Montana Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Northwest Region
Hungry Horse Reservoir is a long, wild reservoir in the Flathead National Forest with westslope cutthroat and bull trout.
Looking for the latest Hungry Horse Reservoir fishing report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with current conditions, wind, stocking news and the flies working now at Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Water level
Wind forecast
Hungry Horse Reservoir fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The reservoir is drawn down for winter.
Fish streamers near the inlets for cutthroat.
Stocking report
See the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks stocking information for the latest stocking at Hungry Horse Reservoir and other Montana waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Hungry Horse Reservoir, bring: Woolly Bugger #6-8, Elk Hair Caddis #12-14, Parachute Adams #14, 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.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Hungry Horse Reservoir lake details
| Access | Forest roads along both sides of the reservoir. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 3,500 ft |
| Nearest town | Hungry Horse, Montana |
| Best season | Summer and fall |
| Fish | Westslope cutthroat and bull trout |
| Regulations | Bull trout must be released. 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, 4X tippet |
| Ice fishing | Rarely fished through ice. |
| Camping | Flathead National Forest campgrounds |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Remote gravel roads. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Snowy roads.
Spring
Ice-off.
Summer
Cutthroat on dries.
Fall
Drawdown.
How to get there
From Columbia Falls, take US-2 east to Hungry Horse and the reservoir roads.