Guide To Fishing At McDonald Lake

AKA: Lake McDonald

The cold, clear water of McDonald Lake is home to trout and salmon and an awesome place to spend a day. The scenery is spectacular and the fishing is too. This is a 6,800-acre lake in the northwest part of the state, in Glacier National Park.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

While there are no FWP access areas for fishing from the bank, the majority of the lake can be fished from shore when water levels are down a few feet. And there's 22 miles of shoreline to enjoy. This is the only lake in the park that allows boating

What to fish for...

Fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, lake trout and kokanee salmon at McDonald Lake in Montana.

Primary fish species residing in McDonald Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

McDonald Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Glacier Outfitters
Rentals: Kayaks
406 219-7466

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

McDonald Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located at the south end of the lake, off Apgar Loop, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Click here for a Montana Fishing License.