Continued from Waters We Fish

Burns Lake

Located near Big Timber, this 25 acre lake lies below the beautiful backdrop of the Crazy Mountains.  Fish cruise around the edges looking for damsel nymphs, Callibaetis, beetles, scuds, and crayfish.  Big fish can be caught from land, (especially along the deep dam edge), but the most effective way to fish is from a float tube or boat. There are a couple cattail bays where big rainbows, cutthroat and Brookies patrol the reed lines.  There are a few natural browns in the Lake that would probably weight in around 8 pounds, but they almost never get caught.  These guys probably snack on crayfish at night and hang around the underwater logs during the day. 

I once read a bumper sticker that said, a day spent fishing doesn't count against ones life. Certainly a day at Burn's Lake, (outside of Big Timber) supports this way of thinking. Our day was nothing short of an epic fishing experience, with big Brookies, rainbows, and cutthroat trout. This wonderful and well needed buzz was just what the doctor ordered - when we finally pulled the boat out of the lake, I definitely had the feeling that the anglers had won. I smiled as James flipped over the tie down, "No sir... not a good day to be a trout!"

When we arrived the sun was out and the lake was glass. We saw a rise or two in the distance as we were gearing up. I noticed right away that the water clarity had a bit of a green tint to it - perfect for streamers. For my 7 weight nymph rod, I rigged a white zonker followed by a damsel nymph, about 10 feet under my indicator. The zonker got crushed by a brook trout on the far side, but all of our nymphs were getting slower action. Once things heat up a little more, the damsels and callibaetis will be going strong but for us, streamers were doing the best. Which ones? Anything with a hook. Butch discovered the flies without hooks were the only ones not working as well. By the end of the day we were all fishing the same fly, betting full swigs of PBR for the next pig in the net.

We had two doubles that day and at one point even had on a triple, (hey it's hard to man the oars and fish at the same time). If that wasn't slam dunk action, I don't know what is. It got to the point where you could even call your shot like Babe Ruth, "Man, wouldn't that be cool to catch one right next to the boat here?" WHAM - nice Brookie! "Oh... we're going to get one here boys..." WHAM! Hello senior Hook Jaw! All the fish were in great shape, and while we never taped anything, I don't think we caught a fish under 16'. As the weather rolled in, the fishing was slow at moments, but fast and furious the next. I caught one fish while taking a photo of the mountains, and another at lunch while I was eating a pickle barrel sandwich. I remember that one clearly. The fellahs alarmed me with a "Whoa, whoa, whoa!" as my rod tip was bending over the boat. I tossed my half eaten Bobcat on the rower's seat and grabbed my rod with two hands, giving it a major league yank. "Oh yeah! Now that's the way fishing aught to be! You boys need another PBR?"

          Gia Holiway with a nice brookie...   photo: D. Holiway

Truth is Burn's is a bit pricey, ($100 per rod), but you get what you pay for. If you're looking for a great day of fishing, I would highly recommend booking a day on Burns. Although it's a pay to play place, you'll definitely get your money's worth of big fish, exciting hits, and great scenery. Let's face it, life gets busy and unfortunately our days off aren't always spent on the water fishing to hogs. It's great to work hard, but it is also important to treat yourself every now and then. Give Mr. Burn's a call and he'll set you up. 406 - 220 - 6090. If you've never been to Burn's and are thinking it might be good to get a guide, now is the perfect time to go!

If the weather gets brutal, guests can also enjoy a new fisherman's hut next to the lake, equipped with a gas grille for your BBQ lunch!  Whether you're waiting out the storm or just cooking some burgers, the hut will keep you protected from mother nature.  An Outhouse is also available if needed.

Float tube rentals are available here at the Yellowstone Angler, or get a guide and learn how to fish Burn's with great effectiveness.  The rod fee on Burns is $90, and you can book rods through the shop or by calling Rasch Burns at 406-932-4150 or 406-932-4518, or 406-220-6090.