PureWest: A Lifestyle & Real Estate Blog

REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP: SPRINGTIME FISHING HOMES

From Flathead’s vast waters to the rugged beauty of the Salmon, Montana and Idaho boast some of the best fishing experiences, supporting local economies and drawing visitors from across the country.

Posted: April 28, 2025 by PureWest Real Estate

As spring settles across the west, fishing season arrives, bringing excitement for locals and visitors alike. The region’s waterways are prime spots for anglers seeking a variety of fish, from trophy trout to elusive steelhead. Whether casting from the shoreline or navigating the currents, spring fishing in these areas is a beloved tradition that supports local economies and attracts outdoor enthusiasts.

Montana Lakes
Montana’s fishing destinations come alive with spring. Flathead Lake, the region's largest, is a hotspot for lake trout and perch. Lake McDonald, nestled in Glacier National Park, offers trout fishing with stunning mountain views. Fort Peck, a vast reservoir in northeastern Montana, is known for its walleye and pike, drawing anglers seeking diverse experiences. Smaller bodies of water like Bitterroot and Yellowstone offer peaceful spots for rainbow and brook trout.

3700 Glen Lake Road | Eureka, Montana
5 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms | 4,941 Sq Ft
MLS # 30045676 | $3,700,000
Jeff Fisher | 602.531.0435 | JeffFisherRealtor@gmail.com

Idaho Lakes
Northern Idaho offers some of the best fishing in the state, with its pristine lakes attracting anglers year-round. Lake Pend Oreille, the largest in Idaho, is renowned for its Kamloops rainbow trout and lake trout. Priest Lake, surrounded by dense forests, hosts a variety of fish, including rainbow trout and bass. Payette Lake, near McCall, is ideal for kokanee salmon and perch, while Redfish Lake, nestled in the Sawtooth Wilderness, offers a serene setting for rainbow trout and kokanee.

Montana Rivers
Montana’s rivers are renowned for exceptional spring fishing, especially for fly fishing enthusiasts, as celebrated in the iconic book and film A River Runs Through It, which highlights the state’s deep fly-fishing culture. The Missouri River, famous for its trout, draws anglers from all over. The Madison, a fly-fishing haven, offers abundant rainbow and brown trout. The Yellowstone provides great opportunities for wild cutthroat, while the Flathead attracts those seeking scenic beauty with excellent fishing. The Big Hole and Gallatin feature pristine, unspoiled waters perfect for exploration.

Idaho Rivers
Idaho’s rivers are a haven for anglers seeking both adventure and tranquility. The Clearwater River, famous for steelhead fishing, is a favorite among fly fishermen. The Snake River, flowing through the region, offers excellent fishing for trout, bass, and steelhead. The Salmon River, known for its rugged beauty, provides thrilling fishing for both chinook salmon and steelhead, while the Little Salmon and Lochsa Rivers offer peaceful spots for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

557 O'Donnell Drive | Dover, Idaho
4 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms | 4,200 Sq Ft
Listing ID # 20250724 | $6,495,000
Laurie Thorpe | 208.204.8305 | Laurie@PureWestID.com
Abby Thorpe | 208.217.1075 | Abby@PureWestID.com

Spring fishing is more than a pastime—it’s a way of life. Whether casting from the shoreline or navigating the currents, both states offer diverse opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. From Flathead’s vast waters to the rugged beauty of the Salmon, these regions boast some of the best fishing experiences, supporting local economies and drawing visitors from across the country.

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PureWest: A Lifestyle & Real Estate Blog

REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP: SPRINGTIME FISHING HOMES

From Flathead’s vast waters to the rugged beauty of the Salmon, Montana and Idaho boast some of the best fishing experiences, supporting local economies and drawing visitors from across the country.

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