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!