Montana lake guide
Blanchard Lake Fishing
Blanchard Lake is a smaller Flathead Valley guide where access accuracy and species information are more important than filling the page with guesses. FishMT reports 1,566 estimated angler-days in 2021 and publishes a bathymetric map. An FWP access record named Blanchard Lake documents a gravel ramp, but its waterbody label is inconsistent, so FishyNW does not create a ramp pin from that record alone.
LocationFlathead County, Montana
Primary targetsRainbow Trout, Yellow Perch
Best seasonSpring through fall
Lake size143 acres
Guide reviewed
Scientific profile
Research snapshot
Average depth13 feet
Max depth32 feet
Elevation3,178 feet
Public launches1
Summer cautionWarm water
Lake depth map
Depth contours may take a little time to load. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Contour line20 ft Visible depth label
Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Historical survey data may not reflect current water levels or underwater hazards. Informational only; not for navigation.
Help us place this lake on the map
FishyNW covers a lot of lakes, and we are hustling to get every map completed accurately. This one slipped through. Know where the map should be centered? Send the coordinates or a Google Maps link and we will review it.
Did you know?
What makes Blanchard Lake distinctive
Blanchard Lake sits at roughly 3,178 feet in elevation, so seasonal access and water temperature can differ sharply from lowland lakes.
Blanchard Lake is documented in Flathead County County with a dedicated FishyNW fishing and access profile.
Measured & official data
Water Science
Loading available public monitoring and fishery science…
Pass 3 · depth + water column
Seasonal Fish Habitat
Surface · 0 ft
How to read this data
Temperature, dissolved oxygen, clarity, nutrients, chlorophyll-a, pH, and conductivity are observations from public monitoring records and may be historical. Thermocline depth is shown only when FishyNW can derive a strong vertical temperature gradient from a measured profile. It is not treated as a permanent lake characteristic.
Trophic indication uses the Carlson Trophic State Index only when FishyNW can normalize a measured chlorophyll-a, Secchi, or total-phosphorus value. It is a derived ecological indicator, not an agency impairment determination.
Seasonal Fish Habitat is shown only when verified bathymetry overlaps a same-day, same-station temperature and dissolved-oxygen profile. It is a historical screening snapshot, not a live prediction of where fish are located.
For lake trout, FishyNW uses the broader USGS-tested screening combination of water at or below 15°C (59°F) and dissolved oxygen at or above 4 mg/L. For other coldwater species, FishyNW does not invent a preferred-temperature threshold; it shows only the observed thermocline-to-oxygenated-depth refuge when the evidence supports it.
Harmful-algae status is never inferred from missing data. Always check the linked state source for current advisories before contact recreation.
Open matched Water Quality Portal recordsOfficial depth chart
Official static bathymetry
Interactive contours available
Blanchard Lake official depth chart
Open the official depth publication to inspect the lake chart. This static survey complements interactive contours when available and should not be used as a navigation chart.
Fishery record
Documented fish species
These species come from the lake record. Open a species guide for identification, seasonal behavior, and practical tactics without confusing general species guidance with a lake-specific survey result.
Stocking information
Blanchard Lake Fish Stocking
Recent stocking information summarized from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Dates and quantities can change. Always verify current fishing rules with the official agency before fishing.
Official stocking history
Five-year summary · 2022–2026
View agency record Fish stocked30,955
Stocking events2
Years stocked2
Species stocked1
Species in this period: Largemouth Bass
Most recent stockings
| Date | Species | Quantity | Size | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 8, 2024 | Largemouth Bass | 16,255 | 1.3 in avg length | Miles City Fish Hatchery · Montana FWP Fish Stocking Records |
| Aug 17, 2023 | Largemouth Bass | 14,700 | 1.6 in avg length | Miles City Fish Hatchery · Montana FWP Fish Stocking Records |
Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Last checked: Aug 26, 2026 4:00pm
Fishery intelligence
Official fishery evidence
Agency survey records and measured fishery data, distilled for trip planning.
7
verified signals
Research & surveys
Agency-backed record
Use the evidence
Turn records into a fishing plan
- Compare survey evidence with the seasonal guide.
- Use the map to connect depth, access, and structure.
- Confirm current rules and access before your trip.
