Loading trail…
Montana · Fishing
Happys Inn sits in a quiet stretch of northwestern Montana where fishing means lake fishing, full stop.
3 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 3 spots
No additional spots match this filter.
Happys Inn sits in a quiet stretch of northwestern Montana where fishing means lake fishing, full stop. The three spots on record here — Lilipad Lake, Rainbow Lake, and the surf fishing area at Logan State Park — are all within reach of the small community, making this a low-logistics base for anglers who want water without a long drive. Lilipad Lake and Rainbow Lake are both lake fisheries, so expect still-water techniques to serve you better than drift-fishing instincts. Logan State Park adds some variety with surf fishing access, which in a Montana inland context typically means casting from the shoreline into open water rather than wading a river. None of these waters carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation in the current listings, so set expectations accordingly — this is solid regional fishing, not a destination trophy hunt. That said, uncrowded water in a less-visited corner of Montana has its own appeal, especially if you're pairing a fishing day with time in the park. Bring a Montana fishing license, check current regulations with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks before you go, and plan around early mornings when lake surfaces tend to be calm and fish are actively feeding near the shallows.
All three listed spots are lake or shoreline fisheries. Lilipad Lake and Rainbow Lake offer lake fishing, while Logan State Park has surf fishing access along its waterfront. There are no river or stream listings in this area under the current data.
Yes. Montana requires a valid state fishing license for anyone 12 and older. You can purchase one online through Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks or at local sporting goods retailers. Check the FWP site for current fees and any special permit requirements before your trip.
Mcgregor Lake Campground
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Bend Guard Station
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Bull River Guard Station
~53 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Kootenai River - Libby Dam Tailwater
~43 min drive
Moderate
McGillivray Campground
~52 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Fairview Ranger Station
~35 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Tally Lake Campground
~59 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Flathead Lake State Park - West Shore
~1h 17m drive
Moderate
Bull River Pavilion
~58 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Cougar Peak Lookout
~43 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Rainbow Lake
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Logan State Park
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
A medium-light spinning setup works well for most Montana lake fishing. Bring a mix of small spinners, spoons, and soft plastics to cover different depths. A float tube or small inflatable can extend your reach on both lakes, though shore fishing is accessible at each.
Early morning is generally the most productive window for still-water fishing in Montana — fish move into shallower areas to feed before the sun gets high and warms the surface. Evening can also be good, particularly in summer when midday heat pushes fish deeper.
Shoreline surf fishing at a state park is one of the more beginner-friendly setups you can find — no wading, no boat required, and the park infrastructure means parking and basic facilities are usually in place. It is a reasonable starting point for kids or anyone new to fishing who wants a low-pressure outing.
