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
Placid Lake
Missoula County, Montana · about 1,200 acres (1.9 sq mi)
36°F water, calm this morning.
About Placid Lake
Placid Lake is a lake in Missoula County, Montana, covering about 1,200 acres.
It stretches about 2 miles end to end with roughly 6.3 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 4,120 ft above sea level. Seeley Lake is about 3.6 miles northeast. The closest city is Missoula, about 27 miles away.
- Size
- About 1,200 acres (1.9 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 6.3 miles
- End to end
- About 2 miles
- Elevation
- About 4,120 ft
- County
- Missoula County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 1 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 2 mph
Saturday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 1 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 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 36°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.
- 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 7:35 am · sunset 5:00 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Placid Lake
- Seeley Lakeabout 3.6 mi northeast
- Bonner-West Riversideabout 23 mi southwest
- Clintonabout 25 mi south
- East Missoulaabout 25 mi southwest
- Missoulanearest city, about 27 mi southwest
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Questions about Placid Lake
What fish are in Placid Lake?
Lakes like Placid 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 Placid 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 Placid Lake?
About 1,200 acres, with about 6.3 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Placid Lake?
Seeley Lake is about 3.6 miles northeast; Bonner-West Riverside is about 23 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Placid Lake today?
The surface was about 36°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Placid Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