Trip conditions
Current conditions
Loading the local forecast. Check access and official notices before leaving.
TodayLoading
WindLoading
GustsLoading
Rain chanceLoading
Four day outlook
Tools
Today's Lure Pick
Open Tools for species-specific lure guidance.
Angler interpretation
How the fishery changes through the seasons
This is the practical layer: use it alongside the documented species, depth, stocking, survey, access, and regulation record above. The current season opens first.
Spring
trout- Start here
- Cooler water, recent stocking, fish moving shallow, and protected shorelines or inlets that warm first.
- Watch for
- Cold fronts, changing water levels, muddy inflow, and early-season ramp conditions.
Summer
panfish- Start here
- Fish early or late, then adjust toward deeper water, shade, vegetation, or comfortable temperature zones.
- Watch for
- Warm water, weeds, algae, heat, and heavier boat traffic.
Fall
trout- Start here
- Cooling water, shoreline structure, points, weed edges, and simple presentations that let you cover water.
- Watch for
- Wind on open water, rapidly changing weather, and shorter daylight windows.
Winter
perch, trout- Start here
- Legal open-water or ice access, stable depth zones, and conservative cold-weather trip plans.
- Watch for
- Ice safety where relevant, ramps, road conditions, cold-water exposure, and current rules.
Official field updates Recent surveys and fishing pressure
Official surveys and pressure information can help with trip planning. Conditions change, and these updates do not guarantee current fishing.
Rainbow trout, Yellow perch
Montana FishMT provides an official Blanchard Lake waterbody page with public waterbody information, fish species, and survey data sections. Use as source-available survey context, not live catch data.
Rainbow trout, Yellow perch
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks FishMT source check includes fishery survey, sampling, or population context for Blanchard Lake. This supports species planning for Rainbow trout, Yellow perch, not guaranteed success.
Rainbow trout, Yellow perch
FishMT provides official map and waterbody context for Blanchard Lake. Use as access-planning context and verify ramps, restrictions, and site conditions before travel.
Rainbow trout, Yellow perch
Montana FWP lists Blanchard Lake Fishing Access Site with location details and directions south of Whitefish. Use as an official access signal.
Rainbow trout, Yellow perch
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks FishMT source check includes access, launch, shore, parking, or facilities context for Blanchard Lake. Use this as a trip planning aid before you leave.
Local angler stops
Nearby bait & tackle
Independent and locally owned shops near this water. Call ahead if you need a specific bait or item.
Lakestream Fly Shop
Independent fly shop and guide serviceWhitefish, Montana · Long-running independent Flathead Valley fly shop with gear, flies, reports, and guide service.
Chancy & Dave's Fish Camp
Independent bait and tackle shopEvergreen / Kalispell, Montana · Compact local tackle shop stocked for northwest Montana lakes and streams with bait, locally relevant tackle, and fishing advice.
Snappy's
Independent Montana sporting goods storeEvergreen / Kalispell, Montana · Long-running independent Montana outdoor store with a large fishing, marine and water-sports department.
Local-business listings can change. FishyNW does not rank shops by payment or sponsorship. Verify current hours and inventory before driving.
Keep exploring
Nearby waters
Whitefish Lake
about 7.1 miles away
Whitefish Lake is a 3,315.4-acre Flathead County coldwater lake with lake trout, whitefish, trout, northern pike, and perch.…
Beaver Lake about 7.1 miles awayBeaver Lake west of Whitefish is a compact but deep kokanee and rainbow-trout lake with a 111-foot maximum…
Bootjack Lake about 9.4 miles awayBootjack Lake near Whitefish is a small but relatively popular fishery with official bathymetry, public walk-in access, stocked…
Foy Lake about 13.6 miles awayFoy Lake is a popular lake just south of Kalispell with documented rainbow trout and kokanee, an official…
After the trip
Log what happened on the water
Use CatchSignal for catch reports, trip history, photos, and community activity. Keep your fishing history while controlling how much location detail you share.
Sources & feedback
Verified resources
Official links for this lake
Open the source that matches what you are planning.
Community feedback
See something that needs an update?
Send the correction and, when possible, the source. FishyNW reviews submissions before changing the guide.