7 Lakes In Montana That Completely Freeze Over in the Winter

In the state of Montana, you don’t have to look very far to find a lake. There are some 3,223 named lakes and reservoirs dotting its landscape. Come winter, some of these lakes freeze solid and transform into a spectacular, dazzling landscape. If you ever set foot on one of these beautiful frozen waterscapes, you will quickly realize that few things on Earth are as magnificent and pristine as the view of this frozen landscape that graces Montana every winter. Beyond their visual allure, some of these frozen lakes provide great opportunities for ice fishing and ice skating too. So, if you’re eager to experience more than just Montana’s ‘big sky’, explore these stunning lakes in Montana that completely freeze over in the winter.

1. Fort Peck Lake

The enormous Fort Peck Lake is a man-made reservoir with an expansive shoreline that stretches for approximately 1500 miles. Located south of Glasgow and accessible via US Highway 2, it is formed by the waters of the Missouri River. It is the largest water body in the state of Montana and the lake plunges to depths of more than 200 feet. In the winter, this lake in Montana completely freezes into a gorgeous icy display. The longest there was ice on Fort Peck Lake was 144 days between November 29, 1955, to April 21, 1956. There have been only two years when the lake never fully froze, the winter of 1986-87 and 1991-92. During these two years, there was a strong El Niño event, when the equatorial region in the Pacific Ocean experienced warmer-than-normal temperatures, shifting the jet stream farther north and bringing warming weather conditions around the lake.

The lake is a popular spot for ice fishing in Montana. Brimming with over 50 different types of fish species, the Fort Peck Lake is also a place of incredible biodiversity.

2. Saint Mary Lake

Set against a panoramic backdrop of beautiful, jagged peaks, forested hillsides, and rolling prairie, the frozen-over Saint Mary Lake is renowned for its breathtaking views. Located in the Glacier National Park, the lake is 10 miles long and covers 272.5 acres. The lake solidifies to a depth of four feet or more in the winter and transforms into a paradise for water skiing and ice fishing.

3. Lake McDonald

Encircled by towering mountains and dense forests, lake McDonald which is nestled within a glacially carved valley makes for a stunning and picturesque destination in the winter. The lake is the largest in Montana’s Glacier National Park. It is ten miles long and nearly 500 feet deep. Ice conditions on the lake tend to vary from year to year though. While some years the lake is only partially frozen, more recently freezing temperatures have contributed to an increase of ice on the lake. The last time the majority of Lake McDonald was frozen was in the year 2007. It is important to note that while the lake may freeze to some extent, the ice conditions may not always be stable or thick enough to support recreational activities.

4. Georgetown Lake

Georgetown Lake, located in Southwestern Montana, near the town of Philipsburg, is another lake in Montana that completely freezes over. It covers an area of 2818.1 acres and is a shallow lake at an elevation of approximately 6,400 feet above sea level. In winter, the deep blue waters of this Montana lake are completely iced over. The views are extraordinary! The ice cover on the lake doesn’t usually thaw until about May, making it a sought-after place for winter recreation. Notably, Georgetown Lake is rated one of Montana’s best lakes for ice fishing.

5. Hebgen Lake

Hebgen Lake, located near the Yellowstone National Park in Southwestern Montana is a man-made reservoir. It was created by an earth-filled dam called the Hebgen Dam on the Madison River. The lake is about 15 miles long and four miles wide. Lake Hebgen is hugely popular for ice fishing in the winter and also provides great opportunities for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and viewing wildlife. The lake usually freezes by December and starts thawing around late March.

6. Whitefish Lake

Nestled at the edge of the city of Whitefish in Montana, the Whitefish Lake is quite a stunning sight to behold in the winter. The lake is about seven miles long, 222 feet deep, and 2.5 miles wide. Recognized as the ‘recreation capital of Montana,’ Whitefish Lake provides abundant opportunities for recreational pursuits such as swimming, kayaking, fishing, and canoeing. Ice fishing is a favorite activity here in the winter, with the lake’s winter ice layer often reaching thicknesses of 6 to 12 inches.

7. Canyon Ferry Lake

The Canyon Ferry Lake is a man-made reservoir on the Missouri River. Spanning 28 miles in length, the lake surrounded by quiet pine trees and majestic mountain peaks exudes so much natural beauty. The Canyon Ferry Lake typically turns into an ice-covered landscape by the month of December. The lake experiences an extended period of black ice due to the low precipitation levels in the area. Winter activities on the Canyon Ferry include ice sailing and ice fishing.