The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Whitefish Lake
Flathead County, Montana · 3,330 acres (5.2 sq mi)
45°F water, calm this morning.
About Whitefish Lake
Whitefish Lake spreads over 3,330 acres in Flathead County, Montana. Whitefish Lake, next to the resort town of Whitefish, is an oligotrophic (clear, nutrient-poor) lake with lake trout that rival nearby Flathead Lake.
From end to end it runs about 4.9 miles with roughly 14.6 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 3,000 ft above sea level. It reaches about 233 ft at its deepest. Whitefish is on the shore.
- Size
- 3,330 acres (5.2 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 233 ft
- Shoreline
- About 14.6 miles
- End to end
- About 4.9 miles
- Elevation
- About 3,000 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- County
- Flathead County
- Water
- Known for clear water
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 1 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 0 mph
Saturday Good
- 7:00 am – 9:15 amsunrise · wind 2 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 3 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Whitefish Lake
Anglers come to Whitefish Lake for lake trout, trout, northern pike, yellow perch and kokanee salmon. With the surface at 45°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodLake trout
Cool surface. They come shallower; try shore points.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
- FairKokanee salmon
Near the surface in the cool water. Troll slowly.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:42 am · sunset 5:00 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Whitefish Lake
- Whitefishon the shore
- Columbia Fallsabout 8.3 mi southeast
- Evergreenabout 14 mi south
- Kalispellabout 15 mi south
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Whitefish Lake
What fish are in Whitefish Lake?
Whitefish Lake holds lake trout, trout, northern pike, yellow perch and kokanee salmon. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Whitefish Lake?
About 233 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Whitefish Lake?
3,330 acres, with about 14.6 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Whitefish Lake?
Whitefish is on the shore; Columbia Falls is about 8.3 miles southeast.
What is the water temperature at Whitefish Lake today?
The surface was about 45°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Whitefish Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
