Frequently
Asked.
Plain-English answers to the questions we get most before a trip — species, seasons, what’s included, licenses, kids, groups, weather, and the rest. If something isn’t here, call (406) 844-3474 or email charters@fishonmt.com.
Flathead Lake & the area
What fish are in Flathead Lake?
Flathead Lake holds lake trout (mackinaw), lake whitefish, kokanee salmon, northern pike, yellow perch, and smaller populations of bull trout and cutthroat trout. The lake is most famous for trophy lake trout, which can exceed 30 pounds. Different species are productive in different seasons — mackinaw year-round, kokanee in summer, whitefish through winter.
How big is Flathead Lake?
Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River by surface area — roughly 28 miles long, 15 miles wide, and 370 feet at its deepest point. It sits in northwest Montana between Kalispell to the north and Polson to the south, with Glacier National Park about 30 miles northeast.
Where is Fish On Charters located?
Fish On Charters Montana operates out of Lakeside, MT on the west shore of Flathead Lake — about 25 minutes south of Kalispell and 35 minutes north of Polson. Charters depart from Lakeside and can fish anywhere on Flathead Lake, the Flathead River, Little Bitterroot Lake, Nelson Reservoir, and Fort Peck Reservoir.
When is the best time to fish Flathead Lake?
Peak season runs May through September with the most consistent weather and species variety. Lake trout fish year-round; kokanee salmon are at their best June through September; whitefish peak from late fall through early spring; spring (May–June) brings the strongest pike action. Live water conditions are at fishonmt.com/fishing-report.
Booking a charter
How much does a guided fishing charter cost?
Fish On Charters runs half-day trips (~4 hours) and full-day trips (~8 hours), with pricing varying by location, season, and group size. Trips include all rods, reels, tackle, bait, a licensed captain, and fish cleaning. Current pricing and online booking are at fishonmt.com/services/fishing-charters.
What's included in a fishing charter?
Every trip includes rods, reels, tackle, bait or lures, an experienced licensed captain, fish cleaning and bagging, life jackets, and all safety equipment. Guests bring their own food and beverages, sunscreen and sunglasses, warm layers (mornings can be cold even in summer), and a valid Montana fishing license.
What's the difference between a half-day and full-day trip?
Half-day trips are about 4 hours, lake-based, and are well suited to families and first-time anglers. Full-day trips are about 8 hours and reach more remote water, giving more time for trophy species like big lake trout. Pricing and exact start/end times depend on season and location.
Do you guarantee we'll catch fish?
Yes — Fish On Charters guarantees you'll catch at least one fish on every trip. Conditions and species composition vary by season, but with 30+ years on Flathead waters and tournament-winning captains, the crew puts clients on fish reliably.
How do I book a charter?
Book online at book.vallypro.com/p/fish-on-charters-montana, or call (406) 844-3474 or email charters@fishonmt.com. Most clients book online for self-serve scheduling. Larger groups (6+ guests across multiple boats) should call or email for custom quotes.
How far in advance should I book?
For peak-season dates (June through August) we recommend booking 4–8 weeks ahead, with prime summer weekends often filling 2–3 months out. Off-season trips and ice fishing can usually be booked with a week or two of notice. Specific event weekends (Mack Days, holidays) fill earliest.
Before you arrive
Do I need a Montana fishing license?
Anyone 12 years of age or older needs a valid Montana fishing license to fish state waters — including Flathead Lake, the Flathead River, and all other charters we run. Kids under 12 fish free when accompanied by a licensed adult. Licenses are available instantly online at fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply.
How much does a Montana fishing license cost?
Non-resident 2-day licenses run about $30, and full-season non-resident licenses about $111. Montana residents pay less. A Conservation License (about $10, valid for one year) and the bundled AIS prevention pass are also required. Prices are set by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and adjust yearly.
Can I buy a fishing license the morning of my trip?
Yes. The Montana FWP online system is open 24/7 and issues licenses instantly. We recommend purchasing the night before so you have it on your phone or printed and ready when you arrive at the dock. Many local sporting goods stores and gas stations also sell licenses in person.
