Hungry Horse Reservoir
A 34-mile-long reservoir on the South Fork of the Flathead River in the Flathead National Forest, about 15 miles south of Glacier National Park's west entrance. It is a remote, clear mountain lake known for native westslope cutthroat trout, with bull trout and whitefish also present.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Westslope Cutthroat Trout
Smaller native cutthroats in secluded bays and creek mouths from May through October. Small spinners, spoons and flies work.
Mountain Whitefish
Present throughout the reservoir. Small baits and flies near creek inlets.
Bull Trout
A protected native species with special rules. Learn to identify them and check FWP regulations before fishing.
Boat launches
6 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Doris Point Boating SitePublicFlathead National Forest, run by concessionaire Flathead Valley Campgrounds. West Side Road #895, picnickingDirections ↗
- Emery BayPublicFlathead National Forest boating access and campground on the west sideDirections ↗
- Lost Johnny PointPublicFlathead National Forest campground with boating access on the west sideDirections ↗
- Abbot BayPublicFlathead National Forest boating access on the east sideDirections ↗
- Murray BayPublicFlathead National Forest boating access and campground on the east sideDirections ↗
- Crossover Boating SiteFreeFree Forest Service launch on East Side Road #38, about 46 miles south of Hungry HorseDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Hungry Horse Reservoir are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- Lary's Fly and SupplyNearby604 Nucleus Ave, Columbia Falls(406) 897-3740Directions ↗
Local tips
- The reservoir is drawn down a long way in winter and spring, so check water levels and which ramps reach the water before you go.
- Two gravel roads circle the lake: West Side Road #895 over the dam and East Side Road #38. There is no gas after the town of Hungry Horse.
- Bull trout have special protections here. Know how to tell them from cutthroat and check FWP rules.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
More Montana lakes
Canyon Ferry Lake Lake Koocanusa Lake Elwell (Tiber Reservoir) Hebgen Lake Noxon Rapids Reservoir Bighorn Lake Clark Canyon Reservoir Nelson Reservoir All Montana lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.