Mudhole Lake

Mudhole Lake is a lake in Ravalli County, Montana.

Without a dependable size figure for Mudhole Lake, weeds, rock, water color, and nearby depth are the best starting clues.

Fish and Baits

Across the quiet end of a gravel shelf, the fish mix here is not confirmed, so check fresh local information before choosing a target or keeping a catch.

Near the shaded side of a weed bed, begin with one slow bottom presentation and one moving bait, then let bites show whether fish are holding close to cover or roaming open water.

How to Read the Water

Near the open side of a patch of green weeds, start where two things meet: weeds and open water, rock and mud, a point and a drop, or clear water and dirty water; fish that edge at more than one depth before leaving it.

Season by Season

Beside the shallow corner of a rocky point, in spring, start with warming banks, creek mouths, and shallow cover; summer usually pushes the better bite toward the outside weed edge or a nearby drop; fall can bring bait back to windblown points, while winter calls for smaller moves and a slower pace.

A Simple Tackle Plan

Near the shallow side of a sand-to-rock change, a medium spinning rod, 8-pound line, a small box of jigs, a few crankbaits, and a simple bottom rig cover most situations; change depth or speed before changing every piece of tackle.

Beside the gravel lip of a firm-bottom flat, record the wind, water color, depth of the best pass, and cover after a bite; those four notes are more useful on the next trip than a long list of spots that did not produce.