Flathead Lake Fishing Charter
Flathead Lake fishing
Big water, deep fish, and wide-open views. Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, and it’s home to lake trout (mackinaw), whitefish, and the occasional big surprise. Whether you’re jigging deep or trolling across the flats, we’ll get you where the fish are—and take in some of the best scenery in northwest Montana while we’re at it.
- Nearby Towns: Polson, Bigfork, Lakeside, Kalispell
- Includes: Licensed fishing guide, fully equipped boat, rods, reels, tackle, bait, cooler with bottled water (lunch/snacks depending on duration), all safety gear
- Target Species: Lake trout (mackinaw), northern pike, whitefish, yellow perch
- Fishing Style: Jigging, trolling, and vertical presentations depending on season
- Best For: All skill levels—families welcome. Great for groups, kids, and anyone who wants a relaxing day on the lake with rods in the water
-
Trip Info: Private charter. Morning and evening options available
Max group size: 4–6 anglers depending on boat - What to Know: Montana fishing license required. Dress in layers—lake weather can change fast
- Season: May through October. Spring and fall for deeper bites, summer for steady action and calm cruising
Your Flathead Lake fishing adventure includes:
- Licensed captain with local lake knowledge
- Fully equipped fishing boat with downriggers and fish finders
- Premium rods, reels, and all tackle
- Fresh bait and lures for current conditions
- Snacks, and beverages
- Cooler with bottled water and non-alcoholic drinks
- All safety equipment and first aid kit
Duration:
- Half Day: 4 hours
- 3/4 Day: 6 hours
- Full Day: 8 hours
Meeting Location: Details provided by your captain. Launch sites near Bigfork, or Lakeside.
Group Size: Maximum 6 people per boat. Perfect for families and groups.
Skill Level: No experience needed - all levels welcome, from first-timers to seasoned anglers.
What to Expect: Fishing for lake trout and other species using downriggers and various techniques, scenic cruise on Flathead Lake with stunning mountain views, instruction on lake fishing methods, lunch on the boat, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Essential:
- Montana fishing license (required for ages 12+)
- Polarized sunglasses
- Sunscreen and hat
- Camera or phone for photos
- Comfortable shoes
Clothing:
- Layered clothing (weather can change on the lake)
- Light jacket or windbreaker
- Long-sleeve shirt for sun protection
- Comfortable pants or shorts
Optional:
- Personal snacks or beverages
- Dry bag for electronics
- Insect repellent (seasonal)
What We Provide: All fishing gear, bait, tackle, boat, lunch, beverages, and safety equipment.
At Riverstone Outfitters, we understand the value of your time—and ours. Our policy helps ensure a fair shake for clients and guides alike, especially during a busy season with limited availability. We advise considering out optional trip protection for when the unexpected happens!
Deposit Required
A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your trip date. The remaining balance is due 7 days prior to your trip, the card used to book your trip will be automatically charged for the balance unless you have made prior arrangements to use a different payment method. Trips booked within 7 days of trip date, full payment is required at time of booking.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your trip, please give us as much notice as possible. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
- 30+ Days Notice: Full refund of your deposit, or ability to rebook for a later date.
- 8–29 days before your trip: Your deposit is non-refundable. At this stage, it’s unlikely we can rebook the date, and guides have already committed their time. If we are able to rebook your guide, we will issue a refund of your deposit.
- 7 days or less: The full trip cost is non-refundable. We’ll do our best to fill the spot, but last-minute cancellations leave little room to adjust.
- Please note: All refunds are charged a $40 cancelation fee in addition Credit card processing fees are non-refundable, as these are retained by our payment processor and not returned to us when a refund is issued.
Weather Cancellations
We fish in all kinds of weather—sun, wind, or rain—but your safety is our top priority, if conditions are unsafe, (extreme weather, lightning unfishable high water), your guide or Riverstone Outfitters will make the call. In that case, we’ll offer to reschedule your trip or refund it in full.
Rescheduling
We're happy to work with you to reschedule your trip! If you need to change your date:
- 7+ Days Notice: Free rescheduling
- Less than 7 Days: Subject to availability and may incur a rescheduling fee of $50
No-Shows
If you don't arrive at the meeting location within 30 minutes of the scheduled start time without prior communication, the trip may be considered a no-show and your full payment will be forfeited. Please be on time—we want to make the most of your day on the water!
Questions?
If you have concerns about weather or need to discuss your booking, please contact us as soon as possible. We're here to help make your trip happen!
