It is well known to even a small child that in a world without water there is no existence of trees, animals or humans. However, most of the water sources around the world have been polluted due to various human activities. Therefore, people can be seen in any country who cannot take the water from water sources that are far away from their hands and go miles to find water.

However, there are also places where the super clean water is kept. The ‘Flathead’ lake located in the state of Montana in the United States of America is one such extremely clean source of water. Considered to be one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the United States, its water is surprisingly clear at the bottom.

location

Located in northwestern Montana, USA, Flathead Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the United States. It is thought to be a remnant of Lake Missoula, formed by the melting of glaciers thousands of years ago. Located at the edge of the Flathead River, it is world famous.

Flathead Lake is approximately 48 km long and 26 km wide. It is spread over an area of 510 square kilometers. Its maximum depth is 370 feet and average depth is 164 feet. A special fact is that it is deeper than the average depth of the Persian Sea and the Yellow Sea.

History

It is said that this lake, which was called ‘Salish’ in the past, began to be known as Flathead because a group of indigenous people living in the United States of America called Flathead Indians lived in this area. In the late 19th century, the Aboriginal people who lived in the area were moved to a land located at the southern end of Flathead Lake. The land area has been reserved for the same population.

surrounding

Flathead Lake is bordered by the Mission Mountains to the east and the Salish Mountains to the west. The valley surrounding the lake is an area with a consistently temperate climate. The Pacific Ocean is located 640 kilometers from the Flathead Valley. Due to the mild climate in that area, many different crops can be seen around the lake.

Cherry plantations are located mainly towards the east of the lake. In addition, to the west, vineyards and wineries can be seen. Apples, pears, plums, vegetables and Christmas trees are also abundant in the Flathead Lake area. Small factories that mainly produce honey and wheat-related products can also be seen around it.

Islands in the lake

Flathead Lake is also home to a number of islands of varying sizes. Among them, the largest island is the ‘Wild Horse’ island with an area of 2,164 acres. In addition, Melita Island, located about one and a half miles from the west bank of the lake, has an area of 64 acres. Its highest point is 80 feet above the water level.

In addition, there are several other small islands located in Flathead Lake. Melita Island is owned by the Boy Scouts of America, who use the island for camping and other activities related to Scouting.

Fish species of the lake

Flathead Lake is home to a number of native and non-native fish species. Its fish-related activities are handled through the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. ‘Bull trout’ and ‘cutthroat trout’ can be called as two local fish species that can be seen abundantly in Flathead Lake. Surveys have revealed that non-native fish populations began to increase in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Some non-native fish species that live in this lake eat other fish that live there, so many problems have arisen in relation to that ecosystem. A non-native species of shrimp that the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks recently introduced to the lake’s water bodies is also now abundant in Flathead Lake.

Fishing industry

Flathead Lake is home to many species of fish, and the associated fishing industry has become more popular. People living around the lake are engaged in commercial fishing and tourists who come to visit the lake are also seen engaging in recreational fishing activities.

Tourism industry
Flathead Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Many local and foreign tourists visit it. A number of small and medium scale hotels and restaurants are located around the lake that provide accommodation and catering facilities to them.

Tourism industry

Flathead Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Many local and foreign tourists visit it. A number of small and medium scale hotels and restaurants are located around the lake that provide accommodation and catering facilities to them.