Lake Sherburne Montana Fishing, Camping, Boating

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Lake Sherburne

Just inside the entrance to Many Glacier sits Lake Sherburne, a large and tranquil reservoir offering lake activities, featuring plentiful wildlife, a nearby campground and access to numerous hiking trails.

  • Lake Sherburne offers visitors a peaceful lake experience including boating, fishing, unparalleled  scenery and nearby amenities and hiking trails.
  • Located in the eastern side of the park, just inside the Many Glacier entrance.
  • Wet a fishing line, paddle a canoe, take a day hike, or simply relax lakeside while watching for wildlife.

Overview

Located in Glacier Park’s east side, Lake Sherburne is a manmade resevoir, named after the settler, Joseph Sherburne. At 6 miles in length, you’ll have plenty of shoreline to explore, and plenty of serene water for boating and fishing. As part of a wildlife corridor, chances are favorable for spotting moose, bears, swans and more.

Location/Directions

Lake Sherburne lies inside the entrance to Many Glacier. From Babb, MT (Highway 89), travel roughly 7 miles west on Many Glacier Road.

Season

Contingent upon Many Glacier road access, the ideal time to visit Lake Sherburne is in summer, when boating, fishing, hiking and sight-seeing are at their peak. In early autumn, enjoy Lake Sherburne’s surrounding aspens in vibrant color.

Activities

Camping: Many Glacier Campground is located just down the road from Lake Sherburne’s eastern-most shore.

  • Open Late May – Mid September (peak), Mid-September – Late October (primitive) 
  • $20/night (summer), $10/night (primitive)
  • 110 sites
  • Flush toilets/running water

Boating: A popular Lake Sherburne activity, familiarize yourself with the rules of the waterway before navigating this placid lake.

  • Motorboats welcome HOWEVER NO BOAT LAUNCH.
  • Ideal for canoes/kayaks.

Fishing: Experience the challenge of landing a brook trout or northern pike.

  • Hand-held rods only.
  • Artificial bait only.
  • Nymphs, lures mimicking larvae, or dry flies mimicking local hatches recommended.
  • Keep limits: 5 brook trout/day, 5 northern pike/day.

Hiking: Bask in glorious mountain scenery on one of many hiking trails close to Lake Sherburne, including access to Grinnell Glacier, Lake Josephine, and much more.

  • Cracker Lake: Hike to the lovely turquoise waters of this mountain lake.
  • Distance: Roughly 5 miles, one-way. (6.1 miles from Many Glacier Hotel.)
  • Ascent: 1400 ft

Wildlife: Due to the lake’s surrounding wetlands, several species of wildlife use this area as a thoroughfare.

Commonly spotted are:

  • Moose
  • Bears (Be bear aware!)
  • Big Horn Sheep
  • Trumpeter Swans

Additional Information

Overnight accommodations/shopping/dining also available nearby.