Flathead Lake fishing
Big water, deep fish, and wide-open views. Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, and it’s home to lake trout (mackinaw), whitefish, and the occasional big surprise. Whether you’re jigging deep or trolling across the flats, we’ll get you where the fish are—and take in some of the best scenery in northwest Montana while we’re at it.
- Nearby Towns: Polson, Bigfork, Lakeside, Kalispell
- Includes: Licensed fishing guide, fully equipped boat, rods, reels, tackle, bait, cooler with bottled water (lunch/snacks depending on duration), all safety gear
- Target Species: Lake trout (mackinaw), northern pike, whitefish, yellow perch
- Fishing Style: Jigging, trolling, and vertical presentations depending on season
- Best For: All skill levels—families welcome. Great for groups, kids, and anyone who wants a relaxing day on the lake with rods in the water
-
Trip Info: Private charter. Morning and evening options available
Max group size: 4–6 anglers depending on boat - What to Know: Montana fishing license required. Dress in layers—lake weather can change fast
- Season: May through October. Spring and fall for deeper bites, summer for steady action and calm cruising
Your Flathead Lake fishing adventure includes:
- Licensed captain with local lake knowledge
- Fully equipped fishing boat with downriggers and fish finders
- Premium rods, reels, and all tackle
- Fresh bait and lures for current conditions
- Snacks, and beverages
- Cooler with bottled water and non-alcoholic drinks
- All safety equipment and first aid kit
Duration:
- Half Day: 4 hours
- 3/4 Day: 6 hours
- Full Day: 8 hours
Meeting Location: Details provided by your captain. Launch sites near Bigfork, or Lakeside.
Group Size: Maximum 6 people per boat. Perfect for families and groups.
Skill Level: No experience needed - all levels welcome, from first-timers to seasoned anglers.
What to Expect: Fishing for lake trout and other species using downriggers and various techniques, scenic cruise on Flathead Lake with stunning mountain views, instruction on lake fishing methods, lunch on the boat, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Essential:
- Montana fishing license (required for ages 12+)
- Polarized sunglasses
- Sunscreen and hat
- Camera or phone for photos
- Comfortable shoes
Clothing:
- Layered clothing (weather can change on the lake)
- Light jacket or windbreaker
- Long-sleeve shirt for sun protection
- Comfortable pants or shorts
Optional:
- Personal snacks or beverages
- Dry bag for electronics
- Insect repellent (seasonal)
What We Provide: All fishing gear, bait, tackle, boat, lunch, beverages, and safety equipment.
At Riverstone Outfitters, we understand the value of your time—and ours. Our policy helps ensure a fair shake for clients and guides alike, especially during a busy season with limited availability. We advise considering out optional trip protection for when the unexpected happens!
Deposit Required
A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your trip date. The remaining balance is due 7 days prior to your trip, the card used to book your trip will be automatically charged for the balance unless you have made prior arrangements to use a different payment method. Trips booked within 7 days of trip date, full payment is required at time of booking.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your trip, please give us as much notice as possible. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
- 30+ Days Notice: Full refund of your deposit, or ability to rebook for a later date.
- 8–29 days before your trip: Your deposit is non-refundable. At this stage, it’s unlikely we can rebook the date, and guides have already committed their time. If we are able to rebook your guide, we will issue a refund of your deposit.
- 7 days or less: The full trip cost is non-refundable. We’ll do our best to fill the spot, but last-minute cancellations leave little room to adjust.
- Please note: All refunds are charged a $40 cancelation fee in addition Credit card processing fees are non-refundable, as these are retained by our payment processor and not returned to us when a refund is issued.
Weather Cancellations
We fish in all kinds of weather—sun, wind, or rain—but your safety is our top priority, if conditions are unsafe, (extreme weather, lightning unfishable high water), your guide or Riverstone Outfitters will make the call. In that case, we’ll offer to reschedule your trip or refund it in full.
Rescheduling
We're happy to work with you to reschedule your trip! If you need to change your date:
- 7+ Days Notice: Free rescheduling
- Less than 7 Days: Subject to availability and may incur a rescheduling fee of $50
No-Shows
If you don't arrive at the meeting location within 30 minutes of the scheduled start time without prior communication, the trip may be considered a no-show and your full payment will be forfeited. Please be on time—we want to make the most of your day on the water!
Questions?
If you have concerns about weather or need to discuss your booking, please contact us as soon as possible. We're here to help make your trip happen!
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Well, don't Just Take Our Word for It!
"Great trip. Joseph was great guide. Very friendly and fun!"
"There is not a better outfitter service! Nathan will take care of whatever you need to make your trip epic!"
"This was my first experience with a guide and I had a lot of fun and would recommend Riverstone to everyone"