Flathead Lake
ABOUT US
A “voyage” down Memory Lane…
Howe’s Fishing, located in Montana’s Flathead Valley, near Glacier National Park, is like no other Flathead Lake fishing guide service. We strive to provide you with a fishing experience that you will remember for a lifetime.
When it comes to fishing, touring and exploring Montana’s Glacier Country, we offer ten boats to serve you, from world famous Flathead Lake to the small local lakes and river sloughs that offer some of the best fishing this side of the Mississippi. We also offer guided trips on the East side of the state, specializing in the giant fish of Fort Peck Reservoir.
Ice fishing? We live for it! Our hardcore, tournament tested ice guides will treat you to an incredible on ice adventure!
Let’s go fishing!
A Able Fishing Charters and Tours was started by George “Shorty” Goggins in 1987. Back then, there were several outfitters on the lake, most of which have come and gone, but A Able Fishing Charters and Tours lives on.
Originally called A-1 Charters, the name changed sometime in the early 90’s. Back when it was important to be the first “name” in the phone book. When several other local businesses in the area decided to call themselves A-1, Shorty changed the name to A Able and the rest is history.
The name “Shorty” is synonymous with Flathead Lake. Thousands of customers, and hundreds of lifelong friends have been out on the big lake in an “A Able” boat. Many of the guides and outfitters on the lake today got their start with Shorty.
In 2008, Shorty sold the business to Pat and Tobi Campanella. Longtime customers and friends, Pat had previously worked in the charter business on Lake Tahoe and had guided hunters and anglers alike in Alaska for years before coming to Montana
Shorty and Pat, along with a couple other part-time guides, worked the big lake for a couple of years before Shorty permanently retired in 2009.
In early 2011, current owners Mike and Cindy Howe became the new owners of this storied company. Pat and Tobi needed to return to Alaska for career reasons and Mike and Cindy, already involved in numerous outdoor ventures in the valley, were looking to expand into the outfitter business. It was a perfect fit.
For years, A Able Fishing Charters and Tours was based out of Marina Cay Resort in Bigfork. In 2011, A Able Fishing Charters and Tours returned and once again calls Marina Cay home. While there are new names on the masthead, the legacy of Shorty and A Able Fishing Charters lives on. (Shorty passed away in April of 2017.)
Another twist to the story…
Back in the early 2000’s, Captain Bob Orsua got his start with Shorty, and within a few years had started “Mo Fisch Charters”, along with Captain Matt McComb. Mike got his start in 2009 guiding for Mo Fisch, before purchasing A Able and becoming friendly competitors with Bob and his Mo Fisch guides. In early 2017, tragedy struck when Captain Bob was diagnosed with aggressive cancer that would take his life within thirty days. Mike was offered the opportunity to purchase the Mo Fisch business and combine the two largest charter companies in NW Montana. The circle was now complete…
While operating under the umbrella of Howe’s Fishing, both A Able Charters and Mo Fisch Charters honor and respect the roots of both companies, and maintain boats in both Lakeside and Bigfork, Montana. Mike and Cindy Howe, along with guides Matt McComb, Chris Mischke, Jr. Garrison, Cameron Hockett, Ivan Keeney, Dane Hollinger and Ross Ganz are ready to serve our valued customers with the finest guided fishing the Flathead Valley has to offer. Along with our crew over in Fort Peck and now West Yellowstone (ice fishing only), we look forward to you choosing Howe’s Fishing to help make your memories happen on any and all of the waters we serve. Let’s go fishing!
Howe About Montana?
Outfitter Mike Howe
Owner of Howe’s Fishing – A Able/Mo Fisch Charters and Tours, has been fishing Flathead Lake, and other area waters, since his arrival in the valley in 1998. The areas trophy Lake Trout fishing was the first thing that caught Mike’s attention and remains his passion today. Mike lives and breathes the outdoors lifestyle and there is nothing more satisfying to Mike than putting a rod into a customer’s hands that has a true trophy potential mackinaw, northern pike, kokanee salmon or jumbo perch on the other end. Mike is on the Pro Staff of Cabelas, Clam, Vexilar, Pro Troll, Brads Killer Fishing Gear and more.
