Montana Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Northwest Region
Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, with big lake trout and native westslope cutthroat and bull trout.
Looking for the latest Flathead Lake fishing report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with current conditions, wind, stocking news and the flies working now at Flathead Lake.
Water level
Wind forecast
Flathead Lake fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Lake trout move shallower in fall.
Streamers along drop-offs. Bull trout must be released.
Stocking report
See the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks stocking information for the latest stocking at Flathead Lake and other Montana waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Flathead Lake, bring: Sparkle Minnow #2-6, Woolly Bugger #4-8, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16, Clouser Minnow #2-6, Pitching Leech #10, Circus Peanut #4.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Flathead Lake lake details
| Access | Flathead Lake State Park units around the lake. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 2,900 ft |
| Nearest town | Polson, Montana |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Fish | Lake trout, westslope cutthroat, bull trout and perch |
| Regulations | Bull trout must be released. The south half is on the Flathead Reservation and needs a tribal permit. Check Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regulations for current rules. A Montana fishing license is required for anglers 12 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 3X tippet |
| Ice fishing | Bays freeze in cold winters. |
| Camping | Flathead Lake State Park units |
| Kids | Yes. |
| Good to know | Huge water. Watch the weather. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Deep lake trout.
Spring
Shallow lake trout.
Summer
Deep fish.
Fall
Lake trout move shallow.
How to get there
From Kalispell, take US-93 south to the lake.