Location: Driving from Shelby Montana 59474
Take I-15 N and Oilmont Hwy to Cameron Lake Rd, 39 min (38.1 mi) Turn right onto Cameron Lake Rd, 14 min (4.9 mi) Destination will be on the right.
Cameron Reservoir is just over 5 acres at approx 4000 feet. The last 5 miles are dirt farm road through private land. Landowners may close the gate to the fishing access when the road is very poor or when there is high fire danger according to the FWP website.
In the hazy day my boy (Travel Wizard) and I traveled to this little gem, the road was hardened from a dry summer and a bit dusty. Large cattle roamed across and near the road. A few large rocks loomed close to the edge. On each side there was a odd Butte popping up from a sea of flat farmland and a few swelling hills. There was a nice parking area and long grass with wildflowers. A big wooden sign well aged with weather and time explains the rules to fish here. (Always respect these and follow all local laws and statutes.) As we got our poles set up a sunset began to paint the sky to the west. We used red and white bobbers and a simple worm on hook set up with a sliding weight. Not even 30 minutes passed before we caught two very nice trout! There is nothing like that feeling of having a fish on the hook.
Soon it was more dark than light. My boy and I had only caught the two fish. A cow came running up a little alarmed, and my boy and I took notice. Another sound happened... something strange, like a big cat huff. That was enough for me! We moved quick towards the truck, packed out all we brought in, and drove away. It was very exciting and a strong reminder that we are in the wilds out here. Always respect nature in all her beauty...which can be dangerous. I carry a 357 with bear rounds in it for that reason, and always have Bear Spray in my truck if not on my person.
On our drive back we saw a few antelope and a family of badgers! They were big and strong and did not want to keep company with us. Always remember not to approach or feed wildlife as it may be more than you are prepared for and illegal. They deserve their peace too as we are enjoying their homes.
As the sun set the one peak nearby looked like a black volcano against the sky to my active imagination and breathless heart, still pumping after what might have been a big cat very near us. I was ready to go clean some fish and get out the lemon pepper.
On a 5 star scale I rate Cameron a solid 3. Reasons for this rating are as follows: We caught fish, getting there was moderate, location felt remote, there was a bit of danger, and it was a unique beauty. We did need lots of bug spray and we got a few bites.
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