The short answerSalmon Lake is the last lake in the Clearwater chain, about 631 acres and 70 feet deep, right beside Highway 83 south of Seeley Lake. Salmon Lake State Park has the boat launch, 24 campsites (May 1 to September 30) and short trails. FWP stocks kokanee every year, and northern pike have no limit.
Salmon Lake is the last lake in the Clearwater chain before the river leaves to join the Blackfoot.1 It covers about 631 acres and reaches 70 feet at its deepest.1 Highway 83 runs along it, and Salmon Lake State Park gives you the public boat launch, a 24-site campground and short trails.4 For anglers, it is one of the chain’s kokanee lakes: FWP has stocked kokanee here every year from 2015 to 2024.1
How big and deep is Salmon Lake?
| Measure | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Surface area | About 631 acres (631.3) | FWP FishMT1 |
| Maximum depth | 70 ft | FWP FishMT1 |
| Average depth | 32 ft | FWP FishMT1 |
| Volume | 20,349 acre-feet | FWP FishMT1 |
| Surface elevation | FWP sources differ (see below) | FWP124 |
About the elevation. Three FWP sources give three figures: FishMT lists about 3,910 feet for the lake, the state park page gives 3,917 feet for the park, and FWP’s lake map shows 3,998 feet.124 We have not been able to resolve the difference. If the exact number matters to you, ask FWP.
About the distance. FWP does not state how far the park is from the town of Seeley Lake, and we have not verified a figure. Look it up from your own starting point; see getting here for drive times to the area.
Salmon Lake State Park
As of 2026, FWP lists the following for the park.4
| Item | Detail (as of 2026) |
|---|---|
| Address | 2329 Hwy 83 N |
| Park size | 42 acres |
| Boat launch | Yes; water skiing is allowed |
| Campsites | 24, plus 1 hike-bike site |
| Other facilities | Trails and an interpretive display |
| Camping fees | $4 to $34 a night, depending on season and amenities |
| Day use | $8 per nonresident vehicle; $4 walk-in or bike |
| Montana residents | No daily entrance fee if you paid the $9 state parks fee with your vehicle registration |
| Campground season | May 1 to September 30 |
| Off season | Walk-in day use only |
| Reservations | ReserveAmerica or 1-855-922-6768 |
Fees and seasons change, so check the FWP park page before you go. Phone numbers listed for the valley’s state parks conflict across sources, so use the contact details on FWP’s page.
Because the park is on the highway, its trails and interpretive display make an easy stop even if you are not camping. Day-use fees still apply to nonresident vehicles.
Inspect your boat. Montana requires aquatic invasive species inspections, and nonresidents need a Vessel AIS Prevention Pass.5 Current rules and station locations are on FWP’s AIS page.
What fish are in Salmon Lake?
FWP lists 14 species in Salmon Lake. Native species are bull trout, westslope cutthroat trout, mountain whitefish, largescale and longnose suckers, northern pikeminnow and peamouth. The rest are brown trout, kokanee, largemouth bass, northern pike, pumpkinseed, rainbow trout and yellow perch.1
Kokanee are the stocked fish here. FWP planted kokanee every year from 2015 to 2024, including 43,014 fish on May 8, 2024.1 FishMT lists no fish consumption advisory for Salmon Lake.1
2026 regulations at a glance
| Species or method | 2026 rule on Salmon Lake |
|---|---|
| Kokanee | 10 daily, 20 in possession |
| Northern pike | No limit |
| Pike spearing | Open |
| Bull trout | Closed to fishing (Western District rule) |
Lakes in FWP’s Western District are open to fishing all year.3 Regulations change annually; read the current FWP regulations before you fish.
Winter on Salmon Lake
Outside the camping season the park is open for walk-in day use only.4 Pike spearing is open on the lake under the 2026 rules, and in waters not open to spearing, ice-fishing holes are limited to 144 square inches.3
We could not find authoritative ice-in or ice-out dates for Salmon Lake, so we do not publish any. Ice conditions vary each year. Ask locally and check with FWP before you go out.
Nearby
- Seeley Lake: upstream, beside town, with the Big Larch swim beach and launch.
- Placid Lake: the valley’s other state park lake, with showers and electric sites.
- All lakes compared: size, depth, fish and access in one table.
Common questions
How far is Salmon Lake from Seeley Lake?
Is there a boat launch on Salmon Lake?
Are there northern pike in Salmon Lake?
Can I camp at Salmon Lake in October?
Property for sale around Seeley Lake
Price reduced
Price reducedSources
- FishMT: Salmon Lake (waterbody 41765), Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
- Salmon Lake bathymetric map, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
- 2026 Montana Fishing Regulations, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
- Salmon Lake State Park, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
- Aquatic Invasive Species, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Facts on this page were checked against the sources above on October 18, 2026. Spot something out of date? Send a correction.
Keep reading
Placid Lake
Placid Lake near Seeley Lake: 1,212 acres, 90 feet deep, a state park with 40 campsites and a launch, 2026 fees, fish species and the special northern pike rules.
Seeley Lake
Seeley Lake by the numbers: 1,031 acres, 125 feet deep. Where to launch and swim, boating and AIS rules, fish and 2026 regulations, loons, ice season and camping.
Getting to Seeley Lake
How to get to Seeley Lake, Montana: drive distances from Missoula, Kalispell, Helena and Great Falls, the nearest airports (MSO and FCA), routes and winter road checks.