The Flathead Lake Monster is Montana’s answer to Nessie, described as a long, dark creature that surfaces in Flathead Lake with humps breaking the water like a submerged chain. Sightings date back to the late 1800s, often by fishermen who swear they watched something massive glide just beneath their boats. Some believe it’s a giant sturgeon or an unknown species of freshwater eel, while skeptics point to floating logs or wave illusions. Regardless, the creature has become a local mascot, inspiring themed tours and merchandise that keep the legend alive. The Flathead Lake Monster illustrates how even the clearest, most tranquil waters can still harbor myths, echoing humanity’s ancient fascination with what might dwell out of sight beneath the surface.
Type:Lake Monster
Location:United States, Montana, Flathead Lake
Traits:Serpentine, large, dark ridges, small eyes, quick turns
Danger Level: 5.5
First Reported: 1890s
Sightings: 15
It glides near the surface in long, rolling arcs, ignoring fishing boats entirely. At sudden movements, it plunges down with a swirl of bubbles.
Salish legends describe a giant horned serpent that guards the lake’s deepest waters.
Regularly featured in Montana regional news especially during tourist season sightings. Appears in local folklore books and lake marketing campaigns. Receives little to no attention from broader scientific or national outlets.
Flathead Lake Monster sightings have sometimes been attributed to hoaxes or misidentifications of known animals, though no confirmed fraud has been documented.