A Guide to Fishing From Your Sailboat

Flathead Lake fishing is among the best in Montana, allowing boaters to catch several species in this scenic glacial lake. Anglers can catch lake trout, pike, and perch throughout the year.

As the temperatures warm up, the lake becomes one of the best sailing destinations in the Rocky Mountains. 

Combining these two activities makes for a day to remember. Alternatively, if you already fish– you might find a new hobby in sailing! Here’s a guide to fishing on Flathead Lake.

Why Fish From a Sailboat

While not necessarily the most common type of boat for fishing, sailboats are a creative way to celebrate the popular pastime.

Fishing from a sailboat allows visitors to cover much of Flathead Lake’s 200 square miles. It’s easy to explore the lake’s more remote parts, which can lead to more productive fishing.

Sailing to your fishing destinations is also quieter and calmer than on a speedboat, allowing sailors to feel more connected to nature and take in the scenery. 

Go Sail Montana does not offer fishing from our charter tours but we can teach you the ropes of sailing so you can combine them in the future!

What to Pack

When packing for a fishing trip on Flathead Lake, you’ll want to bring some essentials. We have the sailing gear, life jackets, and other safety items, but visitors should bring:

• Fishing gear: Includes a rod, reel, tackle, and bait.
• Sun protection: Wear SPF clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

• Food: Especially for longer days out.

• Cooler or bucket: To store your fish.

Best Time to Fish Flathead Lake

While spring and fall are also excellent times to fish, the sailing season on Flathead Lake is from late May through early September. 

When fishing in the summer, anglers have excellent luck with trout, which can be found in deeper waters in spots like Big Arm Point. For whitefish and perch, slightly shallower spots that are still accessible by sailboat (like underwater ledges or rocky bottom areas) are good in the summer.

Rules and Regulations

It’s important to follow local regulations when fishing Flathead Lake. Remember the following:

• • Montana fishing licenses are required on the north end of the lake. You can apply for a license through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website.
  • Visitors who aren’t tribal members need a CSKT Tribal Permit to fish on the south end of the lake. Anglers can apply for the permit here. 

• The daily limit varies by fish type. Some fish, like trout and whitefish, have higher daily limits, while yellow perch are restricted to 10 fish over 10 inches in size.

• Cutthroat trout are catch-and-release only.

• No fishing for bull trout is allowed.

• Only two lines are allowed per angler. Each line can have 1-2 hooks maximum.

Try Fishing on Flathead Lake

Go Sail Flathead Lake is Montana’s first ASA-certified sailing school and offers visitors a chance to explore the largest freshwater lake in the Western United States. Sailing on Flathead Lake gives visitors a chance to explore the vast glacial lake and see the many exciting fish beneath the surface.

Whether it’s your first sail or you’re looking to combine your favorite summer pastimes, adding fishing to your sailing trip is a great way to experience Flathead Lake.