The lake is open for fishing year-round and Typically fishes best when water temps are below 60 degrees. As always, a Montana fishing license is required to fish all Montana waters. But Flathead Lake, the largest body of fresh water west of the Continental Divide, offers some excellent fishing opportunities, too. Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the West, located just 40 miles south of Glacier National Park in the shadow of the Mission Mountains and the Bob Marshall Wilderness area. Upper Stillwater Lake is located in Flathead County, Montana. It is a beautiful lake, surrounded by the tall and impressive Mission Mountains on the east and the smaller Salish Mountains to the west. The fish species in the lake consist primarily of lake trout, pike, yellow perch and whitefish, with some rainbow trout, bass, kokanee salmon and bull trout also found. It is native to Montana only in the Saskatchewan River drainage on the east side of Glacier Park. Flathead Lake Whitefish are the largest of the whitefish species in Montana and can be up to 10lbs! For bait, try salmon eggs or worms for great results. As the waters start to warm up around March , fishing can pick up with the use of long nymph rigs with large weighted nymphs such as stoneflies followed by small er nymphs like lightning bugs , hot bead ed pheasant tails and zebra midges . Last week we took an evening after work to get out on Greg's boat and chase some pike. The Grayling and Cutties are biting below that ice. Howe’s Fishing, located in Montana’s Flathead Valley, near Glacier National Park, is like no other Flathead Lake fishing guide service. We will pull up to the island let you hop off to begin your hiking tour of this marvelous island on Flathead Lake. An average lake trout is considered to be in the three to eight pound range and are caught frequently. Whether it be a Trophy Trout Fly Fishing excursion during a worm hatch on the San Juan River or a day on Navajo Lake catching Pike, Bass and Carp from our 225hp lake boats, our guides spend most of their days on the water and know where and how to put you on the fish! Flathead Lake is the largest natural fresh water lake in the West, located just 40 miles south of Glacier National Park in the shadow of the Mission Mountains and the Bob Marshall Wilderness area. There are over 25 fish species found in the Flathead River-Lake ecosystem, 10 species are native and 15 have been introduced. The lake trout on Flathead Lake average around eight pounds, but many go well over 20. Worms and pink … Flathead Lake is the largest body of natural water found west of the Continental Divide. Fly Fishing Flathead Valley Lakes The Flathead Valley has an abundance of freshwater. The lake itself offers excellent fishing, but not necessarily for fly fishing. Some days are more productive than others abut still catching fish. South of Kalispell, the Flathead River slows considerably and branches off into numerous sloughs. Lake … A heated cabin boat makes this an enjoyable fishing experience. It is popular for both fishing and pleasure boating, and its beautiful setting makes any day spent on the lake a rewarding one. We have been running guided trips on the Flathead River and the fishing has been pretty good. Montana’s Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake boasting one of the cleanest lakes in the United States. The fishing on Flathead Lake this summer has been some of the best we have seen in years. With killer sizes of over 20lbs in some cases, the lake has varieties of huge fish such as a … Flathead River The Whitefish are still going! The best time to fish for these beasts is during the spring and fall when they cruise the shallows. Anyone who plans to fish on Flathead Lake needs a powerboat. From the moment we welcome you aboard one of our fishing charter boats until we send you home with your catch that has been cleaned, filleted and packed in ice, we handle everything. The Lake is primarily fed by the Flathead and Swan Rivers and the water quality is among the best in the world. Those fish species include Black Bullhead, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Bull Trout, Kokanee, Lake Trout, Lake Whitefish, Largemouth Bass, Largescale Sucker, Longnose Dace, Longnose Sucker, Mottled Sculpin, Mountain Whitefish, Northern Pike, Northern Pike Minnow, Peamouth, Pumpkinseed, Pygmy Whitefish, Rainbow Trout, Redside Shiner, Slimy Sculpin, Smallmouth Bass, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Westslope X Rainbow, White Sucker and Yellow Perch. This