Hebgen Lake &
Quake Lake
The Water: Hebgen Lake is a reservoir on the Madison River created by Hebgen Dam, which was built in 1914. Quake Lake was created by a 7.5 earthquake that caused an 80-million-ton landslide, damming the Madison River. The 1959 earthquake took the lives of 28 people and is the largest earthquake ever recorded in Montana. Earthquake Lake Visitor Center is worth a stop if you have the time in the summer months.
Hebgen and Quake Lake are more challenging fishing but provide anglers with a chance of catching a giant one. Ice fishing is also popular on both lakes, but the best time is freeze-out in the spring.
Hebgen Lake namesake: Max Hebgen, a father in the field of electric development.
Earthquake “Quake” Lake namesake: The 1959 earthquake, which formed the lake.
Claim to Fame: Its origin story, and incredible clear waters that make fishing unique and challenging.
