Flathead Lake

Flathead Lake

Kalispell, Flathead County, MT
197mi²
881.00ft
Directions
Lake Information

Flathead Lake, located in Flathead County, Montana, is a stunning body of water that spans over 26,080 acres. The lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes on the West Coast and is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for water activities such as sailing, speed boating, and fishing. With thirteen public access points, it is easy for visitors to get on the water from any direction. While visitors on the southern part of the lake need to buy a tribal recreation permit due to its location on the Flathead Reservation boundary, the rest of the lake is open for exploration. Flathead Lake is also known for its scenic beauty and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The west shore of the lake is particularly noteworthy, as it is home to Wildhorse Island State Park. This park can only be accessed by boat and is home to hiking trails that provide an excellent view of bald eagles and wild horses. The island is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area. Fishing is another popular activity at Flathead Lake, with the lake being home to a variety of fish species, including trout, bass, and pike. Fishing enthusiasts can also participate in the annual Mack Days fishing tournament, held each spring and fall, which awards prizes for the most fish caught. With its ample recreational opportunities, stunning scenery, and unique natural features, Flathead Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to spend their summer vacation in the great outdoors. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, the lake offers something for everyone, making it the perfect spot for a family vacation, romantic getaway, or solo adventure.

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Current Conditions

69°F°
Feels like 65°F°
Cloudy
Today's High
54°F°
Today's Low
44°F°

Water Temperature

35°F
Updated: (May 2)
Sign in to contribute temps.

Current water temperature for Flathead Lake is 35°F.

Current Snapshot

Wind4 mph E (Gust 6 mph)
Pressure
29.63 inHg
Visibility36 mi
Humidity36%
Cloud Cover100%

Forecast: Sunday, May 4

Day 1 of 9

Hourly Insights

7 AM
49°F°
10%
10 AM
46°F°
16%
1 PM
44°F°
18%
4 PM
45°F°
9%

Temperature

High
54°F°
Low
44°F°

Precipitation

Chance69%
Amount0.20"
Typerain

Wind

5mph
Avg Speed
Gusts up to
12mph
CalmModerateStrong
Max Speed8 mph

Sun, Moon & UV

Sunrise12:13 PM
Sunset2:53 AM
Moon PhasefirstQuarter
Max UV Index4 (Moderate)

Solunar Fishing Forecast

Action Rating
2/5

Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)

Major Times (Best)

1:50 AM - 4:20 AM

10:07 AM - 12:37 PM

Minor Times (Good)

6:09 PM - 7:39 PM

8:55 AM - 10:25 AM

Outlook for Sunday at Flathead Lake

Expect temperatures ranging from 44°F to 54°F. There's a 69% chance of rain, potentially bringing around 0.20" rain. Winds will be averaging 5 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 12 mph. The maximum UV index will be 4 (Moderate), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 2/5 (Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 1:50 AM and 10:07 AM, or try the minor windows near 6:09 PM and 8:55 AM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for Flathead Lake.

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May 3rd 2025

Lake Information

Elevation
881 ft
Area
197 mi²
Coordinates
47.790, -114.091

Weather Forecast

Sunday

54°F
44°F

Monday

55°F
42°F

Tuesday

59°F
39°F

Wednesday

67°F
42°F

Thursday

60°F
48°F

Friday

63°F
43°F

Saturday

71°F
47°F

Sunday

66°F
47°F

Monday

67°F
47°F
Sunday - 5/4/2025
54°F
44°F
12am
54°F
35°F
29.80 hPa
6 mph
NW
G: 11 mph
2am
52°F
35°F
29.83 hPa
4 mph
WSW
G: 8 mph
4am
50°F
35°F
29.86 hPa
8 mph
SSW
G: 11 mph
6am
49°F
35°F
29.89 hPa
4 mph
SSW
G: 5 mph
8am
49°F
35°F
29.93 hPa
3 mph
WNW
G: 8 mph
10am
46°F
35°F
29.96 hPa
3 mph
SW
G: 3 mph
12pm
44°F
35°F
29.98 hPa
6 mph
SSW
G: 10 mph
2pm
44°F
35°F
29.99 hPa
6 mph
SSW
G: 11 mph
4pm
45°F
35°F
29.99 hPa
4 mph
S
G: 10 mph
6pm
47°F
35°F
29.98 hPa
6 mph
SSE
G: 9 mph
8pm
46°F
35°F
30.00 hPa
4 mph
SSE
G: 6 mph
10pm
45°F
35°F
30.04 hPa
4 mph
S
G: 6 mph

Water Temperature History

Trends for Flathead Lake

Current Temp

Sign in to view

Latest recorded surface temperature.

Lowest in Period

33°F

On Jan 1

Coldest point in the Last 12 Months.

Average in Period

50°F

Typical temp during the Last 12 Months.

Temperature Trend: Last 12 Months

Surface temperature over the selected period.

Key Observations (Last 12 Months)

  • Warmest avg: July (71°F).
  • Coolest avg: February (35°F).
  • Rapid warming often occurs: February → March (+31°F).
  • Sharpest cooling trend: March → April (-28°F).

Weather Forecast

Wind speed and pressure trends

Hourly Wind Forecast

12am1am2am3am4am5am6am7am8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm7pm8pm9pm10pm11pm036912

Wind Direction

309°

Pressure

1009 mb

Cloud Cover

96%

Visibility

16 miles

Daily Pressure Forecast

SunMonTueWedThuFriSatSunMon0.008.8617.7226.5835.44
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flathead Lake

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