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Montana · Fishing
Marion sits in the Flathead Valley in northwest Montana, and the fishing around it is defined by a handful of smaller lakes tucked into the Cabinet Mountains and surrounding timber country.
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Marion sits in the Flathead Valley in northwest Montana, and the fishing around it is defined by a handful of smaller lakes tucked into the Cabinet Mountains and surrounding timber country. McGregor Lake is the biggest draw in the area — a long, clear lake off Highway 2 that holds kokanee salmon, yellow perch, and lake trout, with shore access and a campground right on the water at McGregor Lake Campground. Skookum Lake and Lynch Lake are quieter, more remote options that see far less pressure and reward anglers willing to make the drive or hike in. None of these are tailwater fisheries or designated wild-trout waters, so expectations should be set accordingly — this is relaxed, scenic lake fishing rather than technical fly-fishing country. A Montana fishing license is required for anyone 12 and older, and the specific regulations for each water body are outlined in the Montana FWP fishing regulations booklet, which is worth downloading before you go. If you're camping and fishing in the same trip, McGregor Lake Campground makes that straightforward without needing to plan around two separate locations.
McGregor Lake is known to hold kokanee salmon, yellow perch, and lake trout. Kokanee are typically the most actively targeted species, especially in summer when trolling with small flashers and wedding rings produces consistent results.
Ice-out in spring, usually April into early May, kicks off solid fishing as water temperatures rise and fish become more active near the surface. Summer mornings and evenings are the most productive windows once the water warms, and fall brings another good stretch before ice forms again in late November or December.
Mcgregor Lake Campground
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Bend Guard Station
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Tally Lake Campground
~46 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Kootenai River - Libby Dam Tailwater
~53 min drive
Moderate
McGillivray Campground
~59 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Fairview Ranger Station
~36 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Bull River Guard Station
~1h 12m drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Flathead Lake State Park - West Shore
~60 min drive
Moderate
South Dickey Lake
~1h 15m drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Star Meadows Guard Station
~39 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Doris Creek Campground
~1h 16m drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
North Dickey Lake
~1h 17m drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Shore fishing is viable at McGregor Lake, particularly around the campground area. That said, a small boat or kayak opens up significantly more water and is the practical choice for targeting lake trout in deeper sections.
Both Skookum and Lynch lakes require more effort to reach than McGregor, which sits right off Highway 2. Road conditions to the smaller lakes can be rough, especially early in the season, so check current access conditions with the Flathead National Forest office before heading out.
You need a valid Montana fishing license, available online through Montana FWP or at local sporting goods stores. Check the current Montana FWP fishing regulations for specific rules on each water body, including any gear restrictions or bag limits, since these can vary by lake and season.
