Frequently Ask Questions About Our Flathead Lake Fishing Charters
Answers to many of the most commonly asked questions about our Western Montana fishing charters can be found below.
However, prior to the day of your trip, your Captain will contact you directly with details about the exact starting time and meeting location for your fishing charter. If you have questions at any time, just give us a call at: (406) 250-6246
Subject to change per FWP regulations. Please view the website for pricing. https://fwp.mt.gov/fish/fishMTFAQ.html You can purchase your fishing license online. We do not need the printed copy. Your fishing license is emailed to you.
Resident or Non-Resident:
- Age 0-11yo. No license required.
- FREE fishing is Fathers Day weekend – no license required.
- Must observe all limits and regulations
Non-Resident
Standard Fishing License (total includes Conservation and AISPP Pass)
- One Day – total cost:
All Nonresidents: $31.50 - Five Days – total cost:
All Nonresidents: $73.50 - Full Season – total cost:
All Nonresidents: $117.50
Resident
Standard Fishing License (total includes Conservation and AISPP)
- 2 Days – total cost:
Youth 12-17: $11
Adult 18-61: $15
Senior 62+ : $11 - Full Season – total cost:
Youth 12-17: $16.50
Adult 18-61: $31
Senior 62+ : $16.50
YES, everyone 12 years of age and older will need to obtain a Montana fishing license before starting your charter.
Once you receive your confirmation, info about license vendors and online instructions are included. We recommend purchasing your fishing license a day or two prior to your charter, licenses purchased are non-refundable.
Flathead Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers of all experience levels. Depending on the season and conditions, we commonly target:
- Lake Trout
- Northern Pike
- Whitefish
- Yellow Perch
- Smallmouth Bass
- Lake Whitefish
Every trip is a little different, and Captain Mike will help put you on the best bite possible during your time on the water.
Flathead Lake: Somers, MT – Somers Fishing Access Site
Trips meet and launch from the Somers Fishing Access Site located at:
5353 US Highway 93 S
Somers, MT 59932
Detailed meeting instructions will also be provided when your trip is booked.
We provide:
- All fishing tackle and bait
- Filleting and packing your catch on ice
- water and soft drinks are provided
You will need to bring:
- Montana fishing license (resident or non-resident)
- Appropriate clothing for the weather
- Any food items such as snacks or a lunch ( due to Covid-19 restrictions, we do not provide food items at this time)
- YES, you may bring alcohol, but please drink responsibly. We do not provide alcoholic beverages.
- Sunscreen No aerosol spray. swimwear if you would like to take a dip to cool off.
No. However, our guides give 110% to get you fish. We can’t predict what will happen and when the fish will bite.
Our guides pre-fish the water, and mark areas that are the most successful for catching fish, but we can’t guarantee a catch.
Yes! Summer months can be very hot on the lake, especially July & August.
Please talk to your captain and let him know that you would like to get in the water to cool off.
At Flathead Fishfinders safety is a top concern. Rest assured you’ll be in good hands on your charter.
All trips include:
- Life preservers for each person
- All guides are licensed and first aid certified
- All vessels are well-maintained and include necessary first aid equipment
We enjoy having kids aboard, however anglers younger than 5-7 sometimes feel frustrated that they aren’t “part of the action” due to the environment.
We have to keep a close eye on fingers and hands near moving equipment, sharp objects and fast action. Please be prepared as the parent to keep a very close eye on your younger children at all times.
All children under 12 MUST wear a life jacket at all times, and especially with the younger ones, bringing their own can make it an easier experience.
A half day charter is the best option for younger ones.
Yes, like most personal service activities, tips are a normal way of life.
At a minimum, the cost of your charter includes a professionally outfitted fishing boat, quality fishing gear and all safety equipment, fuel, and the guide. You would pay equal or perhaps much more for just the boat, gear and fuel for a “do it yourself” trip and still not have the knowledge, skills and entertainment factor of a local guide, often the keys to a successful and enjoyable time on the water.
With that in mind, the typical gratuity for a professional guide of any kind is 20-25% of the total cost of the trip.
There are no bathrooms, however we can run to shore easy if anyone needs to use the restroom. We ask that all guests use the restroom prior to the trip.
The Somers Boat Ramp does offer a restroom facility.
Customers will receive a full refund or credit if the cancellation is made 48 hours or more prior to departure. If cancellation is made less than 48 hours prior to departure – you will be charged the full price of your charter.
Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Contact us by phone or email to cancel or inquire about a cancellation.
No-shows will be charged the full price.
Yes, if requested – we will fillet your catch and keep it on ice while you fish. Bring a cooler in your vehicle for transport of catch.
*limited to 10 fish, none exceeding 25″
Yes! Perfect Cuts in Columbia Falls provides this service: (406) 892-3718
Our local sporting goods stores are:
- Snappy’s Sports Senter
- Sportsman’s Ski Haus
- Cabelas
- Walmart
- Papa’s Woods
- Bay Market in Bigfork
or you can purchase them online at: https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/fishinglicenses
Call your captain.
If you are more than 20 minutes late, your charter will be either cancelled or rescheduled.
Our captains run a tight schedule; to ensure everyone gets their allotted fishing time, we ask that you view the google map link provided to you in the confirmation email.