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 3 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Lake Helena
Lewis and Clark County, Montana · about 1,890 acres (3 sq mi)
36°F water, calm this morning.
About Lake Helena
Lake Helena spreads over about 1,890 acres in Lewis and Clark County, Montana.
From end to end it runs about 2.9 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 8.6 miles. At about 3,650 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Helena Valley Northeast is right by the lake. The closest city is Great Falls, about 62 miles away.
- Size
- About 1,890 acres (3 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 8.6 miles
- End to end
- About 2.9 miles
- Elevation
- About 3,650 ft
- County
- Lewis and Clark County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 3 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 2 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 7 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
Expect the usual Montana mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 36°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- SlowCrappie
Cold. Tight schools near deep brush and bridges.
- 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
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
3 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 7:27 am · sunset 4:55 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lake Helena
- Helena Valley Northeaston the shore
- Helena Valley Southeastabout 4.8 mi south
- Helena Valley Northwestabout 5.1 mi west
- Helena Valley West Centralabout 5.2 mi west
- Great Fallsnearest city, about 62 mi northeast
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Lake Helena
What fish are in Lake Helena?
Lakes like Lake Helena usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Lake Helena?
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 Lake Helena?
About 1,890 acres, with about 8.6 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lake Helena?
Helena Valley Northeast is on the shore; Helena Valley Southeast is about 4.8 miles south.
What is the water temperature at Lake Helena today?
The surface was about 36°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Lake Helena on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
