Glacier National Park Fishing

Glacier National Park fishing provides the angler with many opportunities for some great outdoor adventures, along with some great catches while enjoying the spectacular scenery in the park.

Overview of Location

Glacier National Park, located in northwestern Montana, is known for its wilderness, towering mountains, beautiful valleys and pristine lakes. The many lakes, streams and rivers make for perfect Glacier National Park fly fishing as well as many other outdoor activities.

Type of waterway

Glacier Park fishing, although being available throughout the park, is best in the backcountry lakes. To get fish in the summer months, it’s ideal to get out on a boat and catch them by trolling. Some of the lakes require a long hike, so ensure you have one on your itinerary that isn’t too far away if you are carrying a float tube. These lakes are cold, so if you are going to do some wading, use some warm waders.

Fishing seasons

The season for Glacier National Park fishing is generally from the third Saturday in May through 30 November.

Most common fish species

The most common species you’ll find within Glacier are cutthroats (both Western and Yellowstone cutthroat), bull, brook and lake trout, as well as some Kokanee salmon. Be sure to check the National Park Service’s website for the important regulations when fishing in Glacier.

Directions for accessing the popular fishing areas

Backcountry lakes provide the best fishing, and you will have to make a little extra effort to get to some of them.

Avalanche Lake is located 6 miles up the Going-To-The-Sun Road from the Lake McDonald Lodge. Since this is a busy area, you should arrive early to get good parking.

Bullhead Lake is accessed by hiking 3.4 miles up Swiftcurrent Pass Hiking Trail. Take the Many Glacier Road to the end to find the trailhead. It’s not very crowded, since most fishermen are distracted and stop at other lakes along the way.

Fishercap Lake is an easy hike up Swiftcurrent Pass Hiking Trail for .8 miles.

Hidden Lake requires a three-mile hike from the Logan Pass Visitor Center parking area.

Lake Josephine can be reached by an easy one-mile hike or by boat across Swiftcurrent Lake.

Logging Lake’s trailhead is a long drive down some twisty and bumpy roads. First get to Fish Creek Campground on the north shore of Lake McDonald and take the Inside North Fork Road for 20 miles.

Red Rock Lake is a two-mile hike up the Swiftcurrent Pass Hiking Trail.

Snyder Lake requires a trek on a 4.5-mile trail. With its switchbacks and dense forests, you won’t see much scenery, but it’s a great lake with a backcountry campground.

Trout Lake Trail starts at the shores of Lake McDonald and gains some elevation as you climb to Trout Lake. Not the most difficult trail, but not the easiest either. You will be hiking for 3.7 miles.