Burns Lake

Burns Lake is a 30-acre spring-fed reservoir on the Burns Ranch, just seven miles from Big Timber, Montana. Nestled in the foothills with wide-open vistas of the valley and the Crazy Mountains, it offers a stillwater experience unlike anything else in the region — private access, trophy-class fish, and the kind of quiet that only comes from having the water to yourself.

The lake's strong spring-water component keeps temperatures cool through summer and supports robust insect populations that drive consistent surface activity well into July. Rainbows, Browns, and Brook Trout all thrive here, with many specimens stretching over 20 inches and the largest rainbows reaching 32 inches. These fish are exceptionally strong — the combination of cold, nutrient-rich water and abundant forage produces trout that fight well above their weight.

Burns Lake is a key part of the Spring Creek Lodge experience. It provides variety when paired with our nearby river options and serves as a reliable alternative when high water conditions make rivers unfishable. For anglers who appreciate sight-fishing to cruising trout on flat water, Burns Lake is a standout destination.

Species & What to Expect

Rainbow Trout are the lake's marquee species, with fish commonly exceeding 20 inches and trophy specimens over 30 inches taken each season. Brown Trout hold along structure and deeper edges, feeding aggressively during low-light hours. Brook Trout round out the fishery, often found in the shallower, spring-influenced areas of the lake.

Fishing is entirely catch-and-release, primarily from float tubes, pontoon boats, or along the shoreline. The stillwater setting rewards patience, observation, and precise presentations — watching a 24-inch rainbow tilt up to sip a callibaetis dry off the surface is the kind of moment that stays with you.

Why Burns Lake From Spring Creek Lodge

Spring Creek Lodge sits close to Burns Lake, making it a natural addition to any multi-day package. Our guides know the lake intimately — where fish stage during different conditions, which bays produce during morning callibaetis hatches, and when to switch from dries to slow-stripped leeches along the drop-offs. It pairs beautifully with our private spring creek and Boulder River days for a complete mix of technical stillwater, spring creek, and freestone fishing.