Montana Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Southwest Region
Quake Lake formed in the 1959 earthquake, and its flooded timber holds rainbows and browns below Hebgen Dam.
Looking for the latest Quake Lake river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Quake Lake.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Quake Lake that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Quake Lake fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Cold water and quiet days.
Strip leeches near the standing timber and inlet.
Stocking report
See the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks stocking information for the latest stocking at Quake Lake and other Montana waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Quake Lake, bring: Mini Leech #8-10, Woolly Bugger #6-10, Parachute Adams #14-16, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16, Clouser Minnow #2-6.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Quake Lake lake details
| Access | Pullouts along US-287 and the Quake Lake visitor area. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 6,400 ft |
| Nearest town | West Yellowstone, Montana |
| Best season | Summer and fall |
| Fish | Rainbows and browns |
| Regulations | Check Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regulations for current rules. A Montana fishing license is required for anglers 12 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 4X tippet |
| Ice fishing | Limited ice fishing. |
| Camping | National forest campgrounds nearby |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Flooded timber eats flies. Bring extras. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Ice.
Spring
Ice-off.
Summer
Callibaetis.
Fall
Fall browns.
How to get there
From West Yellowstone, take US-287 past Hebgen Dam to Quake Lake.