The park is accessible only by boat and is a public day use and picnic area only, no overnight camping. Recreation on and around the lake includes: sailing, power boating, waterskiing, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and camping.
Table of Contents
What is the best time to fish Flathead Lake?
Early morning hours are generally the best. River Mouth Delta: April, May, July, August. Main Lake: February, March, July, August, October, November. Popular spots are Woods Bay, Gravel Bay, Finley Point, the Narrows, Big Arm Bay, Wildhorse Island, and Peaceful Bay.
What kind of fish can you catch in Flathead Lake?
In addition to lake trout, these native fish can be found in Flathead Lake: bull trout, Westslope cutthroat trout, mountain whitefish, pygmy whitefish, largescale sucker, northern pikeminnow, peamouth chub, redside shiner, slimy sculpin, and longnose dace.
Are there any fish in Flathead Lake?
Flathead Lake is home to a variety of fish, some of which can regularly grow to be over three feet in length (looking at you, lake trout)! In addition to lake trout, you’ll find pike, whitefish, rainbow trout, yellow perch, kokanee salmon, and bull trout swimming around Flathead Lake.
Are there walleye in Flathead Lake?
The only walleye in the Flathead are small pockets of fish illegally introduced to area lakes. But despite the fact there may never be state-promoted walleye fishing on the west side of the Continental Divide, the species seems to be growing in popularity.
What is the best bait for lake trout?
Live bait is generally the most consistently effective way to fish for lake trout. Minnows are usually the best option. Other good live bait options are nightcrawlers, salmon eggs, or anything similar to their native prey. One of the best artificial options for deepwater trout is a big bucktail jig.
Do you need a fishing license to fish at Flathead Lake?
A valid fishing license is required for all types of fishing on state waters for anyone 12 or older. A fishing license allows a person to fish for and possess any fish or aquatic invertebrate authorized by the state’s fishing regulations. It is nontransferable and nonrefundable.
Do you need a tribal permit to fish Flathead Lake?
Flathead Reservation Boundary The south half of Flathead Lake is within the Flathead Indian Reservation, and a Flathead Reservation Combined Use/ Fishing Permit or a Reservation Use Permit with a bird- hunting stamp are required when fishing or waterfowl hunting on the south half of Flathead Lake.
Where is the best fishing in Montana?
- Beaverhead River. Beaverhead River is one of Montana’s good fishing spots.
- Yellowstone River. The Yellowstone River teems with a huge trout population.
- Big Hole River.
- Hebgen Lake.
- Missouri River.
- Madison River.
- Hyalite Reservoir.
- Bighorn River.
Are there sturgeon in Flathead Lake?
For although wildlife officials insist there is no evidence of sturgeon in Flathead Lake, that has not quashed the legend of Flathead’s monster for a great many individuals who have spotted unexplained phenomena both before and after the fateful night in 1955 on which Griffith landed his monstrous fish.
Are there salmon in Flathead Lake?
Then, in 1916, fisheries managers introduced kokanee salmon to Flathead Lake. Unlike their coastal cousins, which spend much of their lives in the ocean before traveling up freshwater streams and rivers to reproduce and die, kokanee are a landlocked sockeye salmon.
Are there northern pike in Flathead Lake?
We have a population of illegally introduced northern pike in the Flathead River and sloughs just upstream of Flathead Lake.
How old is a 36 inch lake trout?
Cory Goldsworthy, Lake Superior area fisheries supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, said it’s hard to estimate the age of Gotchie’s big lake trout without taking a fin out of it. Trout over 36-inches long caught and aged by researchers in the past have varied from 15 to 30 years old, he said.
What time of day is best for trout fishing?
The best time of day to catch trout is early morning from dawn until 2 hours after sunrise and the second-best time of day is late afternoon from 3 hours prior to sunset until dusk.
What color lures do lake trout like?
The best lure color for lake trout is silver and blue. Certain lake trout guides like using silver because it resembles an actual fish while blue is visible at deeper depths. Silver and blue is the only lure you need.
What is the clearest lake in Montana?
Flathead lake – clearest lake in the world – Montana.
Which is bigger Flathead Lake or Lake Tahoe?
Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western US (by surface area) outside of Alaska. Lake Tahoe has more water than Flathead because it is significantly deeper (nearly 1650 ft vs. 380 ft). The Great Salt Lake in Utah is significantly larger than Flathead but is salt, not fresh water.
How clean is Flathead Lake?
It is one of the cleanest lakes of its size and type anywhere in populated areas of the world. The lake is so clear because it is relatively low in nutrients that promote the growth of algae. Water quality in Flathead Lake is a barometer of the ecological health of the entire Flathead Watershed.
What is the penalty for fishing without a license in Montana?
(3) A person convicted of a violation of this section shall be fined not less than $50 or more than $1,000 or be imprisoned in the county detention center for not more than 6 months, or both.
How much is a 2 day fishing license in Montana?
In the state of Montana, resident anglers who are aged 12-17 years old or 62 or older (or disabled) must purchase a standard Conservation License for $8.00 and a $2 AIS Prevention Pass on top of a fishing license. The fishing license costs $5.00 for a two-day permit and $10.50 for the entire season.
Can you fish with two rods in Montana?
It is legal to fish with 2 rods in Montana.
Can you fish on the Flathead Reservation?
The Flathead Indian Reservation encompasses more than 400 miles of fishing streams and 70,000 acres of lakes. Fishing is open on lakes, ponds, potholes, and reservoirs all year. The Flathead and Jocko Rivers are also open to fishing the entire year, with additional restrictions (see current regulations).
Are boats allowed on Flathead Lake?
Both motorized and non-motorized watercraft are allowed on Flathead Lake, so whether by jetski or canoe it’s easy to explore the 191 square miles of pristine water. Because the lake’s depths reach 300-feet and its feed by glacier water via the Swan and Whitefish Rivers, the water temperature tends to be chilly.
What river in Montana has the most fish per mile?
The mighty Missouri River near Craig, MT is without a doubt the finest tailwater fishery in Montana. 5000+ trout per mile, wild trout averaging 17-19 inches, and consistent hatches anglers have to see to believe.
What is the best time of year to trout fish in Montana?
Fly Fish Montana in Spring The middle of March through April is our spring season, pre-runoff. It’s when we get the first big hatch of the year that really gets the fish looking up. Skwala stoneflies start to hatch in mid-to-late March and last through April, or until runoff begins.