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 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Nelson Reservoir
Phillips County, Montana · about 3,460 acres (5.4 sq mi)
41°F water, windy Friday (15 mph ESE).
About Nelson Reservoir
Nelson Reservoir is a lake in Phillips County, Montana, covering about 3,460 acres.
From end to end it runs about 6.4 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 22 miles. At about 2,220 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Malta is about 14 miles southwest.
- Size
- About 3,460 acres (5.4 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 22 miles
- End to end
- About 6.4 miles
- Elevation
- About 2,220 ft
- County
- Phillips County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Fair
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 7 mph
- 3:00 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 14 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 6 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 6 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, walleye, 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 41°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.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- 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
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 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 7:15 am · sunset 4:32 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Nelson Reservoir
- Maltaabout 14 mi southwest
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Questions about Nelson Reservoir
What fish are in Nelson Reservoir?
Lakes like Nelson Reservoir usually hold largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Nelson Reservoir?
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 Nelson Reservoir?
About 3,460 acres, with about 22 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Nelson Reservoir?
Malta is about 14 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Nelson Reservoir today?
The surface was about 41°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Nelson Reservoir on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
