Flathead Valley Fishing Report for Week of December 25th 2023

December 26, 2023

Welcome to Christmas Week!

First of All: Be careful out there with ice conditions changing DAILY!

Lower Stillwater

3-5” of ice: Good perch fishing with a few pike and lake trout in the mix.

Island Lake

3″ of ice: There is 3 inches of ice, with lots of small perch being caught, and a few pike have also been spotted.

Lynch Lake

5″ of ice: 5” of ice with a few small pike to be caught.

Rogers Lake

3-4″ of ice: The ice fishing conditions are good with 3-4 inches of ice; there’s active grayling fishing, and anglers are advised to try using small pink jigs for success. Additionally, a few nice cutthroat trout have been caught.

Smith Lake

3” of ice: The ice is currently 3 inches thick, with anglers catching a few nice perch and lots of small pike.

Smaller Lakes in Thompson Chain

2-4″ of ice: At Little Loon and Upper Thompson, ice thickness varies at different depths, ranging from 2 to 4 inches.

Lion Lake

2-3” of ice: A few small perch are being caught on Lion Lake.

Koocanusa

In the Rexford area, there is good rainbow trout fishing, with anglers having success trolling using flies and plugs.

Flathead Lake

There is good lake trout action at both deep and shallow areas near Delta or Big Arm, with anglers finding success through jigging.

Until Next Time, Tight Lines!
Capt. Mike Jousma

Book A
Charter!

Rates starting at: $400

Call:(406) 250-6246

What Others Have to Say!

       
   Flathead Fishfinders, Captain Mike's Fish~N~Fun
   358 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gina Mendoza 
 11 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +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!!!!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   J. Tate 
 24 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +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!!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Ryan Mohr 
 28 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +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.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Mike Snider 
 42 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Laury 
 52 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!! ☺️
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jeffrey Mueller 
 57 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent guide
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Kyle Brown 
 58 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +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!!!!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Andrew Schell 
 58 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +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!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Ryan Beglin 
 58 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Ryan .House 
 58 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +1
Best ever. Great rig, great gear, and better fishing!! Josh is the man!

Gina Mendoza

11 days ago

+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!!!!

J. Tate

24 days ago

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!!

Ryan Mohr

28 days ago

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.

Mike Snider

42 days ago

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.

Laury

52 days ago

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!! ☺️

Jeffrey Mueller

57 days ago

Excellent guide

Kyle Brown

58 days ago

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!!!!

Andrew Schell

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!

Ryan Beglin

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.

Ryan .House

Best ever. Great rig, great gear, and better fishing!! Josh is the man!