When you think of Montana, you almost always think about the outdoors. The Treasure State is filled with boundless opportunities to recharge your batteries and connect with nature. Maybe it’s hiking through the wooded mountain trails, cutting through the snow on skis, or enjoying some quiet time fishing. If the latter is what you are after, Nelson Reservoir is the place to be!

Most people think of fly-fishing when considering wetting a line in Montana, but did you know that there are plenty of options to still water fish as well? Here, at Nelson Reservoir, there’s access to a body of water that measures 4,000 acres. And its claim to fame is the trophy walleye lurking beneath the surface. In fact, the state record walleye, a fourteen pound whopper, was pulled from these waters. Along with walleye, it’s common to hook yellow perch and northern pike too. When the snow flies and the water freezes, Nelson Reservoir transforms into a popular ice-fishing spot, with spearing, angling, and tip-ups being the most popular methods.

If you aren’t much of an angler, don’t worry. A campground is available offering several tent and trailer camping spots and basic facilities such as restrooms and running water. Spend your summers swimming, picnicking, and exploring the 288 areas that make up the recreation area. And, if you are lucky with a fishing pole, you may even reel in a dandy of a fish!