Flathead Lake and Northwest Montana Fishing Report for Early May 2023

May 11, 2023

Echo Lake

Bass are moving up on the shorelines of Echo Lake during pre-spawning, so look for good numbers of fish in the bays. Bass jigs and jerk baits have been getting good action. There are also a few nice white fish in the main lake.

Swan Lake

There has been good pike fishing on the south end of Swan Lake and most fish are taking smelt or dead bait.

Flathead Lake (East Bay)

Lots of smaller perch in the 7-10” range are being caught in East Bay of Flathead Lake, along with a few jumbo perch!

Lake Koocanusa

On Lake Koocanusa rainbow and bull trout action is good. Troll Dave’s plugs in purple colors or large trolling flies on planer boards to get the bite!

Until Next Time, Tight Lines!
Capt. Mike Jousma

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What Others Have to Say!

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Gina Mendoza profile picture
Gina Mendoza
11 days ago
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+13
As a travel nurse I attempt to fish every state I am assigned to and THIS was by far the most awesome experience and the views PHENOMENAL and the fishing guide EXPERT !!!!! Wkr ever forget this fishifn experience!!!!
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J. Tate profile picture
J. Tate
24 days ago
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+1
These guys were amazing!!! This charter was all about my 12 year old son and these guys delivered. Originally planned to fish Flathead lake but on Captain Mikes advice we pivoted to another more protected lake due to bad weather conditions that morning. It was still cold and it snowed, but we had the best time!!! Mike and his helper, Rick, couldn’t have been better to get my son hooked into a bunch of salmon and a real prize trout. These guys were the total package of professionalism, enthusiasm, encouragement and fun!! Thanks Mike and Rick!! We’ll see you again!!
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Ryan Mohr profile picture
Ryan Mohr
28 days ago
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+4
Cheyenne was our first contact with Flathead Fish Finders, and she was very helpful as we planned out our trip and was super patient as we had a lot of questions about the trip and this area of Montana. Mike was our captain, and he made sure we had a very memorable fishing trip. Mike reached out the day prior to confirm our trip and answer any questions we had. We got our fishing licenses online the day prior. At 8am, we met up at the launch with Mike. The ride out to the fishing spot was warm and comfortable. We caught a ton of lake trout, and when we were in between fish, Mike was a lot of fun to talk to. Our kids range in age from 5 to 16, and they had a blast. Mike was a pro cleaning our keepers on the drive back to the launch. We kept two trout for dinner, and they turned out delicious. Can't recommend these guys highly enough: a family business that treated our family to a fantastic day on Flathead Lake. Well worth the cost of the charter and we will definitely be back.
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Mike Snider profile picture
Mike Snider
42 days ago
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Dillon did an amazing job and we will definitely use him again. We had a great time on our trip and the boat was perfect.
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Laury profile picture
Laury
52 days ago
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Dillon was AMAZING!!! What an awesome trip, he was so willing to share his knowledge and love of the area. If you are visiting Wild Horse Island or chartering a fishing trip be sure and ask for Dillon!! ☺️
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Jeffrey Mueller profile picture
Jeffrey Mueller
57 days ago
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Excellent guide
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Kyle Brown profile picture
Kyle Brown
58 days ago
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+0
Josh was awesome. We pulled in some 40 yr old donkeys! Massive!! He did make me rub its belly awhile to make sure it was fine- but I had a moment with the fish. Magical. Let’s go!!!!
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Andrew Schell profile picture
Andrew Schell
58 days ago
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+1
What a great day! Never had a fishing experience like I did today. These guys know what they are doing and helped us create life long memories! Thank you Josh!
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Ryan Beglin profile picture
Ryan Beglin
58 days ago
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Unreal day on Flathead Lake with Josh. One of the best days of fishing I’ve ever had. We caught some absolute monsters, including two fish over 20 pounds. Josh knows the lake incredibly well, worked hard all day, and put us on fish from start to finish. Great guy to spend a day on the water with and an excellent guide. If you’re looking to fish Flathead Lake, I can’t recommend Josh enough. Incredible experience and a day I won’t forget.
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Ryan .House profile picture
Ryan .House
58 days ago
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+1
Best ever. Great rig, great gear, and better fishing!! Josh is the man!