Fishing the Hungry Horse Reservoir
- Author Jay Bryce
- Published October 15, 2011
- Word count 509
Hungry Horse Reservoir is a 23,813 acre impoundment that was created in 1953 after the construction of Hungry Horse Dam, the upper most dam in the Columbia River Hydro-power system. Hungry Horse Reservoir is managed for flood control and power production thus draw downs are common. Prior to the dam, the South Fork Flathead River was connected to the Flathead River system.
Bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout would migrate from Flathead Lake to spawn and rear in South, Middle and North Fork tributary streams. Construction of the dam blocked upstream passage and 40% of the available spawning area for these fish. There was no consideration for fish passage in the construction of the dam. Fish from the South Fork can no longer return to Flathead Lake but use the reservoir to rear and reach maturity. Hungry Horse Reservoir and the South Fork Flathead River basin are extremely unique. The watershed is one of few watersheds in the West were exotic species such as brook, brown and rainbow trout are not common. Brook and brown trout are entirely absent while some rainbow and hybrid cutthroat populations exist in high mountain lakes that drain into western tributaries of Hungry Horse Reservoir. We are currently working with Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, & Parks to reduce these threats to native fish. We cannot over-emphasize the importance of preventing invasion of exotic species. Exotic species often out-compete, prey upon, or hybridize with native fish and are often the single most factor influencing our native fisheries.
Fishery populations are currently very strong. The South Fork Flathead is one of a handful of watersheds in Montana where bull trout populations are healthy. The reservoir receives very little angling pressure and the many hidden bays can provide you with the solitude that you cannot find on larger water bodies.
Species Present: Bull Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Mountain Whitefish
Seasons: The reservoir is open year round to fishing, however weather pretty much dictates the season to be May through November. Fishing for bull trout is closed. An angler cannot take or intentionally fish for bull trout. The westslope cutthroat trout limit is 3 fish. Experiment with your tackle choice and try different depths until you find the fish.
Access: Forest Roads #38 and #895 are your access points. Road #895 takes you along the Westside of the reservoir and passes you over the 564' Hungry Horse Dam. The first 11 miles to the Lid Creek Campground are paved. Road #38 takes you along the eastside of the reservoir and is the primary route if you intend to travel to the upper end of the reservoir near Spotted Bear. Note: there is no gas and limited services (3 guest ranches) at Spotted Bear. There are 10 boat ramps along the reservoir. Abbot Bay, on the eastside, is the longest that will get you on the water when the reservoir is down to 130'. Lost Johnny Point is the longest (73') on the west side.
Camping: Fourteen campgrounds as well as dispersed recreation sites surround the reservoir. Information can be obtained by calling the Hungry Horse District office (406) 387-3800.
Jay Bryce is a community manger at iFished.com. iFished.com has fishing and local information for over 40,000 lakes and fishing areas in the United States. Information includes current weather and forecasts, best times fishing charts, maps, local businesses, Fishing Store and more.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Tuozhen: Your Go-To Custom Hoodie Manufacturer
- What can tourists do in the Caribbean?
- The Unseen Impacts of Financial Noncompliance on Business Growth
- Top 10 Reasons to Use Business Central’s License Plating App
- Exploring BCShows: A Comprehensive B2B Industry Platform
- A Luxury African Safari Or A Caribbean Beach Holiday
- What might be able to be done for osteoarthritis in the future?
- App Development: Transforming Ideas into Reality
- Why is the study of history is critical?
- Navigating Europe with Confidence: Logistics Solutions from Barcelona and Cluj-Napoca
- Taking a Well-Deserved Break: An Introduction to London Respite Care
- Discover the Convenience of Chauffeur Services in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Fall Holiday Fashion Trends: The Kaftan and Kimono Dress Revival
- Vintage Bohemian Charm: Creating a Home Office Retreat
- Embrace the Maximalist Decor : Unleash Your Boldest Dreams
- The Impact of 3D Animation in Business: Enhancing Visual Communication and Marketing Strategies
- Check Out These 6 Tips For A Great Day Hike!
- Steady Slope Marketing: Launching Your Small Business with Google My Business and Digital Marketing
- Steady Slope Marketing: Boost Your Business with Targeted Facebook Ads
- Steady Slope Marketing: Building Strong Brands for Lasting Success
- Steady Slope Marketing: Maximizing Growth with Google Ads
- Steady Slope Marketing: Building Custom Websites that Drive Growth
- Steady Slope Marketing: Unlocking Growth with Google Local Service Ads
- Steady Slope Marketing: Scaling Your Business for Long-Term Growth
- Steady Slope Marketing: Setting Up Small Businesses for Success in the Digital Age
- Steady Slope Marketing: Elevating Local Search Authority for Small Businesses
- Send Money to India from the UK: Secure Transfers and Remittance Online
- The Power Of Happy Hour: How Bars and Restaurants Can Leverage Promotions To Drive Drink Sales
- Legal And Ethical Considerations When Attempting To Find Vehicle Owners
- The Science Of Music And Exercise: How The Right Playlist Can Boost Your Performance