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Granite and Deer Lodge Counties, West of Anaconda
Situated at over six thousand feet in elevation, Georgetown Lake is a large, shallow reservoir surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness. The high elevation and the surrounding coniferous forest dictate the avian life found here, making it a reliable location for montane species.
The lake is an important breeding site for the Common Loon, whose calls echo off the surrounding mountains in the early summer. The shallow margins support nesting Eared Grebes and American Coots. In the dense lodgepole and spruce forests that border the lake, birders can locate Boreal Chickadees, Gray Jays, and Pine Siskins. In the winter, when the lake freezes thick enough for ice fishing, Bald Eagles often scavenge the remains left by anglers.
Visitor Access
The lake is surrounded by the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Access is free, with several USFS campgrounds, boat ramps, and fishing access sites available around the perimeter. Highway 1 provides paved access year-round. Birding is best done by walking the shorelines from the access points or by non-motorized boat in the summer.