Boating At Flathead Lake In Montana

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

Flathead Lake, nestled in the northwestern part of Montana, is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. Surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, the lake's stunning beauty and diverse recreational offerings make it a sought-after destination for locals and tourists alike.

Flathead Lake boasts an array of nearby attractions that cater to various interests. Glacier National Park, known for its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, is located nearby and offers a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts and hikers. Additionally, the charming town of Bigfork, with its art galleries, boutiques, and theaters, provides a delightful cultural escape for visitors.

Boating on Flathead Lake is a beloved activity, attracting boaters to explore its expansive waters and soak in the unparalleled vistas of the surrounding mountains. The lake's vastness allows for leisurely cruises, water skiing, and tubing, making it an excellent destination for boating enthusiasts and families seeking memorable water-based adventures.

Marinas on the shores of Flathead Lake cater to the needs of boaters, providing essential amenities such as boat slips, fuel stations, and boat repairs. These marinas ensure a seamless and enjoyable boating experience, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the lake's beauty and recreational opportunities.

The lake's calm waters and inviting atmosphere also make it an ideal location for popular water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing, providing ample opportunities for thrill-seekers to enjoy their time on the water.

Boat launch ramps are conveniently located around Flathead Lake, providing easy access for boaters to enter the water and embark on their aquatic escapades with ease.

For those without their own watercraft, rental boats are available at Flathead Lake, offering various options to suit different preferences and activities. Rental choices may include fishing boats, pontoon boats, and other watercraft, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the lake's recreational offerings regardless of boat ownership.

The boating season at Flathead Lake typically spans from late spring to early fall, coinciding with the warmer months when the weather is ideal for outdoor water activities. During this season, boaters can relish the lake's beauty and enjoy its numerous recreational opportunities to the fullest.

Flathead Lake is renowned for its exceptional fishing, offering anglers the chance to catch a variety of fish, including trout, whitefish, and bass, making it a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a memorable and rewarding fishing experience.

For those looking to extend their time at Flathead Lake, camping facilities are available nearby, providing a chance to savor lakeside camping and create cherished memories amidst the tranquility of this scenic Montana gem.

Boating, camping and fishing.

Enormous Flathead Lake, in northwest Montana, spreads over 128,000 acres for boating, water skiing, fishing and other water-related activities. Several marinas and numerous campgrounds serve the boating and camping visitors, both on and off the water. Choose from a half-dozen boat ramps for launching all types of water-sport, pleasure, pontoon and fishing boats. Well known for big lake trout and pike, as well as plentiful yellow perch and whitefish, this virtual fish factory has over 185 miles of shoreline which are surrounded by scenic mountain settings. Fishing guides and charters offer a variety of fishing options in search of the various fish residing here. The Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Department provides over a dozen public access areas around the lake. Fishing enthusiasts pursue bass, trout, sunfish, perch and pike year round, including ice fishing in the winter - once there is safe ice. During the warmer season, shoreline fishing available at public access areas.

Area Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Camping

Wayfarers Campground - 406 837-3041

Outback Montana RV Park & Campground - 406 837-6973

Finley Point Campground - 406 887-2715

Polson Motorcoach & RV Resort - 406 883-2333

Rollins Restaurant & RV Park - 406 844-0572

Polson-Flathead Lake KOA Holiday Campground - 406 883-2151

Flathead Lake State Park Campground - 406 752-5501

Flathead Lake Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Flathead Lake include largemouth bass, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, lake trout, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch and northern pike.

Largemouth bass Rainbow trout Cutthroat trout Brook trout Lake trout Pumpkinseed Sunfish Yellow Perch Northern pike