But Mike has more than just a few years of guiding experience on his resume. You see, Mike has been in the “customer service” industry for over 30 years. After a nearly eight year stretch serving his country in the US Air Force, and experiencing a service connected disability, Mike became a Letter Carrier with the United States Postal Service. After moving to Montana in 1994, he soon became a small town Postmaster, and served the local area in that capacity for 14 years in Kila, Lakeside and Columbia Falls. Mike understands that when you pay for a service, that is what you expect…service.
As an outfitter in a very competitive industry and area such as Montana’s Flathead Valley, Mike understands very well that if you don’t have a positive experience, there are many other fishing guides and outfitters that would love to get you in their boats! That is why, from the quality tackle Howe’s Fishing uses, to the superior condition of the boats, to the “satisfaction guaranteed” work ethic, Mike is confident that once you fish with Howe’s Fishing, you will have an outfitter for life!
When it comes to ice fishing, Mike presents an outfitted experience unmatched in Montana. As a member of the Clam Outdoors/Ice Team Pro Staff, Mike’s knowledge and position within the ice fishing industry is well known, and he has instilled that same passion and knowledge in all the Howe’s Fishing ice guides. His writing and seminar appearances cover the US from the West Coast to the eastern Midwest and he has been invited to appear on Jason Mitchell Outdoors TV, Tom Gruenwald Outdoors TV, HGTV, and others.
Mike and his wife Cindy are members of the Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork and Lakeside/Somers Chambers of Commerce and work closely with the Kalispell Convention and Visitor Bureau to bring new business and tourism to the area. They support many local charities, non-profits and fundraising organizations like Kids Hooked on Fishing, Walleyes Unlimited, Fishing Without Barriers and much more.
If you are interested in Flathead Lake fishing, lake trout fishing charters, guided ice fishing, Wild Horse Island tours and Flathead Lake tours, Mike and Cindy Howe and the crew at Howe’s Fishing Charters stand ready to serve you in a manner that you will want to experience again and again. See you on the water!
WHY choose Big Sky Fishing Charters / Howes Fishing?
Big Sky Fishing Charters / Howes Fishing is the largest charter boat operation in Montana, and is the home of both A Able and Mo Fisch Charters. A Able has fished Flathead Lake since 1987 and Mo Fisch since 2006. Many of today’s lake guides fished with A Able as kids, or got their start guiding here! Both companies merged in 2017.
Owner and Outfitter Chris Mischke and his wife April personally books every trip, selecting the guides, boats and location to best suit your needs. If you wish to fish with a specific guide, they will do everything they can to meet that request.
Our fleet of boats are all independently owned by the Captain(s) you are fishing with, experienced guides with a lot of “skin in the game”. They are the best team of guides available, who ALL work together to assure your enjoyment and our reputation is unmatched on the water. We fish year-round, on the open water as well as ice fishing.
Where are you located and what will we be fishing for?
While our core business is Lake Trout Charters on Flathead Lake, we fish a variety of waters within the Flathead Valley, including light tackle spin fishing for multiple species. We also offer year-round fishing on Fort Peck Reservoir in Eastern Montana and ice fishing in the winter.
During peak summer season on Flathead Lake, as water levels allow, we spare no expense so we can operate out of PRIVATE marinas in Bigfork and Lakeside. Both have private restrooms, a bar and restaurant mere feet from our boats. NO public boat launch drama here!
Our variety of offerings is unmatched by any other outfitter in the state and no matter what type of fishing you desire, we can make it happen!
We do not have an office location; our boats are our offices and while all bookings are done through our website, we will be happy to answer any questions you may have before you book, just call or use our “ask a question” tab!
What time do your trips start?
Flathead Lake peak season morning trips go from 7AM-12PM and afternoons from 1-6PM. Our guides expect to run two trips a day so no exceptions can be made for a later start. Nonpeak start times can be adjusted more freely but typically an 8AM start is normal during off peak seasons. All other trips start times will vary based on conditions, bite windows and other factors.
Do I need a fishing license?
