Scenic Hyalite Reservoir is a 206 acre impoundment located about 12 miles south of Bozeman, Montana. A two laned paved Forest Road No. 62 ends at the dam. This road is not plowed during the winter, restricting access to 4-wheel drive vehicles and snow machines. Yellowstone cutthroat, arctic grayling, and brook trout provide many angler days throughout the year, including a very popular ice fishery.

Ice out typically occurs in May with float tubers and bank anglers fishing the receding edge of the ice and the open water around inlet streams.

Fishing at Hyalite Reservoir As water temperatures warm throughout the spring and summer use of this reservoir by boaters and canoeist steadily increases until Labor Day weekend. The bulk of the fishing activity during late spring and summer is concentrated in the morning and evening hours by local residents. Fly fishing from float tubes vertical jig fishing, and bait fishing are the most popular methods during this time period. A no wake rule is in effect for motorized craft on Hyalite Reservoir.

Ice typically begins to form on Hyalite Reservoir in late November with adequate thickness for safe ice fishing by Christmas depending on temperatures. Fishing at dusk and into the early evening with aid of lantern light is the most popular technique. Short lightweight rods with light line and a small jig or glow hook tipped with a maggot or worm is standard gear.

Fishing with two rods is allowed on Hyalite Reservoir. The daily limit is 5 trout, all arctic grayling must be released. There are also special fishing regulations on the inlet stream to Hyalite Reservoir to protect spawning cutthroat and grayling. These tributaries do not open until the 3rd Saturday in July. See Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks web site at www.fwp.state.mt.us/fishing/ for additional fishing regulation information.