Fisherman reels in bones and clothing on lake, Montana authorities say

A fisherman reeled in some bones wrapped in clothing, leading to the discovery of human remains in a lake, Montana sheriff’s officials and news sources reported.

A fisherman on Flathead Lake alerted 911 to the discovery just before 3:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office told KTVQ.

“The calling party reported reeling in bones with clothing attached to them in an area southeast of Wildhorse Island,” sheriff’s officials told the Missoulian.

The remains appeared to have been in the lake for “some time,” deputies told the publication.

Officials recovered the remains, which will be sent to a crime lab for identification, Montana Outdoor reported. Additional searches are planned.

Flathead Lake is about a 180-mile drive northwest from Helena.

This story was originally published September 30, 2025 at 12:16 PM with the headline "Fisherman reels in bones and clothing on lake, Montana authorities say."