The short answerLake Inez is a 288-acre glacial lake about 9 miles north of Seeley Lake on Highway 83. The Forest Service's Lake Inez Campground on the east shore has a boat launch, 5 first-come sites at $10 a night and a reservable group site, with no drinking water. It is open year-round.
Lake Inez is a glacial lake between the Swan and Mission ranges, about 9 miles north of Seeley Lake on Highway 83.4 At about 288 acres and 69 feet deep, it has a small, no-frills Forest Service campground and boat launch on its east shore.14 Expect simple first-come sites by the water and plan to bring your own drinking water.
How big and deep is Lake Inez?
| Measure | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Surface area | About 288 acres (288.1) | FWP FishMT1 |
| Maximum depth | 69 ft | FWP FishMT1 |
| Average depth | 35 ft | FWP FishMT1 |
| Surface elevation | About 4,066 ft | FWP FishMT1 |
FWP’s lake map for Inez also marks a fish barrier.2 It is worth a look before you head out if you want to understand the lake’s layout and depth contours.
Lake Inez Campground
The Forest Service runs a small campground on the east shore. As of 2026:4
| Item | Detail (as of 2026) |
|---|---|
| Individual sites | 5, first-come, $10 a night |
| Group site | 1, up to 15 people, $50, reservable |
| Boat launch | Yes |
| Toilets | Vault toilet |
| Drinking water | None |
| Season | Open year-round |
The lack of potable water is the main thing to plan for. Bring enough for drinking, cooking and dishes. Fees and status can change, so confirm with the Seeley Lake Ranger District at 406-677-2233 (weekdays 8:00 to 4:30) before you count on a site.7
This is bear country. Read our wildlife and bear safety page for the food storage rules that apply on the Lolo National Forest.
Before you launch. Montana requires aquatic invasive species inspections, and nonresidents need a Vessel AIS Prevention Pass.6
What fish are in Lake Inez?
FWP’s FishMT list for Lake Inez includes native bull trout, westslope cutthroat trout, mountain whitefish, largescale and longnose suckers and northern pikeminnow. The other species listed are brook trout, brown trout, kokanee, northern pike, pumpkinseed, rainbow trout and yellow perch.1
FWP stocks westslope cutthroat trout here every year. The 2026 plant was 8,060 fish on June 12, continuing an annual run of cutthroat stocking that dates to 2020. FWP also planted 9,000 kokanee in May 2024.1 No fish consumption advisory is listed for Lake Inez.1
2026 regulations at a glance
| Species or method | 2026 rule on Lake Inez |
|---|---|
| Kokanee | 10 daily, 20 in possession |
| Northern pike | No limit |
| Pike spearing | Open |
| Bull trout | Closed to fishing (Western District rule) |
Rules change every year. Read the current FWP regulations before fishing.3
Winter at Lake Inez
The campground is listed as open year-round.4 Pike spearing is open under the 2026 rules.3 We have not found authoritative ice-in or ice-out dates for Lake Inez, and ice conditions change every year. Ask locally and check with FWP or the ranger district before you go out on the ice.
Property and zoning
Missoula County lists a citizen-initiated zoning district for Lake Inez (district #26).5 If you are considering land near the lake, read the district’s rules on the county’s page first. Our buying land guide covers the rest of the due diligence.
Nearby
- Lake Alva and Rainy Lake: the next lakes north up the chain.
- Clearwater Canoe Trail: paddle the Clearwater River into Seeley Lake.
- All lakes compared.
Common questions
Where is Lake Inez?
Can you reserve a campsite at Lake Inez?
Is there drinking water at Lake Inez Campground?
Are there northern pike in Lake Inez?
Property for sale around Seeley Lake
Price reduced
Price reducedSources
- FishMT: Lake Inez (waterbody 41727), Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
- Lake Inez bathymetric map, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
- 2026 Montana Fishing Regulations, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
- Lake Inez Campground, USDA Forest Service, Lolo National Forest
- Citizen-Initiated Zoning Districts, Missoula County
- Aquatic Invasive Species, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
- Lolo National Forest offices, USDA Forest Service
Facts on this page were checked against the sources above on October 18, 2026. Spot something out of date? Send a correction.
Keep reading
Lake Alva and Rainy Lake
Lake Alva and Rainy Lake at the top of the Clearwater chain: size and depth, Lake Alva Campground and swim beach, the no-wake rule, loons and 2026 fishing rules.
Seeley Lake
Seeley Lake by the numbers: 1,031 acres, 125 feet deep. Where to launch and swim, boating and AIS rules, fish and 2026 regulations, loons, ice season and camping.
Wildlife and bear safety
Bear safety around Seeley Lake, Montana: grizzly country, the Forest Service food storage order, bear spray, plus how to watch loons, moose, elk and eagles responsibly.