flathead lake

Flathead Lake Montana

Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States. Lying in the Flathead Valley of Northwest Montana, the lake is more then 300 feet deep and extends north and south some 28 miles and is seven to 15 miles wide.

As you drive and drive on the roads that hug Flathead Lake’s shoreline, (US Highway 93 on the west and Montana Route 35 on the east) it’s hard to believe manmade dams that are so common in the Pacific Northwest didn’t create it. Rather, the lake is a fortuitous product of the activity of ice-age glaciers, and is fed by the Swan and Flathead Rivers.

All manner of water sports are enjoyed upon its 200 square miles of surface. Several state parks and lakeshore communities have boat launches and marinas on the Lake.

You can avail yourself of a boat tour or rent one of the many types of watercraft including canoes, kayaks, windsurfers, hydro bikes, sailing and fishing boats. Serious anglers can arm themselves with heavy-duty equipment and probe the 300-foot deep Flathead Lake for trophy Mackinaw. Lake trout, salmon, perch, pike, bass, and whitefish are found in the Flathead area’s many lakes.

Locals know summer has arrived when a steady stream of traffic starts to build on the secondary roads. So in peak season expect to share your enjoyment of the Flathead Valley with many others, although the mountains still offer room to get-away if you are willing to exert yourself.

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Fishing regulations around Flathead Lake

Fishing regulations around Flathead Lake. There are many great spots when fishing around Flathead Lake. Depending on what kind of fish you are trying to catch.

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A valid fishing license is required for all types of fishing on state waters. To fish in Montana, most anglers need a Conservation License and a Fishing License, and also an AIS Pass. You must have your fishing license in your possession while fishing. A license on your smart phone is acceptable.

For areas that reside within the boundaries of the Flathead Nation. A Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe fishing license is required for fishing.

Fishing regulations around Flathead Lake

A fishing license allows a person to fish for and possess any fish or aquatic invertebrate authorized by the state’s fishing regulations. It is nontransferable and nonrefundable. The license enables one to fish from March 1 through the end of February of the following year.

Free Fishing Weekend Fathers Day June 20-21, 2020.
By Montana law, each year on Father’s Day weekend any person (resident or non-resident) may fish for any fish within this state without obtaining a fishing license as long as they abide by the seasons, restrictions and bag limits listed in these Fishing Regulations. The two exceptions to this are Paddlefish and Bull Trout fishing, both of which require the purchase of a Conservation and Fishing License. Fishing for Paddlefish also requires a Paddlefish tag. A catch card is required to fish for Bull Trout.

Follow this link to review Montana Fishing Regulations and how to obtain your fishing license.

How to Purchase The Ultimate Flathead Lake Vacation Guide Booklet

At $4.99 the Flathead Lake Vacation Guide costs less then a Subway® sandwich you can buy in Bigfork or Polson and will insure you have the information you need so you have a Great Montana Lake Vacation.

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Here is a short list of Fishing access areas from our Flathead Lake Vacation Guide.

Bigfork Fishing Access Site on Flathead Lake:

The Bigfork Fishing Access Site on Flathead Lake is a 1 acre fishing access site open year round with a boat launch during the summer season.

Elmo Fishing Access Site on Flathead Lake:

Elmo is a 13 acre fishing and recreational access point. Includes a restroom and dock.

Finley Point State Park

http://stateparks.mt.gov/finley-point/

Finley Point State Park is a 28 acre park offering 18 campsites and 16 boat slips that can accommodate boats up to 25 feet long

Sportsmans Bridge Fishing Access Site on Flathead River

Sportsman’s Bridge is a 6 acre access site open year round and provides access to both the Flathead River and Flathead Lake. It provides access to fishing and boating and provides both high and low water ramps. Restrooms are also available at Sportsman’s Bridge Access Site.

Finally, if you have any questions about The Flathead Lake Vacation Guide, including advertising options and affiliate programs send us an email to : vacation@MontanasFlatheadLake.com

Flathead Lake Videos – Yellow Bay

Videos of Yellow Bay on Flathead Lake

Yellow Bay on Flathead Lake Yellow Bay is in the heart of the famous Montana sweet cherry orchards. Cherry blossoms color the hillsides during spring. In the summer, cherries can be purchased at nearby roadside stands or U-Pick orchards. The park includes Yellow Bay Creek and a wide, gravelly beach. Among its attractions are boating, lake trout fishing, water skiing, bird watching, swimming, camping, and scuba diving. The park is 15 acres in size at an elevation of 2,907 feet. It offers 5 tent sites.

