Ice Fishing Flathead Lake

We know cold weather isn't enough to stop you from getting out and exploring Montana, and ice fishing is a great and popular winter activity.

Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States, is a great place to brave the cold and drill a hole.

Your catch does not measure success in ice fishing but your enjoyment of the experience. We think being prepared makes the experience more enjoyable.

Much of the conventional fishing wisdom applies to ice fishing as well. You usually have the most success in the early morning and late afternoon on overcast days, and extra noise is sure to scare away the fish. The challenge of fishing in the winter is the fish become lethargic and more selective about taking bait... oh, and the cold.

Flathead lake doesn't freeze entirely due to its size, but most bays freeze enough for great ice fishing. The fish species consist primarily of Lake Trout and Whitefish, but you can also catch Yellow Perch and Cutthroat Trout.

Somers Hatchery Bay, Big Arm Bay, and Polson Bay are usually dependable ice fishing spots. The provided coordinates below are for Somers Bay.

If you can get over the cold, ice fishing Flathead Lake is a great way to experience Montana.