Fishing guide shares 'Flathead Lake monster' story on national tv show

For over 100 years people have claimed to see the Flathead Lake monster, which some say is a monster-sized fish that lurks in the depths of Flathead Lake.

Somers resident Tim Shattuck took the lore and legend of the Flathead Lake monster from local campfire stories to homes across the world on Sunday with the Destination America channel’s show, “Myths and Monsters of America.”

Shattuck said he has seen the monster himself. “I have seen it twice,” he said. “Once was on the surface (of the lake) and once in the depths, and I still believe it’s just a big old fish.” Shattuck opened Flathead Lake Monster Charters in Woods Bay in October 2012 because of what he said is his ability to find big fish in Flathead Lake. He said the producers of the TV show thought the name of his business was fitting, and he was asked to go on the show in December.

“It is PR and with a new business it can’t hurt,” Shattuck said. “If I can draw people here just to tour, that would be great. If it’s a laugh on me, then it’s a laugh on me, but if we draw business off of it then it is a plus to us.” Shattuck has fished from Alaska to Colombia and everywhere between. He also said he’s known as one of the top trophy fishermen on Flathead Lake, and backs it up with his clientele, including rock bands Paramore and Killswitch Engage.

“I know where all the spots are and we have the boat to do it,” Shattuck said about his 23-foot Grady White Gulf Stream. “I have seen six- and seven-foot waves on there (the lake). It has a mind of its own.”