Montana Howes: What is the Connection Between Montana and the Howes Name?
Montana Howes: What is the Connection Between Montana and the Howes Name?
TL;DR: Montana Howes appears to refer to multiple distinct entities sharing the "Howe" surname in Montana, including Howes Fishing charter business in Bigfork, Montana State football coach Shawn Howe who recently joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, and various other individuals and locations with the Howe name throughout the state.
Key Takeaways
• Howes Fishing operates as Big Sky Fishing Charters in Bigfork, Montana, offering year-round fishing charters on Flathead Lake and other area waters [1] • Shawn Howe served as Montana State University's defensive coordinator in 2025, leading the Bobcats to their first FCS National Championship before joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in February 2026 [12] • Fort Howes was a civilian redoubt established in 1897 in what is now Powder River County, Montana, named after Captain Calvin C. Howes [2] • Luke Howe, a Montana State University student, represented the U.S. in international collegiate polo competition in England in January 2026 [11] • Howe Lake Trail in Glacier National Park offers a 3.8-mile hiking experience to wetlands and lakes fed by Howe Creek [9]
What Fishing Services Does Howes Fishing Provide in Montana?
Howes Fishing, operating as Big Sky Fishing Charters, provides comprehensive fishing and touring services on Montana's Flathead Lake and surrounding waters [1]. The business operates eight boats for Flathead Lake, each accommodating four to six passengers, plus one larger vessel seating up to 15 passengers for fishing, cruising, and parties [6].
The charter service offers year-round fishing opportunities, including specialized ice fishing during winter months with heated portable shelters, fish finders, and underwater cameras [5]. All boats feature quality equipment, covered areas, enclosed heated cabins, and private restrooms [5]. The service includes snacks, hot and cold drinks, and fish filleting and icing for customers [5].
"Howe's Fishing, with locations in BIGFORK and LAKESIDE, is the home of A Able Charters and Mo Fisch Charters, providing year round fishing and is the largest charter boat operation in Montana" [6]
The business operates from Marina Cay Resort at 180 Vista Lane in Bigfork from June through September, and from Lakeside Marina at 7135 Highway 93 South during October through May [5].
Who is Shawn Howe and What Was His Role at Montana State?
Shawn Howe served as Montana State University's defensive coordinator in 2025, culminating a five-year tenure with the Bobcats that began in 2021 [14]. He initially joined as defensive line coach and run game coordinator, was promoted to co-defensive coordinator in 2024, and became full defensive coordinator in 2025 [20].
Under Howe's leadership in 2025, Montana State's defense ranked 15th in the FCS in scoring defense (19.0 points allowed per game), 15th in rush defense (118.8 yards allowed per game), and 20th in total defense (328.8 yards allowed per game) [14]. The Bobcats registered 27 takeaways, ranking tied for third nationally, including 16 interceptions (sixth-best in FCS) [14].
Howe coached five All-American defenders during his Montana State tenure and helped lead the Bobcats to three Big Sky Conference championships [20]. The team reached the FCS National Championship Game twice, losing to North Dakota State in 2024 and defeating Illinois State 35-34 in overtime in 2025 for the program's first national title [20].
In February 2026, Howe accepted a position as defensive assistant with the Pittsburgh Steelers under new head coach Mike McCarthy, marking his first NFL coaching opportunity after 22 years in college football [14].
What is the Historical Significance of Fort Howes?
Fort Howes was a civilian redoubt established in spring 1897 in what was then Custer County, Montana (now Powder River County), in response to the murder of sheepherder John Hoover by Cheyenne warriors between April 28 and May 3, 1897 [2]. The fort was named after Captain Calvin C. Howes, who commanded the civilian garrison [2].
After Hoover's body was recovered on May 27, 1897, local women and children were evacuated to Sheridan, Wyoming and Miles City, Montana for safety [2]. Men from the Ashland area constructed the fortified redoubt on a hill crest located on the Howes ranch along Otter Creek, a tributary of the Tongue River [2].
The fort was built using rock and wood materials and operated only briefly in 1897 before being decommissioned the same year [2]. Today, the site stands at 3,297 feet above sea level and is located on private property near County Road 484 (Otter Creek Road), approximately 20 miles south of present-day Ashland, Montana [2].
What Other Notable Howes Are Connected to Montana?