means early spring until water temps are up and later fall/winter after they comeback down. Fishing Lake Koocanusa requires an all day charter. If you are interested in catching a trophy Lake Trout and trout fishing Montana, Jeff Rach’s Flathead Lake Charters is the outfit to help you succeed. After quite a spell of worrying about getting back across the lake with wind swept whitecaps, we decided to hug the shore on this small lake. Kerr Dam, located in Polson, manages the water levels of Flathead Lake. A heated cabin boat makes this an enjoyable fishing experience. The northern pike is Montana’s lone representative of the pike family. The town of Polson sits on the south shore of the lake, while the popular and artsy town of Bigfork lies on the northeast corner. Wild Horse Island, near Big Arm Bay, Flathead’s largest island, is a State Park on Flathead Lake. Flathead is over 27 miles long and over 15 miles at its widest point and covers 191 square miles. dandy. Sea kayakers also often venture across the lake. Click here to Learn more about half-day flathead lake fishing charter, Click here to Learn more about wild horse island tour, Click here to Learn more about full day on lake koocanusa, Click here to Learn more about captain kirks’ drift boat trip, Click here to Learn more about fort peck reservoir fishing, Click here to Learn more about all charters, Click here to Learn more about captain mike's fleet, Click here to Learn more about fishing license, Catch Cards are free of charge and are available at the FWP Region One office in Kalispell. One final thought on pike fishing. Somers, MT Flathead Lake Boat Ramp Great Northern Historical Trail, Somers, MT 59932. Dry fly fishing for greyling and cutthroat, stripping leeches for The last couple falls have been great fishing off the shores of Flathead Lake as can be witnessed by the two pike caught the last two years by staff. This is northern pike country. Guides Eddie, Taylor, Justin and Haley Mindt spend hundreds of hours on the lake and river each year, and know every aspect of this fishery. When ice fishing in Montana, you’re only allowed to have two lines in the water at once on any given lake. The fish species in the lake consist primarily of lake trout, pike, yellow perch and whitefish, with some rainbow trout, bass, kokanee salmon and bull trout also found. Warmwater fishing, especially pike and perch fishing, ... Flathead River sloughs upstream from Flathead Lake produced the Kalispell region's largest pike, a 36.5-pounder taken about eight years ago. Typically, seeing the island’s wildlife is often nothing more than looking around. The deepest part of the lake is 370 feet while the average depth is 164.7 feet. It is famous for its herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep and several wild horses. Completed applications must be presented at the regional headquarters or mailed to FWP Bull Trout Permit, 490 North Meridian, Kalispell MT 59901. This lake is 592 acres in size. Flathead Lake (North) — The north end is producing phenomenal-sized trout and pike. Fishing for lake trout during most of the year requires a boat with trolling gear, since the fish inhabit deep waters. While the dam did not create Flathead Lake, it does regulate the lakes water level, which receives the bulk of its water from the Flathead River and the Swan River. National Weather Service – Graphical Flathead Lake Forecast. Monster pike … Lake trout, lake whitefish and yellow perch are the most common non-natives fish in Flathead Lake. Fly fishing for pike in Montana can be a little bit of work. The lake trout in Flathead Lake can reach monstrous sizes, frequently exceeding twenty-pounds. Most action has been on the North West shore. They are a highly entertaining and playful fish to chase and a delicious addition to the dinner table! Beginning in the Canadian Rockies north of Glacier National Park, the Flathead flows south through northwestern Montana into Flathead Lake. We caught plenty of hammer handles and a couple decent ones on smelt. From June 21st to February 28th a person may take a single Bull Trout with a Catch Card* that can be acquired from Montana FWP Region 1. Pike concentrate in the backwaters; trout prefer moving water. Smith Lake 3-4in of ice. Rogers Lake 2-4in of ice here also. We are typically throwing large flies, often 10-14″ long, for big fish. Catch Cards are free of charge and are available at the FWP Region One office in Kalispell. Applications for a catch card are available at the FWP Region One office or online at