The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Big Lake
Chouteau County, Montana · about 980 acres (1.5 sq mi)
47°F water, calm this morning.
About Big Lake
Big Lake spreads over about 980 acres in Chouteau County, Montana.
From end to end it runs about 1.8 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 5.8 miles. At about 3,150 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. The nearest town, Fort Benton, is about 17 miles northwest. Great Falls, the nearest city, is about 42 miles west.
- Size
- About 980 acres (1.5 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 5.8 miles
- End to end
- About 1.8 miles
- Elevation
- About 3,150 ft
- County
- Chouteau County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 1 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 3 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 3 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 9 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
For a lake of this size in Montana, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 47°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
- SlowCatfish
Cold. Slow, in the deepest holes. Cut bait works best.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
4 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:24 am · sunset 4:46 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Big Lake
- Fort Bentonabout 17 mi northwest
- Great Fallsnearest city, about 42 mi west
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Questions about Big Lake
What fish are in Big Lake?
Lakes like Big Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Big Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Big Lake?
About 980 acres, with about 5.8 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Big Lake?
Fort Benton is about 17 miles northwest.
What is the water temperature at Big Lake today?
The surface was about 47°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Big Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
