Montana lake guide
McGregor Lake Fishing
McGregor Lake is a 1,521-acre deep coldwater lake west of Kalispell with lake trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, and yellow perch. The lake reaches about 220 feet, so electronics and depth control become increasingly useful as summer stratification develops.
LocationFlathead County, Montana
Primary targetsKokanee, Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout
Best seasonSpring through fall
Lake size1,521 acres
Guide reviewed
Scientific profile
Research snapshot
Average depth106 feet
Max depth220 feet
Elevationabout 3,998 feet
Summer cautionWind
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.
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What makes McGregor Lake distinctive
McGregor Lake reaches about 220 feet at its deepest documented point.
McGregor Lake covers roughly 1,521 surface acres, making it one of the larger waters represented in FishyNW.
McGregor Lake sits at roughly 3,998 feet in elevation, so seasonal access and water temperature can differ sharply from lowland lakes.
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
McGregor 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.
Trout and salmon
Kokanee
Troll small dodgers, hoochies, wedding rings, or spinners.
View species guide
Trout and salmon
Rainbow Trout
Use bait, small spinners, spoons, or slow trolling depending on access.
View species guide
Trout and salmon
Lake Trout
Use electronics to find deep structure, bait, and suspended marks.
View species guide
Perch and pike
Yellow Perch
Use small jigs, bait, or dropper rigs near schools.
View species guide
Stocking information
McGregor 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 stocked232,654
Stocking events18
Years stocked5
Species stocked3
Species in this period: Brook Trout, Kokanee, Rainbow Trout
Most recent stockings
| Date | Species | Quantity | Size | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 8, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 924 | 3.9 in avg length | Jocko River Trout Hatchery · Montana FWP Fish Stocking Records |
| May 19, 2026 | Rainbow Trout | 6,750 | 7.9 in avg length | Giant Springs Trout Hatchery · Montana FWP Fish Stocking Records |
Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Last checked: Aug 26, 2026 1:56pm
Fishery intelligence
Official fishery evidence
Agency survey records and measured fishery data, distilled for trip planning.
9
verified signals
Research & surveys
Official survey records available
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, kokanee- 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, kokanee early- Start here
- Fish early or late, then adjust toward deeper water, shade, vegetation, or comfortable temperature zones.
- Watch for
- Wind, 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.
Know before you go
Rules and restrictions
Montana Western Fishing District rules apply unless a current water-specific exception is posted. Verify current FWP lake-trout and general regulations before fishing.
Getting on the water
Access and launches
Public lake access near Marion should be verified for parking, ramp condition, and seasonal use before towing.
Sorry, there are no mapped boat ramps for this lake yet. Check the access information below for other ways to reach the water.
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, Lake trout, Yellow perch, Kokanee
FishMT search result for McGregor Lake shows stocking information including rainbow trout and kokanee entries. Use as a stocking-history signal only.
Rainbow trout, Lake trout, Yellow perch, Kokanee
Montana FishMT source check includes stocking or hatchery context for McGregor Lake. This can help with trout family planning, but does not guarantee catch rates.
Local angler stops
Nearby bait & tackle
Independent and locally owned shops near this water. Call ahead if you need a specific bait or item.
Snappy's
Independent Montana sporting goods storeEvergreen / Kalispell, Montana · Long-running independent Montana outdoor store with a large fishing, marine and water-sports department.
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.
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
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about 4.8 miles away
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Middle Thompson Lake about 10.2 miles awayMiddle Thompson Lake is the practical anchor for many Thompson Chain trips and deserves a separate page for…
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.