YES, everyone 12 years of age and older will need to obtain a Montana fishing license before starting your charter. We do not sell them on our boats (although you can get them online from anywhere you have a signal). Once you receive your confirmation, info about license vendors and online instructions are included. If you have booked a scenic tour or are just going along for the ride, and do not intend to touch a fishing pole, then you do not need a license.
What is provided?
We provide a fully equipped, cabin style boat (lake trips) and a professional guide. All your fishing tackle, fish cleaning and light snacks and cold drinks are provided. You need only bring your Montana fishing license, clothing as the weather dictates and a small cooler (you can leave in your car until the trip ends) to take your cleaned catch home. Sunglasses and a hat are always a good idea. YES, you may bring alcohol, but please drink responsibly.
Are “tips” (or gratuities) expected, and what is a “normal” tip?
Like most personal service activities, tips are a normal way of life. At a minimum, the cost of your charter includes a professionally outfitted fishing boat, quality fishing gear and all safety equipment, fuel, and the guide. You would pay equal or perhaps much more for just the boat, gear and fuel for a “do it yourself” trip and still not have the knowledge, skills and entertainment factor of a local guide, often the keys to a successful and enjoyable time on the water. With that in mind, the typical gratuity for a professional guide of any kind is 10-25% of the total cost of the trip.
Can we bring our dog?
No-Our boats are not set up for having dogs aboard, and they can be stressful environments for the dogs and our Captains. (The only exception is for a small dog that will remain in its carrier at all times.)
Do we need experience?
NO! Our Flathead Lake trips are perfect for everyone, from complete novices of just about all ages to experienced anglers alike. The Captains will take care of all the rigging, explaining everything as they do, but when the fish strike, it is all on you! (We will coach you as necessary, but you get to fight the fish to the boat). On all other trips, varying levels of experience are recommended, please discuss this ahead of your booking.
Is there an age limit?
While we enjoy having kids aboard, anglers younger than 5-7 sometimes feel frustrated that they aren’t “part of the action” due to the environment. We have to keep a close eye on fingers and hands near moving equipment, sharp objects and fast action. Please be prepared as the parent to keep a very close eye on your younger children. All children under 12 MUST wear a life jacket at all times, and especially with the younger ones, bringing their own can make it an easier experience.
Can we keep what we catch?
While we encourage all of our guests to keep a few fish for the table, which we will gladly clean and fillet for you, packing fish to “send back home” is not easily accomplished here and often not realistic like in places like Alaska. It is very expensive to pack and ship via UPS or Fed Ex, so please respect our resource and only keep what you are prepared to eat fresh, or properly freeze or smoke immediately. (On some of our trips, like for Gerrard Rainbows and large Northern Pike, we are strictly catch and release except in the case of an injured fish or having mounted) and of course we must observe any and all size and number limits.
Are there bathrooms aboard?
All of our lake boats, at a minimum, have a “Porta Potty” and privacy screen for the ladies aboard. These are “tinkle toilets” and are NOT meant for the big jobs. There are “P-buckets” for the men. Please plan accordingly for your time aboard…
How do we book a charter?
We ask everyone to use our very user friendly “Book Now” feature on our website. All bookings require advance payment. If a date is not available, we will advise the next available date. If we cannot accommodate a request, an immediate refund will be given. Any other questions can be asked through our “ask a question” tab or by calling 406-257-5214. PLEASE allow up to 2 business days for confirmation of your request.
What is your cancellation policy?
While we require full payment to reserve your trip, we fully understand that stuff happens, so we ask that you notify us, via a phone call, at least 48 hours before your trip begins if you need to cancel. 48 hour notice you will receive a full refund, 24 hour notice it will be a 1/2 refund, and if you NO SHOW you will not be refunded as it is virtually impossible to fill your reservation window and the full cost of the trip will be forfeited.
We look forward to your time with us, and please share your confirmation email with everyone in your party so all are equally prepared! Thank you!
Big Sky Fishing Charters / Howe’s Fishing – A Able/Mo Fisch
Charters and Tours
PO Box 10 Bigfork, Montana 59911
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