http://fwp.mt.gov/fish/license/. Howe's Fishing, with locations in BIGFORK and LAKESIDE, is the home of A Able Charters and Mo Fisch Charters, providing year round fishing and is the largest charter boat operation in Montana. The Flathead River is unique among the rivers in Montana in that it is really three rivers in one, with two main sections that are good for fishing. Flathead Lake is very popular for pleasure boaters. Our main target species is the Kamloops, but a by catch of a big Bull is always welcome. While there are also some Cutthroats available, a salmon stocking program gone wrong, as well as a mismanaged and miscalculated invertebrate shrimp introduction program has made the lake primarily a Mackinaw or Lake Trout fishery. Stout gear and large streamers, fished just off the shoreline, especially in shallow bays, up to 10 feet of water, can grab some very large trout in unlikely places. Nymphing is the game and it’s productive. Lake Koocanusa also offers a variety of sport fish such as Kokanee Salmon, Ling, Kamloop Rainbows and Bull Trout. On our half day, full day or twilight charters, we target the largest mackinaw while using the lightest tackle – this provides you with challenging fun as you feel the weight of your prize trout as you reel him in. The Pablo National Wildlife Refuge is located on tribal trust lands of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Whether it is Walleye, Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Chinook Salmon, Smallmouth Bass, Paddlefish or more, you won’t find a more knowledgeable and eager group of guides ready to ensure your success on this huge body of water. Koocanusa Lake runs as deep as 370 feet and is 90 miles in length, half of which we share with Canada. My son Brandon and I went to a pike infested lake on the Flathead Reservation. Be sure to check your regulations for river fishing now though. When fishing, anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including Black Bullhead, Lake Trout, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Pumpkinseed and. Echo Lake Bass fishing has been good. This 126,000 acre lake has a reputation of trophy Lake trout, Northern pike, & Bull trout. Pablo National Wildlife Refuge is 2,500 acres of water, marsh, and upland grassland. Completed applications must be presented at the regional headquarters or mailed to FWP Bull Trout Permit, 490 North Meridian, Kalispell MT 59901. The sheer size of the lake, combined with the often windy conditions, require a powerboat if the angler wants to cover large amounts of water. The lake itself offers excellent fishing, but not necessarily for fly fishing. This means early spring until water temps are up and later fall/winter after they comeback down. Click here to Closed for the Season! Come enjoy our Montana fishing charters, all of the Flathead Lake Charters was established in Woods Bay, Montana in 1979 by owner/guide Jeff Rach. It is that time of year that Flathead Lake Whitefish are biting and we thought we would do some digging and lend some tips of lures and techniques. Boat access is required to reach this day-use-only 2,160-acre island state park. The lake trout in Flathead Lake can reach monstrous sizes, frequently exceeding twenty-pounds. The south end of Flathead Lake is a good place to fish for yellow perch and lake trout. A good average fish on Fort Peck Reservoir will be somewhere in the 30″ range and weigh in at 8-12lbs. From the largest western freshwater lake in the country, to tiny little mountain pot holes or lilly pad bass ponds, the Flathead valley has a large variety of lakes and species to target. While a fisherman can conceivably wade fish during this time, a boat is really still needed to reach these fly fishing spots. December 2 Fishing Report, Flathead River. Fishing for whitefish in the lake is also popular. Koocanusa The refuge provides nesting and resting areas for […] Due to the lakes size and beauty, sailboats are common on the lake, along with pleasure boats of all kinds. In rivers like the Clark Fork, Flathead or Bitterroot, the varied habitat allows pike and trout to co-exist. This lake is 122,251 acres in size. Caught 3 fish I have never caught on a fly rode before: Lake trout, Superior whitefish, and a sucker! We have experienced great spring fishing for Lakers, transitioned to Lake Whitefish in mid-summer, and in between, Kokanee, and Cutthroat, big Yellow Perch and even a Bull Trout or two. Overall had a blast fishing out on this huge lake. monster this fall on a 8 weight fly rod and last fall our sous chef