Freezout Lake
Lake between Fairfield and Choteau, Montana
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Freezout Lake is a wildlife management area located in the U.S. state of Montana in Teton County in-between Fairfield and Choteau, Montana.[1] Both the lake and the Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area are managed by Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The lake is known for its waterfowl production and management, as well as its opportunities for hunting and birdwatching.[2]
| Freezout Lake | |
|---|---|
Waterfowl on the lake | |
 A PDF of Freezout Lake and surrounding areas | |
| Location | Between Fairfield and Choteau, Montana |
| Coordinates | 47.661°N 112.053°W |
| Type | Lake |
| Etymology | See History Section |
| Primary inflows | Irrigation Ditches and Natural Sources |
| Managing agency | Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks |
| Surface elevation | 3,795 ft (1,157 m) |
| References | https://myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/landsMgmt/siteDetail.action?lmsId=39753634 |
| Location | |
 Interactive map of Freezout Lake | |
History
No one exactly knows the namesake for the lake, but many possible namesakes have been noted by Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks. One namesake was from when soldiers at Fort Shaw were caught in a blizzard, and because of the incident, the area became known as the "Freezout Flat." Another possible namesake could be what the locals called the unsuccessful attempt to make it on the flat, a "Freezout". Lastly, a stage station established in 1885 known as, "Camp Freezout" or "Freezout Way Station" could have also been a possible namesake.[3][full citation needed]
Before the lake was acquired it had been a natural sump and basin. It was often noted that the lake would go dry. However, when the Greenfield Irrigation District was formed, the water levels increased due to the irrigation water in addition to natural sources. During this time, it was noted that nearby railroad tracks and roads would flood.[4] Thereafter the formation of the area, the lake was bought in 1953 by Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks and formed into the Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area. In addition to the lake, surrounding ponds and Priest Butte Lake were added later on to the area.[5]
Geography
Freezout Lake setup
The lake's water levels are consistent from irrigation ditches and natural sources that feed the lake. In addition to helping waterfowl by keeping water levels steady, islands were made to assist waterfowl in making nesting and roosting sites.[4]
Species
Freezout Lake contains a variety of fish, waterfowl, and mammal species.
The most common waterfowl species at Freezout Lake include mallard, gadwalll, northern shoveler, teal species, northerrn pintail, American wigeon, Canada Goose and American coot.[4]
Nine fish species have been reported as being found in Freezout Lake by Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks. Those include the Brassy Minnow, Brook Stickleback, Common Carp, Fathead Minnow, Lake Chub, Longnose Dace, Rainbow Trout, White Sucker, and Yellow Perch. Many mammals have been reported and are allowed to be hunted in the area by licensed trappers. Those include muskratts, mink, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and skunks.[4]
Climate concerns
Due to low snowpack from 2025-present, the lake's water level has been abnormally low. Consequently, migratory waterfowl are moving on more quickly, causing below-average numbers of birds.[6]
Special events
Wild Wings- Every March during Spring Migration.[7]