Fishing Flathead Lake

Boat and bank fishing

Last updated on February 7, 2026.

Popular Fish Species
Flathead Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Flathead Lake, MT

Popular Fish Species

Lake Trout Fishing

Fishing for lake big trout in Flathead Lake is often quite good, the fish are plentiful and the lake record is over 40 pounds. Fish over 2o pounds are commonly caught. These large trout prefer water below 60 degrees, however they can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 30 feet in Spring and Fall, to as deep as 150 feet or more during Summer and Winter. It is a monumental assistance to use fish finders, or other electronics to help in locating these roaming schools of lake trout. They feed on baitfish and other small fish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for big lake trout with spoons can deliver some great catches.

Cutthroat Trout Fishing

Fishing for cutthroat trout in Flathead Lake is again delivering great results, year round. While the ideal setting for cutthroats is in a river or stream, they are also stocked in reservoirs, like Flathead Lake. For those who enjoy fly fishing, the key is to match the hatch. Like all fish, cutthroat like to have some sort of cover. They will hang out in boulders, fallen trees, along drop-offs and ledges. Catching cutthroat trout here with lures or bait is also productive. Presented properly, cutthroat trout can be caught on small spinners and spoons. This is a very popular lake for ice fishing when the lake freezes over.

Yellow Perch Fishing

Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Flathead Lake. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.

Lake & Fishing Video

Fishing tips for boat or bank fishing

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, lake trout, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch and northern pike at Flathead Lake in Montana.

Massive Flathead Lake, in the northwest part of the state, provides over 128,000 surface acres to explore for boating, fishing and other water-related activities. It is well known for big lake trout and pike, as well as plentiful yellow perch and whitefish. Covering over 191 square miles, this majestic lake offers anglers a wealth of fishing options.

This virtual fish factory has over 185 miles of shoreline which are surrounded by scenic mountain settings. The Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Department provides over a dozen public access areas around the lake. Fishing enthusiasts pursue bass, trout, sunfish, perch and pike year round, including ice fishing in the winter - once there is safe ice. During the warmer season, shoreline fishing available at public access areas. Several marinas and numerous campgrounds serve the boating and camping visitors, both on and off the water. Choose from a half-dozen boat ramps for launching all types of fishing and pleasure boats.

Primary fish species residing in Flathead Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Flathead Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

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Fishing Boat Rentals

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Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

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Marinas

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Fishing License

Click here for a Montana Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Wayfarers Campground - 406 837-3041

Outback Montana RV Park & Campground - 406 837-6973