Flathead Lake
Near Kalispell, Montana
Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River in the lower 48 states, covering nearly 200 square miles in northwestern Montana near Kalispell. The lake's exceptional water clarity reaches depths of 30 feet or more, created by the glacier-fed waters of the Flathead River system flowing from the surrounding wilderness. Anglers target lake trout (mackinaw), bull trout, yellow perch, and whitefish, with lake trout being the primary draw for trophy hunters using deep-trolling techniques. The lake trout fishery has flourished, though conservation efforts work to protect native bull trout and westslope cutthroat. Boat fishing dominates, with the southern shoreline and deep waters around Wild Horse Island being particularly productive. The lake sits within the Flathead Indian Reservation, and tribal fishing permits may be required depending on location. Summer provides ideal conditions for recreational fishing combined with stunning mountain scenery.