Here at Saddlehorn, we’re surrounded by some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in Montana and the West. And while our community is located on a mountain overlooking Bigfork and our homesteads are surrounded by trees with sweeping views, one of our most-loved assets is Flathead Lake, home to Saddlehorn Marina (learn more about that amenity here).
The largest natural freshwater lake in the West, Flathead Lake is considered one of Montana’s best-kept secrets. With that in mind, here are six things to know about Flathead Lake.
1. It’s fed by snowmelt and glacial runoff.
The Flathead River and Swan River (as well as other streams) flow into Flathead Lake, with snowmelt and glacial runoff filling up the lake each summer. The Flathead River (which is fed by the Middle Fork, South Fork and North Fork) is responsible for 85% of the water that goes into Flathead Lake.
2. The water in Flathead Lake replaces itself fully every 2.5 years.
One of the reasons Flathead Lake’s water is so clean is because it replaces itself ever 2.5 years. The water flows out of the southwest corner at the Seli’š Ksanka Ql’ispe’ Dam and down into the Columbia River Basin.
3. The last time the lake froze in its entirety was in 2019.
While the lake doesn’t freeze often, there have been some occasions where it has frozen across. The last time was in 2019 – another fun fact: that was also the year Lake McDonald froze in Glacier National Park.
4. It has 185 miles of shoreline.
From its main shorelines to the miles of shorelines on the plentiful islands found on the lake, Flathead Lake has a total of 185 miles of shore.
5. It’s home to huge fish.
There are numerous types of fish in the lake, including lake trout who like the lake’s depth (370 feet) and cold waters. Lake trout reach up to 42 pounds (and maybe even bigger)! Mack Days (which are held each spring and fall) are popular events for landing lake trout. Lake trout are invasive in the lake and Mack Days helps to decrease the population to allow native fish like bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout to thrive.
6. It’s 28 miles long and 15 miles wide.
Flathead Lake is long, wide and deep, with orchards and communities around the lake. Due to its sheer size, it almost creates its own ecosystem, creating milder temperatures around the lake.
Until next time,
The Crew at Saddlehorn
