Duck Lake
Located on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation near Babb, Duck Lake, , is well-known for its large fish, coming in at an average of 8 pounds each. The lake is home to rainbow trout, bull trout, brown trout and westslope cutthroat trout. Be sure to obtain a tribal fishing license before fishing the waters.
More information:
Blackfeet Nation Fish and Wildlife
Flathead Lake
Surrounded on the east side by the Mission Mountains and the west side by the Salish Mountains, Flathead Lake is the largest natural body of freshwater west of the Mississippi River. It's 30 miles long, nearly 15 miles wide and 300 feet deep, and offers endless fishing and recreational opportunities. It also has numerous fishing access sites and state parks along its 185 miles of shoreline, as well as several communities including Polson, Bigfork, Big Arm, Elmo, Lakeside, Dayton and Somers. Wild Horse Island, the lake's largest island, is a day-use state park and home to wild horses, bighorn sheep, coyotes, deer and a variety of birds.
The southern half of the lake is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation, home of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. When recreating or fishing on these waters, be sure to obtain a tribal permit (available at most area sporting goods stores).
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Big Arm State Park
Finley Point State Park
Flathead Lake Bio Station
Wayfarers State Park
West Shore State Park
Wild Horse Island State Park
Yellow Bay State Park
Lake Mary Ronan
Near Dayton, this off-the-beaten-path, primitive lake offers a nicely wooded setting with campgrounds and fishing. Less than 50 feet deep, anglers come for yellow perch and kokanee salmon, though rainbow trout and smallmouthed bass are fished here as well. The lake boasts towering ponderosa pine and fir trees, plus western larch, which paints the landscape gold in autumn—right when the salmon begin to spawn.
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Lake Mary Ronan State Park
Lake McDonald
Glacier National Park's biggest lake, Lake McDonald, is 10 miles long and 472 feet deep. Located on the western side of the park, the lake is surrounded by mountains on the north, south and east. Boat rental, boat tours, fishing and general water recreation are popular activities on the lake.
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Glacier National Park Boating
Glacier National Park Fishing
Noxon Reservoir
Along Highway 200 near Trout Creek, Noxon Reservoir has a hearty population of largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as northern pike. Its waters are fished primarily by boat, with several access points along the reservoir.
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North Shore Campground
Placid Lake
Three miles south and 3 miles west of Seeley Lake, Placid Lake is known for its excellent trout fishing and smooth waters. Placid Lake State Park has facilities for camping, picnicking, boating, swimming and more.
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Placid Lake State Park
Salmon Lake
Five miles south of Seeley Lake, Salmon Lake is known as one of the most picturesque lakes on the Clearwater River. Popular activities include fishing, boating and other water sports. Salmon Lake State Park has camping facilities, as well a boat dock and ramp.
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Salmon Lake State Park
Seeley Lake
This 1,000+ acre lake is popular among fishermen, as its home to kokanee, largemouth bass, whitefish, northern pike and yellow perch, as well as rainbow and westslope cutthroat trout. The lake is a popular destination for water recreationists and is prime for boating and swimming.
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Big Larch Campground
Riverpoint Campground
Seeley Lake Campground
Swan Lake
Located at the north end of the Swan Valley near Bigfork, Swan Lake is popular for both fishing and recreation. About 8 miles long and 1 mile wide, the lake is home to northern pike, salmon and rainbow trout. You’ll also find a day-use area, small beach and campground.
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Swan Lake Campground
Thompson Chain of Lakes
Eighteen Lakes, including McGregor, Little McGregor, Lower Thompson, Middle Thompson, Upper Thompson, Horseshoe and Loon, make up Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park, stretching more than 20 miles between Kalispell and Libby. Visitors enjoy swimming, boating, camping and water skiing, as well as excellent fishing.
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Logan State Park
Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park
Thompson Falls Reservoir
Located in Thompson Falls, the reservoir offers a variety of recreational activities like boating and fishing. Several boat launches can be found along the reservoir. A fish ladder allows visitors to witness the endangered bull trout as it makes its journey upstream.
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Thompson Falls State Park
Whitefish Lake
Offering sandy beaches and beautiful state parks, Whitefish Lake sits just north of the community of Whitefish and at the base of Big Mountain—home to Whitefish Mountain Resort. At 7 miles long and more than 2 miles wide, the lake offers plenty of space for water recreation, such as boating, swimming, water skiing and fishing.
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Lee Mason State Park
Whitefish Lake State Park
