The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Lake Frances
Pondera County, Montana · 5,250 acres (8.2 sq mi)
35°F water, calm this morning.
About Lake Frances
Lake Frances spreads over 5,250 acres in Pondera County, Montana. Lake Frances is an irrigation reservoir near Valier in Pondera County, Montana.
From end to end it runs about 4.5 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 13.5 miles. At about 3,810 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. The deepest water is about 43 ft. The nearest town, Conrad, is about 14 miles southeast. Great Falls, the nearest city, is about 67 miles southeast.
- Size
- 5,250 acres (8.2 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 43 ft
- Shoreline
- About 13.5 miles
- End to end
- About 4.5 miles
- Elevation
- About 3,810 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- County
- Pondera County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 2 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 7 mph
Saturday Fair
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 3 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 16 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Lake Frances
Lake Frances holds northern pike, trout, walleye and yellow perch. At 35°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairNorthern pike
Cold. Slow baits near weed edges and drop-offs.
- FairTrout
Cold. Slow and near the surface on sunny days.
- FairWalleye
Cold. Slow jigs on deep structure.
- FairYellow perch
Cold. Deep schools; small jigs or minnows.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 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 7:33 am · sunset 4:52 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lake Frances
- Conradabout 14 mi southeast
- Cut Bankabout 22 mi north
- Shelbyabout 23 mi northeast
- Great Fallsnearest city, about 67 mi southeast
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Lake Frances
What fish are in Lake Frances?
Lake Frances holds northern pike, trout, walleye and yellow perch. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Lake Frances?
About 43 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Lake Frances?
5,250 acres, with about 13.5 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lake Frances?
Conrad is about 14 miles southeast; Cut Bank is about 22 miles north.
What is the water temperature at Lake Frances today?
The surface was about 35°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Lake Frances on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
