Glacier National Park Fishing: Best Spots in Glacier for Fly Fishing

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I am planning a 4 day backpacking trip in Glacier National Park for late to mid September and I was wondering if we had to pay for a temporary fishing license to fish in the lakes?

Also, do you have any different packing suggestions for a trip during that time of year? (Sept-Oct)

Answer

Hi Mike,

You do not need a permit to fish in any of Glacier National Park’s lakes. If you plan to launch any sort of boat, which I doubt since you’ll be backpacking :), then you’d need a permit.

So you’re aware, a number of Glacier National Park lakes are closed for fishing. They are:

• Kintla Creek, between Upper Kintla Lake & Kintla Lake

• Upper Kintla Lake

• Cracker Lake

• Logging Creek between Logging Lake and Grace Lake

• All of Bowman Creek above Bowman Lake

• The entirety of Muir, Coal, Lee, Otatso, Boulder, Ole, Park, Nyack, Fish, and Kennedy Creeks

• North Fork of the Belly River

• Slide Lake and the impounded pond below the lake

Regarding backpacking equipment for September…

You need to be prepared for 70-80 degree days and 10-30 degree nights. That also means be prepared for 20-80 degree days.

You can (and most likely will) encounter fresh snow, either during the day or through the evening.

Lightweight, wicking hiking clothes should keep you safe and warm.

When backpacking in Glacier National Park’s shoulder seasons, you must overpack and be prepared for everything.

Be sure to return and tell us about your trip and your favorite Glacier National Park hike

Have fun and be safe!

~ Perry

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Flyfishing trip to Glacier National Park in May
Rob

I was looking into a backpacking/fly fishing trip to Glacier National Park in early May (May 9th-14th).

Would you have any recommendations on places or whether or not this is a decent time period to go?

I really don’t know what to expect weather wise and would appreciate any info you could give.

Thanks a lot.

Answer

Hi Rob,

Flyfishing in Glacier National Park is a tremendously fun activity. Unfortunately, May is not the most ideal time.

Here’s why:

• The best fly fishing is in backcountry lakes, which can be anywhere from 2-10 miles into Glacier’s wilderness
• In May, you can’t access these lakes. Typically, snowfall doesn’t recede completely until July. However, you can make it to some great fishing lakes in June
• You will be able to fly fish in the larger lakes in May, such as Lake McDonald, St. Mary Lake, Bowman Lake etc.

If possible, I’d recommend putting your trip off until late June.

Almost all of the trails that provide access to the best fly fishing spots will be open by that point.

Here are my recommendations on the best fly fishing lakes and creeks in Glacier National Park:

• Snyder Lakes
• Lincoln Lake
• Trout Lake
• Bowman Lake
• Kintla Lake
• Lake Isabel
• Sprague Creek
• Snyder Creek

Anyone have additional recommendations on fly fishing in Glacier National Park for Rob?

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