoot valleys, which means lighter pressure on weekdays and a more self-sufficient experience overall. Cell service is spotty in the Bull River drainage, so plan your access routes and regulations lookups before you leave town. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks sets the rules for all these waters, and license requirements apply to anyone 12 and older, so check the current FWP regulations for the Clark Fork drainage before you go.
The Clark Fork River area holds trout along with other native and introduced species common to northwest Montana river systems. The lake fishing spots — Bad Medicine Campground, Bull River Guard Station, and Big Eddy Campground — are likely to hold warm-water and cold-water species depending on depth and season. Check current FWP stocking reports and regulations for the specific water bodies, since species composition can vary significantly between the river and the reservoir arms.
Most of these locations are accessible without a boat. Triangle Pond, Bull River Pavilion, and the Clark Fork River area all offer bank fishing. The campground-based lake spots at Bad Medicine, Bull River Guard Station, and Big Eddy also have shoreline access. A boat or kayak will open up more water on the reservoir, but it is not required to have a productive day.
Bull River Pavilion
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Bull River Guard Station
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Big Hank
~35 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Kootenai River - Libby Dam Tailwater
~57 min drive
Moderate
Springy Point
~1h drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Big Eddy Campground
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Spyglass Ground House
~38 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
McGillivray Campground
~1h 6m drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Bad Medicine Campground
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Devils Elbow
~39 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Mokins Bay Campground
~1h 12m drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Spar Lake
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Late spring through early fall is the most productive window for most of these waters. The Clark Fork can run high and off-color during peak snowmelt in May and early June, so river fishing often improves once flows stabilize, typically by late June. Lake fishing at the campground spots tends to be good earlier in the season when water temperatures are still cool. Fall brings cooler air and less boat traffic on the reservoir, which can make for solid fishing through October.
For the Clark Fork River area, a medium-action spinning rod or a 5- to 6-weight fly rod covers most situations. Bring waders if you plan to work the river, since the best holding water often requires getting in. For the lake and pond spots, a basic spinning setup with a range of jigs, spinners, and bait rigs will handle most species you are likely to encounter. Pack more terminal tackle than you think you need since there is no dedicated tackle shop in Noxon itself.
Yes, several of them are well-suited to beginners. Triangle Pond and the campground-based lake spots at Bad Medicine and Big Eddy offer calm water and easy bank access, which makes them practical for kids and new anglers. The Clark Fork River area requires more experience, particularly if you plan to wade, since river currents and footing can be unpredictable. The campgrounds also give families a base to stay overnight and fish multiple sessions.
