Fishing Whitefish Lake

AKA: Whitefish Lake State Park

Popular Fish Species
Whitefish Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Whitefish Lake, MT

Popular Fish Species Whitefish Lake, MT

Whitefish Lake Popular Fish - Brook Trout

Brook Trout Fishing

Currently, fishing for brook trout in Whitefish Lake is popular due to the abundance of these tasty brookies. Brook trout spawn in the Fall, rather than the Spring, and they are quite prolific spawners. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing. Brook trout can be easily caught on flies, small spinners, worms, maggots and wax worms.

Whitefish Lake Popular Fish - Lake Torut

Lake Trout Fishing

Fishing for lake trout in Whitefish Lake is often quite good and the fish are plentiful. These large trout prefer water below 60 degrees, however they can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 30 feet in Spring and Fall, to as deep as 150 feet or more during Summer and Winter. It is a monumental assistance to use fish finders, or other electronics to help in locating these roaming schools of lake trout. They feed on baitfish and other small fish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for big lake trout with spoons can deliver some great catches.

Whitefish Lake Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Northern pike are voracious feeders and they have the tools necessary to catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. They are currently thriving in the cool waters of Whitefish Lake. This year they are being caught in good quantity and some mighty big sizes. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can also be a big help.

Whitefish Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for brook trout, cutthroat trout, lake trout, yellow perch and northern pike at Whitefish Lake in Montana.

Boating, camping and fishing attract seasonal visitors to Whitefish Lake, a 3,300-acre lake in the northwest part of the state, at the town of Whitefish. The lake is surrounded by nearly 16 miles of scenic shoreline and great mountain views.

A great place to begin your adventure is Whitefish Lake State Park which has swimming areas, campgrounds with RV hookups, rental boats, parking and a nice boat launch ramp. There is space for fishing from the bank near Whitefish Lake Park Boat Access, as well as a few areas around the lake for those who enjoy a small trek from the roadways to the shore. Trout, perch and northern pike reside here. Ice fishing for lake trout, perch and pike is popular in winter.

Primary fish species residing in Whitefish Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Whitefish Lake 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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Marina at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
Rentals: Pontoon boats, canoes and kayaks
406 863-4000

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

City Beach Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Lakeside Blvd, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and no parking.

Whitefish Lake Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Whitefish Lake Marina Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Marina at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
1380 Wisconsin Ave
Whitefish, MT 59937
406 863-4000