Hooked on experience: G3 Outfitters offers an array of charters on Flathead and Whitefish Lakes

Gray Gordon III steps onto a 2025 Weldcraft Maverick fishing boat on the shore of Flathead Lake. While dark clouds sit atop the mountain range just west of the lake, the sky above the lake is blue, the water reflecting a pristine sparkle.  

In Gordon’s words, it's a great day to fish. Although, in his opinion, most days are great days to fish, he says with a smile.  

Gordon owns and operates G3 Outfitters, a fishing outfitter that operates on Flathead and Whitefish lakes. The name originates from his family nickname, G3.

“The experience is what we’re all about,” Gordon said, cruising the boat to the lake’s river delta to fish for lake trout. “We’re here to fish, but we’re here to have fun.” 

Gordon has two fishing boats. The main vessel is the Maverick, a 26-foot boar that includes a cabin and bench seating for up to five people. The other is the Lund Tyee, a 19-foot boat the is geared toward smaller parties and fishing hard to reach places.  

A third boat designed for river fishing is dubbed “The Bull Trout.” 

Gordon grew up in Sarasota, Florida, and moved here with his mom in 2015. Now 27 years old and after five and a half years of guiding on Flathead Lake, Gordon decided to open his own outfitting company, with a slate of repeat customers already.  

Along with both half-day and full-day fishing charters, Gordon also offers scenic trips, sunset cruises, rides to Wild Horse Island and other activities on the water. 

But fishing is at the heart of G3 Outfitters.  

In addition to his fishing knowledge, Gordon has an extensive culinary background and assisted in opening Abruzzo Italian Kitchen in Whitefish. He still occasionally works in the kitchen along with working as a private chef throughout the valley.  

He hopes to blend his two passions by expanding the fishing business to include catch-to-cook experiences focusing on dining after getting off the water while using what was caught that day.   

For the fishing chargers, all rods, downriggers, boat technology systems and more are available for use on the G3 boats. Trips are open to anyone from beginners to experts.  

“As a guide, I am confident that I know what the fish are doing. I follow their habits, I’m out here a lot,” Gordon said. “And one of my favorite things about that is being able to teach others.” 

With a large array of lures, rods, different fishing locations and more, each day on the water is a different surprise.  

“That’s part of the game, figuring out what makes them bite,” Gordon said.  

Fishing charters start at $500 and scenic tours start at $300. To get more information or book a trip, visit g3outfittersmontana.com or call Gray Gordon at 406-250-1441.  

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or kheston@dailyinterlake.com. 

    Gray Gordon, owner of G3 Outfitters, on his boat on Flathead Lake. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
  

    G3 Outfitters on Flathead Lake boasts a new boat for the 2025 fishing season. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
  

    Gray Gordon, owner of G3 Outfitters, sets lines on his fishing boat on May 13th. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
  

    A lake trout caught aboard a fishing charter by G3 Outfitters. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)