Fishing

South Fork

You’ll find all the game fish you could want on the South Fork of the Flathead River. Although access can be difficult, you can become the adventurer and reach the river by horseback or on foot.

Middle Fork

Fly-fishing along the Middle Fork of the Flathead proves to be quite profitable. One attractive feature is that it is uncrowded.

Flathead Lake

The largest body of natural fresh water that lies west of the Continental Divide, this lake provides some excellent fishing opportunities. Trout are abundant in this 120,320-acre lake.

Whitefish Lake

Just outside of Whitefish, Montana you’ll find this lake great for fly-fishing, with healthy populations of mountain whitefish and lake trout.

Glacier Park

After stopping at a Ranger Station or a Visitor Center to get some tips as to where the fish are biting best, you can embark on a wonderful fishing experience within the park from third Saturday in May through 30 November. Glacier Park fishing is best in the backcountry lakes. Try some of these fishing hot spots:

• Avalanche Lake - along the Going-To-The-Sun Road
• Bullhead Lake - hike 3.4 miles up Swiftcurrent Pass Trail
• Fishercap Lake - hike .8 miles along Swiftcurrent Pass Trail
• Hidden Lake - 3 mile hike from Logan Pass
• Lake Josephine - an easy 1 mile hike from Swiftcurrent Lake
• Logging Lake - follow the Inside North Fork Road from Fish Creek Campground for 20 miles (a long haul, but worth it)
• Red Rock Lake - 2 mile hike along Swiftcurrent Pass Trail
• Snyder Lake - 4.5 mile trail through Glacier's backcountry
• Trout Lake - 3.7 mile trail from the shores of Lake McDonald

Hungry Horse Reservoir

Rainbow and hybrid cutthroat enter the Hungry Horse Reservoir from high mountain lakes that drain into the reservoir, and you’ll find plenty.

Kootenai River

A tributary to the Columbia River, Kootenai is a river that is more adaptable to float fishing. Always check the status of the water flows released from Libby Dam before starting out.

Lake Koocanusa

Lake Koocanusa was formed by the Libby Dam and extends from Montana to Canada. Besides great fishing, it is also a great scenic destination.

Swan River

When wade fishing, ensure you take care not to lose some flies in the overhanging brush. But as you catch the large rainbow and Kokanee salmon, you’ll know the effort was worth it.