Fill your vacation with extraordinary images of Mother Nature at its finest. A Yellowstone vacation with visits to nearby Hebgen Lake will make sure of that. Whether you’re looking for a spot to indulge in a wide variety of water sports, fish to your heart’s content, or just to let your hair down, breathe in the fresh mountain air and escape from the hurly burly of the city life, Hebgen Lake in Montana and Yellowstone National Park will hit the spot.
All About Hebgen Lake
Beautiful Hebgen Lake is a man-made lake that sprang up due to the Hebgen Dam. It is about 4 miles in width and 15 miles in length, with some 400 million cubic meters of water. It is located in Gallatin County in Montana and has gained the reputation of being one of the best fishing spots in Montana.
One of Hebgen Lake’s claims to fame is the magnitude 7.5 earthquake that occurred in 1959, which is considered one of the largest earthquakes to hit the lower 48 states. The quake caused the formation of Quake Lake (found downstream of Hebgen Lake) due to the avalanche of trees, soil and rock that blocked the flow of Madison River.
Hebgen Lake is set on the gorgeous backdrop of mountains and forests and is popular for a wide variety of recreational options such as fishing, hiking, camping and boating during summers and ice-fishing and snowmobiling in winters. As a popular vacation spot, there are marinas at Hebgen Lake, as well as campground, RV parks and restaurants.
A Fisherman’s Dream Destination
Hebgen Lake did not earn the distinction of being North America’s best dry fly fishing lake and Stillwater fishing lake for nothing. Indeed, its heavily populated with cutthroat, brown and rainbow trout make fishing at Hebgen Lake something to look forward to.
There is high insect activity in the lake, which in turn encourage trout and other fish to rise to the surface to feed. You will have plenty of opportunities to catch big trout – plenty of them. The average rainbow trout is at 14 to 16 inches, while brown trout run between 16 to 18 inches. And you can do your fishing amidst the awesome backdrop of the mountains!
The joys of “landing the big one” and being able to show it off to friends and loved ones are the lake’s main attraction for anglers. For beginners, there are fishing guides located in the area.
Other Water Sports
For boating at Hebgen Lake, water sports enthusiasts can get aboard a canoe, pontoon boat, inflatable kayak or motorboat. Some float tubing can be done, although the wind and the lake’s sheer size may make it difficult. You can also try some waterskiing. There are plenty of boats for rent at the Hebgen Lakeside. You can also take a relaxing dip at any of the swimming beaches that abound along the lakeshore.
Nature Adventures
Nature lovers will also have a jolly good time. You can take a nature trek to get the opportunity to look at wildlife up close and personal. Have your fill of cranes, mallards, ospreys, the majestic golden eagles, herons and western grebes. You can also see deer, moose and bison that frequently graze in the area. If you’re lucky, you can even spot a grizzly bear, a black bear or wolf. You can also take biking trips around the lake area.
Nearby Yellowstone
Hebgen Lake is only about 10 miles away from famed Yellowstone National Park. This is the oldest national park in the world and is a must-see, particularly for those who love nature and adventure. Be among the millions that flock this amazing natural wonder. Yellowstone is best known for its geothermal features (mud pots, geysers such as the famous Old Faithful and hot springs) as well as for awesome canyons, rivers, lakes and mountain ranges.
Cabins at Hebgen Lake
Make your Yellowstone/Hebgen Lake vacation all the more enjoyable by camping at Hebgen Lake or staying in a log cabin. Hebgen Lake cabin rentals are available at Yellowstone Holiday. Yellowstone Holiday has 24 cozy cabins that boast of postcard perfect views, while offering the comforts of a warm and comfortable bed. Hebgen Lake lodging is practical, highly affordable and also enjoyable. Feel free to contact Yellowstone Holiday for reservations – our friendly staff will be glad to help you.