Where should I go fishing?

Flathead Lake
As the largest natural lake in the West, Flathead Lake draws visitors from all over to its shimmering shores. The 197 square mile lake is famous for its trophy-sized lake trout. 

• Location: From Kalispell take Highway 2 east to Highway 35. The west side of the lake is accessible from US Highway 93 between Polson and Kalispell. 
• Seasons: Year-round. Most of Flathead Lake freezes by January, however it doesn’t entirely freeze through. 
• Marina/Boat Launch: There are five marinas; Arrowhead, Bigfork, Big Arm, Lakeside and Marina Cay. As well as five State Park boat launches. 
• Boat Restrictions: Flathead Lake is open to all watercraft. 
• Camping: Five state park campgrounds with a total of 129. Each site has a picnic table and fire grate. Some sites will accommodate camping units up to 40 feet long. A RV dump station is located at Wayfarers State Park. Showers are available at Big Arm and Wayfarers. Boat slips have electrical and water hookups. 
• Fishing: Fly fishing from the shoreline is not popular on Flathead Lake, until September when trout are closer to the shore.
  Throughout the summer, fishermen enjoy fishing for huge lake trout, rainbow trout, whitefish northern pike and bull trout. At its deepest point the lake reaches 369-feet, so a boat is necessary to fish for lunkers.

Upper and Lower Thompson Lakes
Nestled between Kalispell and Libby, the Thompson Chain of Lakes consists of 18 lakes, with Lower Thompson and Upper Thompson Lake being two of the most popular. The chain of lakes stretches for 20-miles and features 19 campsites. 

• Location: From Kalispell take Highway 2 east towards Libby. You will reach Upper Thompson Lake about 35 miles east of Kalispell 
• Seasons: April to November. 
• Marina/Boat Launch: Concrete boat launches are located at both Upper and lower Thompson Lakes. 
• Boat Restrictions: Motorized and non-motorized boats allowed. 
• Camping: Primitive campground available. Toilets. No potable water. 
• Fishing: Upper and Lower Thompson Lakes are small so they provide great shoreline fishing, as well as from a boat. These lakes are a favorite with locals for excellent largemouth bass fishing. Rainbow and brown trout are also found here.

Middle Fork
Although it’s famous for its wild whitewater rafting, the Middle Fork of the Flathead River also offers good cutthroat and bull trout fishing, especially along the wilderness portion below Essex. 

• Put-Ins: Popular put-ins are located along Highway 2 between Essex and East Glacier. 
• Seasons: Fishing is best in July, August and September after the spring run-off. 
• Rapids: The big rapids are located below Moccasin Creek to West Glacier. Look out for the class-IV rapids called “Jaws”. 
• Fishing: Below Essex fishermen can find large sized cutthroat trout, either by raft or from the shore. Access for wade fisherman is excellent here.

Where can I go Ice Fishing?

• Flathead Lake
  It doesn't entirely freeze, but most bays do. Whitefish, lake trout, yellow perch, and cutthroat are common.
• Whitefish Lake
  Great for ice fishing starting late December. Look for whitefish and lake trout.
• Smith Lake
  Perch are most common here.
• Bitterroot Lake
  Keep a look out for rainbows.

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes. A conservation and fishing license are needed to fish Montana waters and can be purchased at most sporting goods stores, along with the local regulations. In addition to State licenses, to fish tribal water you will need a tribal license.

Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks requests that anglers practice catch and release with cutthroat trout. Most rivers open for fishing in late-May and close the end of November. Most lakes are open year-round.

I am looking for a fishing guide…

To make the most of your fishing trip get an insider tips and advice by using a local guide. Even the most experienced angler can benefit from a local guides’ expertise. There are over a dozen guides located in Whitefish, Kalispell and West Glacier.