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 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Holter Lake
Lewis and Clark County, Montana · 4,550 acres (7.1 sq mi)
45°F water, calm this morning.
About Holter Lake
Holter Lake spreads over 4,550 acres in Lewis and Clark County, Montana. Holter Dam holds it back on the Missouri River. Upper Holter Lake is the upstream arm of Holter Lake, a Missouri River reservoir formed by Holter Dam.
It stretches about 15.7 miles end to end with roughly 56 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 3,580 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 120 ft. Helena Valley Northeast lies about 5.4 miles to the south. The closest city is Great Falls, about 48 miles away.
- Size
- 4,550 acres (7.1 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 120 ft
- Shoreline
- About 56 miles
- End to end
- About 15.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 3,580 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Holter Dam, Missouri River
- County
- Lewis and Clark County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 9 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 12 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 8 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 8 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Holter Lake
Anglers come to Holter Lake for trout, walleye, yellow perch and northern pike. With the surface at 45°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
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
5 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 7:28 am · sunset 4:55 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Holter Lake
- Helena Valley Northeastabout 5.4 mi south
- Helena Valley Northwestabout 7.9 mi southwest
- Helena Valley Southeastabout 10 mi south
- Helena Valley West Centralabout 11 mi southwest
- Great Fallsnearest city, about 48 mi northeast
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Questions about Holter Lake
What fish are in Holter Lake?
Holter Lake holds trout, walleye, yellow perch and northern pike. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Holter Lake?
About 120 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Holter Lake?
4,550 acres, with about 56 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Holter Lake?
Helena Valley Northeast is about 5.4 miles south; Helena Valley Northwest is about 7.9 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Holter Lake today?
The surface was about 45°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Holter Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
