Salmon Lake State Park
Montana’s Clearwater Chain-of-Lakes — Multi-Species Trout Fishing, Water Sports & Seeley-Swan Valley Camping
Salmon Lake State Park is a camping and water recreation park on the shore of Salmon Lake — part of the scenic Clearwater River Chain-of-Lakes — located approximately 5 miles south of Seeley Lake and 32 miles northeast of Missoula along Montana Highway 83 in the Seeley-Swan Valley. The park provides 23 campsites with electrical hookups, a boat launch, a swimming beach, and exceptional multi-species trout fishing in one of western Montana’s most beautiful valley corridors.
Salmon Lake’s connection to the Clearwater River chain gives it a remarkable diversity of fish species — rainbow, cutthroat, brown, brook, and bull trout share the water with largemouth bass, kokanee salmon, mountain whitefish, yellow perch, and northern pike. The Seeley-Swan Valley setting — flanked by the Mission Mountains to the west and the Swan Range to the east — creates a landscape corridor of exceptional beauty, with loons, bald eagles, and osprey as regular companions on the water.
Things to Do
Fishing
One of the most species-diverse trout lakes in Montana:
- Trout: Rainbow, cutthroat, brown, brook, and bull trout
- Other species: Largemouth bass, kokanee salmon, mountain whitefish, yellow perch, and northern pike
- Style: Fly fishing, spin casting, trolling
- Montana fishing license required
Boating & Water Sports
- Boat launch: Public ramp for easy lake access
- Water sports: Motorboating, water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing
- Part of the Clearwater Chain-of-Lakes — connected waterways for extended exploration
Swimming
A designated swimming beach on the lake — clear mountain water in a stunning valley setting. Cold but refreshing, especially on a warm Montana summer day.
Wildlife Viewing
The Seeley-Swan Valley is one of Montana’s premier wildlife corridors:
- Birds: Common loons, bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons frequent the lake
- Mammals: Deer, moose, black bear, and occasional grizzly in the surrounding forest
Camping
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sites | 23 (tent and RV; max RV length ~25 ft) |
| Hookups | Electrical available at many sites |
| Facilities | Flush & vault toilets; showers; drinking water; firewood for sale |
| Special | Hike-bike campsite; ADA-accessible facilities; amphitheater |
Note: No RV dump station at the park — nearest dump station is 7 miles south at Clearwater Junction.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Swimming; water sports; all fish species active; loon chicks; osprey nesting; longest days | Busy weekends; reserve early; bears active; afternoon thunderstorms |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | ⭐ Kokanee spawning colors; western larch gold; quiet camping; excellent trout fishing | Cold nights; water sports ending; facilities reducing |
| Spring (May–Jun) | Snowmelt filling lake; spring birding; wildflowers; quiet; trout active | Cold water; some facilities not yet open; variable weather |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Ice fishing; extreme solitude; snow-covered mountains | Campground closed; access may be limited; extreme cold |
Visitor Tips
- Chain-of-Lakes: Salmon Lake is part of the Clearwater River Chain-of-Lakes — a connected system of lakes and rivers in the Seeley-Swan Valley. You can paddle or boat between connected waterways for extended exploration.
- Loon watching: Common loons nest on the lake — their haunting calls are one of the iconic sounds of the Montana backcountry. Maintain distance from nesting loons and observe from your boat or kayak.
- No dump station: The park has no RV dump station. The nearest is at Clearwater Junction, 7 miles south. Plan your RV waste management accordingly.
- Seeley Lake town: The town of Seeley Lake (5 miles north) provides restaurants, gas, groceries, and outfitter services — a convenient supply point for your stay.
- Missoula access: At 32 miles northeast of Missoula, Salmon Lake is an easy day trip from Montana’s university city. Highway 83 through the Seeley-Swan Valley is one of Montana’s most scenic drives.
- Bear country: The Seeley-Swan Valley is active grizzly and black bear habitat. Store food properly, use bear-resistant containers, and carry bear spray on any hikes in the surrounding forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Salmon Lake Montana?
Salmon Lake supports an unusually diverse fishery as part of Montana’s Clearwater Chain-of-Lakes. Species include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout, brook trout, bull trout, largemouth bass, kokanee salmon, mountain whitefish, yellow perch, and northern pike. The variety of trout species alone makes this one of the most species-diverse lakes accessible from a Montana state park. A valid Montana fishing license is required.
Can you water ski on Salmon Lake?
Yes — Salmon Lake allows motorboating, water skiing, and wakeboarding. The park has a public boat launch for easy access. The lake is also popular for kayaking, canoeing, and sailing. As part of the Clearwater River Chain-of-Lakes, you can explore connected waterways beyond the lake itself. The park’s campground (23 sites with electrical hookups) makes it convenient for multi-day water sports trips.
Last updated: April 2026
