Things To Do on Flathead Lake: A Series of Guides to an Unforgettable Adventure.
Hooked on Flathead: A Practical Guide to Fishing in the Lake.
They say, "A bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work." While we can't disagree, fishing in new waters can be quite a challenge. With nearly 200 square miles of water to explore, figuring out where to go, what depth to focus on, and what tackle to use can be more like a day of work than fishing. To avoid such frustration, we have created this guide so you can spend more time fishing and less time working.
To start, here is some history.
Like many lakes in the western US, Flathead Lake's ecology has seen significant changes in the last century. Flathead Lake initially held 11 native fish species, including the western cutthroat trout, bull trout, and mountain whitefish. While it may still be possible to catch any of these species, it is less common than it once was. In the early 1900s, the local fishery management began to experiment with the ecological structure to enhance fishing opportunities. With that, kokanee salmon (landlocked salmon), lake trout, and 17 other non-native fish were introduced. In particular, the kokanee salmon found themselves right at home and flourished. Welcomed by the local fisherman, the kokanee salmon became the most fished and caught species. In the early 1980s, Mysis shrimp were released into Flathead Lake with the hopes of furthering the kokanee salmon population. Unexpectedly, the Lake Trout, who had remained dormant, found the new protein source and their population exploded. With the surge of lake trout came the demise of the kokanee salmon and many other native fish populations. There are no longer any kokanee salmon, but instead nearly 2 million lake trout. Although somewhat of an ecological disaster, fishermen today can take advantage of the situation and target some of the largest fish in Montana.
Like all ecosystems, there is an ebb and flow. One week the fishing for a particular species may be stellar, and the next, the fish are nowhere to be seen. With that, it's good to know generally when a particular bite may be occurring. In the late spring/early summer, think April, May, and early June, the yellow perch spawn. This is a fantastic time to target this species as populations are concentrated, aggressive, and plentiful. The weed beds of the south end of the lake are a good place to focus your attention. If you rent a boat from us, we will give you a bit more detail. Nightcrawlers and small worms are incredibly effective, but at this time, yellow perch aren't too picky. If you find them, you're in for a treat. We hope you bring a five-gallon bucket or two. Nothing happens in this lake without a reaction. The conclusion of the perch spawn presents a new food source in the lake. The newly emerged perch fry draws in larger predatory fish including the lake trout into the south end of the lake. At this time, you may be able to find lake trout in unexpected places. Jigs, perch mimics, and bait rigs are good things to have in the tackle box at this time. Believe it or not, Jimmy Dean Sausage is the local trick. The Polson Walmart has a good supply, you'll be sure to need it if you find them. At this point, late June and into July, things slow down in terms of seasonal bites. We've noticed that the smallmouth bass fishing heats up, possibly due to increasing water temps. Whatever the reason may be, anecdotal evidence shows that you are more likely to fool more mature fish at this time. The lake trout, whitefish, and other larger species seem to move back to the depths, also likely due to water temps. For fishing info at this time, it's best to trust the ones who know it best. Fortunately, the ultimate resource of the lake, Zimmer Tackle, has not only hand-made specialized tackle for the lake but also a great deal of generosity when it comes to knowledge of the fish's whereabouts. Seriously, these folks are great, and if you plan on fishing the lake, it's certainly worth a trip to their storefront. Late July and August bring on one of our favorite bites; the whitefish. Fly fisherman, hear us out, it's pretty fun. Jigs from Zimmer paired with maggots work well. Focus your attention on the west end of the lake near Big Arm. Again, if you rent with us, we can be more specific. When targeting the whitefish it is important to play with depths. If you are a few feet off the mark, you may be missing out. You'll know when you find the depth. From here on out till the ice begins to form, the fishing remains fantastic, but patterns are more irregular. This is another good time to touch base with the folks at Zimmer.
We'd also like to touch on some logistics. A fishing license is required in the state of Montana. These can be purchased on the Montana FWP website or at several local authorized dealers such as the Walmart in Polson. For both residents and nonresidents hoping to fish the south half of the Lake, you will need a Salish and Kootenai fishing permit. These can also be purchased through the same avenues listed above. If you have any general questions about the license and regulations, give us a call. For more specific questions, reach out to FWP.
Flathead Lake is a destination for fishermen and recreationalists alike. Like many things around the lake, the opportunity is endless. So endless that knowing where to start can be overwhelming. With that, we hope that this guide has pointed you in the right direction and has offered some insight into this amazing fishery. A boat is necessary to reach most of these destinations. Let us take that out of the equation. Call, email, or book today to take the first steps toward a Montana fishing adventure.
*Please study and familiarize yourself with Bull Trout. There is a possibility you hook up with this threatened species. They must be handled with care and released. Thanks!