caught a 49″, 28 lb. Flathead Lake is located in Flathead County, Montana. It is superimposed on the irrigation reservoir managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Flathead Irrigation Project. Chase Averill caught a 46″, 31lb. We fished for quite some time in a heavy wind before catching a small pike. Yellow Perch from Flathead Lake. After docking at the island you can leave the boat and embark on your personal hiking adventure. See you in 2021! Large spoons that are either silver-and-red or gold-and-red work well. Just be sure to release any bull trout that are accidentally caught. Basically, the tribes allow fishing year-round on the Flathead River. Overall, Flathead Lake is one of the premiere and recreational and fishing lakes in Montana. If hiking and photographing wildlife is of interest to you and the family, you’ll have the opportunity to see wild horses, big horn sheep, mule deer, eagles and osprey and other animals that call Wild Horse home. We operate eight boats for Flathead Lake, each comfortably seating four to six passengers, as well as one boat that can seat up to 15 passengers for fishing, cruising, parties etc. Flathead Lake specifically offers excellent lake trout fishing opportunities. We strive to provide you with a fishing experience that you will remember for a lifetime. Flathead Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in the world and is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Fishing techniques can be trolling, jigging, or dead bait rigs to get the fish of your dreams. Northern Pike are not something you can catch in Flathead Lake, but a short drive in any direction will take you to a … That said, the use of hard-shell and inflatable kayaks, inflatable paddleboards and other recreational inflatable boats are popular near the shore. The lake itself is ringed by vacation homes of increasing size and elegance, as more and more individuals from outside Montana build exotic homes on the lake. As a result, during low water years later in the summer, parts of the shoreline of Flathead Lake become exposed, leading to some headaches for boaters at some boat ramps. Long deep runs and meandering tailouts can hold some impressive residential trout that forego the migrat ion down river to Flathead Lake in the fall. The broad Flathead Valley stretches off on the north and south sides of the lake. Most of the reports are saying they are hanging about 10ft down. The exception to this occurs in the fall, in September, when the trout come near the shoreline, providing enticing fly fishing opportunities. The Delta area at the North end has been producing many large lake trout and an occasional pike or bull trout. Resolution Guide Service is a unique fishing charter service that can target a diverse range of fish species with amazing accuracy. The whitefish can also be very sizable, frequently topping 10 pounds. As there is an abundance of both whitefish and lake trout in Flathead Lake, a fisherman should not feel guilty about keeping some at the end of the day. Local baitfish 9-10 inches long have been working the best. The lake is open for fishing year-round and Typically fishes best when water temps are below 60 degrees. Copyright 2002 - 2020 Big Sky Fishing.Com, How to Choose the Best Inflatable Boat for Your Needs, How to Protect Your Phone While Fishing or Floating, Wild Horse Island State Park on Flathead Lake. In addition to making sure you have fun fishing on Flathead Lake, we do everything for you. The largest island in Flathead Lake and one of the largest inland islands in the USA. This is my friend Mary who caught her first-ever lake trout. Flathead Lake Whitefish bite has picked up a little more. Try trolling the large lakes, like Flathead Lake, between April and June or between October and November. A large streamer for the fly fisherman or a spoon such as a daredevil for the spin fisherman work well. You will have the opportunity to see and photograph more than 100 different birds and animals, such as osprey, bald eagles, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyote, and wild horses. Come enjoy our Montana fishing charters , all of the amenities the Bigfork area has to of fer in addition to fishing, such as boating, hiking, championship golf, fine dining, biking or horseback riding. The Pike and Perch are most active, and people are reporting good days. Applications for a catch card are available at the FWP Region One office or online at. Try a drop shot for some good luck. 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