Shoemaker is a reservoir in Montana, near Custer County.
Stocking records show that the following fish or strains were stocked here. A historical stocking does not by itself prove that a self-sustaining population remains today.
Shoemaker is a reservoir in Custer County, Montana.
Without a dependable size figure for Shoemaker, weeds, rock, water color, and nearby depth are the best starting clues.
Along the calm side of a deep bend, the fish mix here is not confirmed, so check fresh local information before choosing a target or keeping a catch.
Along the channel lip 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.
Around the deep corner of a quiet pocket, make one shallow pass and one deeper pass on the same shoreline; that shows whether fish are tight to cover or using the first break.
Near the gravel lip of a deep bend, spring runoff can add color and pull fish toward fresh water; green weeds and the first drop become stronger summer targets; in fall, follow bait toward points and shallow flats, while winter rewards a slower search.
Around the deep side of the old channel, 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.
Near the sunny side of a patch of green weeds, record the wind, water color, depth near the strongest cover, 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.
Explore nearby waters, including local Featured destinations. Check each page for access and fishing restrictions.
Distances are straight-line estimates between mapped water locations.