Fish the Little Belts at Newlan Creek Reservoir

Within just a few hours of Billings, in any direction, there is a plethora of great fishing sites.  Depending on what type of fish a person wants to catch will determine which way to go.  Some great trout fishing is just a few hours north of here.

 

Near the town of White Sulphur Springs are the Little Belt Mountains.  This range is home to a wide variety of animals, and also has some fantastic streams and rivers.  One of these streams feeds into Newlan Reservoir, and can provide you with many hours of fishing fun.

 

As the weather gets warmer, the snowpack in the Little Belts will start to melt.   Newlan Creek swells over its banks, and the rainbow trout in the reservoir start to head upstream in order to spawn.  This is great news for the angler.  At this time of year the fishing in the lake is great, and the creek is fantastic.  The fish are hungry and ready to bite, so all you have to do is throw a worm into the murky waters and wait for them to hit it.  If you are sticking around through the night, a minnow can pull some big ling out of the same little creek.  The best way to fish the reservoir is to use a boat, but it is not entirely necessary to in order to fully enjoy the area.

There is a lot to do in the area, but primarily I like to go there to fish.  In fact, for those with a little competitive spirit in them, there is a Father’s Day Fishing Tournament held each year.  It might be a bit too late to get up there this year, but make plans next year if that’s your thing.  If fishing is not your thing, there is plenty more to do.  There are a couple of undeveloped campgrounds in the area that are available, first come first serve, for a small fee.  Those with a boat can enjoy some water skiing, those without can sunbathe, relax on the shore, hike the mountains, or hunt deer and elk when the season opens.

 

Getting to the reservoir is pretty easy.  Take Highway 3 heading north out of Billings, and hang a left at the “T” in Lavina.  Follow the highway until just before White Sulphur Springs, then take Highway 89 a few miles north.  The reservoir road is clearly marked on the left hand side of the highway.  Here’s a map.  I usually go up there to fish in June, but for those who want to get out and enjoy the area, it is open all year round (try fishing through the ice in the winter).   Most importantly, the outdoors is your playground, use your imagination and have fun!

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