There are both flush and vault toilets, a group day-use area, pedestal grills, picnic tables, trash cans, and drinking water. No open fires are allowed, only charcoal. There is a 14 day camping limit during a 30 day period. Boat ramp and dock available. A joint state/tribal fishing license is required at this sit. Campground open May 1 through September 30.
Fees are charged for camping and day use.

For more information about Yellow Bay State Park on Flathead Lake visit http://stateparks.mt.gov

Yellow Bay on Flathead Lake

The Go Hike with Mike trail guide contains most every trail head in the Flathead and Kootenai Forest as well as the Mission Mountain Tribal Wilderness. Click here to purchase your copy.

Flathead Lake Videos

These are all Flathead Lake Videos. There are thirteen public access sites around the lake. These sites include: Sportsman’s Bridge, Somers, Bigfork, and Juniper Beach fishing access sites; Wayfarers, Woods Bay, Yellow Bay, Finely Point, Walstad Memorial, Big Arm, and Elmo. These state recreation areas, complete with toilets, boat launch, camping areas, as well as, swimming and picnic facilities.

One of the greatest attractions on Flathead Lake in Big Arm is Wildhorse Island. The Island is a 2,165-acre state park. The park is accessible only by boat and is a public day use and picnic area only, no overnight camping.

The Go Hike with Mike trail guide contains most every trail head in the Flathead and Kootenai Forest as well as the Mission Mountain Tribal Wilderness. Click here to purchase your copy.

Flathead Lake Videos

-hidden harbor

The Go Hike with Mike trail guide contains most every trail head in the Flathead and Kootenai Forest as well as the Mission Mountain Tribal Wilderness. Click here to purchase your copy.

Recreation on and around Flathead Lake: sailing, power boating, waterskiing, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and camping. In the summer, roadside stands along the east shore offer a variety of locally grown cherries, apples, plums, and other fruits. There are numerous motels and rental cabins in addition to public campgrounds scattered all around the shoreline. The major population centers around the lake are Kalispell, Bigfork, and Polson, all of which offer a complete variety of groceries, supplies, and information.

Phillips Trail #373

Hike Flathead Lake on Phillips Trail #373. Phillips Trail #373 is 3.8 miles long and climbs about 600 feet; it intersects with Crane Mtn Road #498 and the Beardance Trail #76. This is one of three trails that climb up Crane Mountain. Access by car from Crane Mountain is available 4/1-11/30, otherwise hikers must access from the Flathead Lake side at the Beardance trailhead (4.4 miles up). The trail is open for the following uses: hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Hike Flathead Lake

Usage: Light
Closest Towns: Bigfork
Directions:
Crane Mtn Access: From Bigfork go south on Highway 35 for 0.7 miles, turning left onto Hwy 209. Stay on 209 for 3 miles, then turn right at the light onto South Ferndale Rd. After 2 miles merge right onto Crane Mountain Rd also called Forest Service Road #498. The trail is 3 miles up on the west side of the road.

Flathead Lake Access: From Bigfork follow Highway 35 south, past Woods Bay, to the Beardance Picnic Area south of mile marker 23. The trailhead is on the east side of the highway, across from the parking lot. If you are planning on vacationing around Flathead Lake, consider Mike’s Flathead Lake Vacation Guide.

Length : 3.8 miles
Elevation : 3,440 feet – 4,039 feet

Flathead Lake Trail #77

This short, family friendly 0.4 mile loop interpretive Flathead Lake trail. The short but steep distance down to excellent view of Flathead Lake and the western skyline. This trail was developed in partnership with the Bigfork High School.

If you have the opportunity to visit this trail during the month of May the may Flowers will be in full bloom. The trail is a little steep going down. However, it is very manageable for young and old alike. The view from this Flathead Lake trail is exceptional. At points on the trail you will see north into Woods Bay as well as east to Wildhorse Island. Once at the bottom of this short trail be sure to refresh yourself with a plunge into the blue waters of Flathead Lake.

At a Glance
Usage: Light
Closest Towns: Bigfork
Water: No
Directions: To get to this trail head from Bigfork, go south on Highway 35 past Woods Bay, and turn right after mile marker 23, entering the Beardance trailhead parking. The trail goes downhill from both parking areas, creating a loop.

Location

Latitude : 47.95622819
Longitude : -114.0329612
Elevation : 3,071 feet – 3,071 feet

There is no camping at this trail head. Camping is available in Wayfarers State Park about 10 miles to the north in Bigfork.