Do kids need a fishing license?
No — kids under 12 fish free in Montana when accompanied by a licensed adult. Kids 12 and older need a Youth Conservation & Fishing License combo, which is significantly cheaper than the adult version. Details and instant purchase at fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply.
What should I bring?
Bring food and beverages (we don't provide meals), sunscreen (non-spray; aerosol stains boats), sunglasses with polarized lenses for spotting fish, warm layers including a windbreaker for cool mornings, a camera or phone, and your Montana fishing license. Everything fishing-related — rods, tackle, bait, life jackets — is provided.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Yes, please do. Charters do not include meals. A cooler bag with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks (water, soda, or non-glass beer/wine) is welcomed on every boat. Glass containers aren't allowed for safety reasons. Coolers and ice are not provided, so bring what you'll need.
Skill level, kids, groups
Are kids welcome on charters?
Absolutely. Fish On Charters runs family-friendly trips often, and the captains are experienced with introducing kids to fishing. Half-day trips work best for younger kids who may tire after a few hours. Kids under 12 don't need a license when fishing with a licensed adult.
I've never fished before — is a guided charter a good fit?
Yes. First-time anglers are the majority of Fish On's clients. The captain handles rigging, casting technique, and landing fish — guests just need to be willing to hold a rod and listen. Half-day lake trips are the easiest starting point. No experience required.
Can non-fishers come along?
Yes. Non-fishing guests are welcome on any charter and can simply enjoy the boat ride and scenery for the same per-boat rate. Flathead Lake is genuinely beautiful from the water, and many groups have one or two non-anglers who come for the experience and views.
Do you do group trips, corporate retreats, or family reunions?
Yes. Fish On runs group trips of 6 to 30+ guests with multi-boat fleet coordination, custom routing, and optional Cook Your Catch shore meals. Common use cases include corporate retreats, sales rewards trips, family reunions, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and conference outings. Contact us for custom quotes.
How many people can fit on one boat?
Most Fish On boats comfortably accommodate 4 to 6 anglers plus the captain. Larger groups are split across multiple boats running in coordinated formation — guests stay together at lunch stops and return to the same dock. Single-boat groups of 4–6 are the most common booking.
Trip-day logistics
What if the weather is bad?
Captains make weather calls the morning of the trip. Light rain or wind isn't usually a problem on Flathead — boats have covered cockpits and the fish often bite better in overcast conditions. If conditions are genuinely unsafe (high wind, lightning), the trip is rescheduled or refunded at the captain's discretion.
What's your cancellation policy?
Specific terms are confirmed at booking through the Vally Pro booking system, but generally: full refunds for cancellations 7+ days out; weather-related cancellations made by the captain are refunded or rescheduled. Last-minute guest cancellations may forfeit the deposit. Contact us directly with edge cases.
Can we keep the fish we catch?
Yes — within Montana FWP regulations and species-specific limits. Lake trout, whitefish, kokanee, and pike all have daily limits and size rules set by FWP. The captain knows the current limits and will keep harvest legal. Fish are cleaned and bagged on the boat at no extra charge.
What's Cook Your Catch?
Cook Your Catch is an add-on service where the day's catch is prepared and served as a fresh meal shoreside — the same fish you caught, cooked while you watch. It pairs well with full-day trips and group bookings. Details and booking at fishonmt.com/services/cook-your-catch.
Do you do ice fishing?
Yes — Fish On runs guided ice fishing trips on Flathead-area lakes from roughly mid-December through March, depending on ice conditions. Targeted species include lake trout, whitefish, and yellow perch. Details and booking at fishonmt.com/services/ice-fishing.
Do you offer non-fishing tours?
Yes — Fish On runs scenic boat tours of Flathead Lake for guests who want the on-the-water experience without fishing. Tours focus on the lake's geography, Wild Horse Island, and the scenery between Lakeside and Bigfork. Details at fishonmt.com/services/scenic-tours.
Still have questions?