Luke Howe, a junior at Montana State University studying environmental science, gained recognition in January 2026 when he was selected as one of four U.S. college students to represent America in the Intercollegiate Challenge Cup polo match against British athletes in England [11]. The competition was held at the All-England Polo Club in Hickstead on January 17, 2026 [11].
Montana also features Howe Lake Trail in Glacier National Park, a 3.8-mile out-and-back hiking trail leading to a series of lakes connected by wetlands fed by Howe Creek [9]. The trail offers wildflower viewing opportunities and wildlife observation, though hikers should prepare for bugs and bring repellent [9].
Additionally, Howe Realty operates in the Flathead Valley, serving the Kalispell area and surrounding communities [10]. The real estate company promotes the region's four-season recreation opportunities and diverse small towns throughout northwestern Montana [10].
Comparison of Montana Howe Entities
| Entity | Type | Location | Primary Activity | Established |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Howes Fishing | Business | Bigfork | Fishing charters | Active |
| Fort Howes | Historical site | Powder River County | Military redoubt | 1897 |
| Shawn Howe | Individual | Bozeman (MSU) | Football coach | 2021-2026 |
| Luke Howe | Individual | Bozeman (MSU) | Student/polo player | Current |
| Howe Lake | Natural feature | Glacier National Park | Hiking destination | Natural |
| Howe Realty | Business | Kalispell area | Real estate | Active |
Why This Matters
The various Montana Howes represent the diverse ways individuals and families have contributed to Montana's development across different sectors and time periods. From 19th-century frontier defense to modern recreational tourism and collegiate athletics, the Howe name appears throughout Montana's history and contemporary landscape.
Shawn Howe's recent transition from Montana State to the NFL Pittsburgh Steelers represents a significant achievement for Montana collegiate athletics, demonstrating how the state's programs can develop coaching talent for the highest levels of professional sports [12]. His success with Montana State's championship defense showcases the quality of football programs in the Big Sky Conference.
The continued operation of businesses like Howes Fishing highlights Montana's robust outdoor recreation economy, particularly around Flathead Lake, one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the western United States [1].
FAQ
Q: Is Howes Fishing the same company as Big Sky Fishing Charters? A: Yes, Howes Fishing operates under the business name Big Sky Fishing Charters and is described as "the largest charter boat operation in Montana" with locations in Bigfork and Lakeside [6].
Q: What made Shawn Howe's 2025 season at Montana State so successful? A: Howe's defense ranked among the top 20 nationally in multiple categories and helped Montana State win their first FCS National Championship, defeating Illinois State 35-34 in overtime while recording 27 takeaways (third nationally) [14].
Q: Can visitors still see Fort Howes today? A: The Fort Howes site is preserved but located on private property near Otter Creek Road in Powder River County, approximately 20 miles south of Ashland, Montana [2].
Q: What type of fishing is available through Howes Fishing charters? A: Howes Fishing offers year-round fishing including summer lake fishing on Flathead Lake, river fishing for Northern Pike, and winter ice fishing with heated shelters and modern equipment [1][5].
Q: How difficult is the Howe Lake Trail in Glacier National Park? A: The trail is rated as "Easy" with 3.8 miles length and 426 feet of elevation gain, typically taking 1.5-2 hours to complete, though hikers should prepare for bugs and potentially overgrown sections [9].
Sources
[1] https://bigskyfishingcharters.com/howesfishing/ [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Howes [3] https://www.zillow.com/mt/ [4] https://www.instagram.com/tatermctophat/ [5] https://visitmt.com/listing/howes-fishing-a-able-mo-fisch-charters-6545 [6] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45084-d8593722-Reviews-Howe_s_Fishing_A_Able_Mo_Fisch_Charters_and_Tours-Bigfork_Montana.html [7] https://www.facebook.com/AAbleFishingChartersAndTours/ [8] https://www.linkedin.com/pub/dir/Montana/Howe?trk=public_profile_samename_see_all [9] https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/montana/howe-lake-trail [10] https://www.howerealtymt.com/the-flathead-valley [11] https://www.montana.edu/news/25135/montana-state-s-luke-howe-takes-collegiate-polo-to-the-international-stage [12] https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/townnews/game/sources-montana-state-bobcats-dc-shawn-howe-taking-job-with-pittsburgh-steelers/article_aecb6c9f-54da-59eb-a9fc-97820978cbb1.html [13] https://skylinesportsmt.com/watch-former-montana-state-dc-shawn-howe-on-national-championship-new-job-in-nfl/ [14] https://www.steelers.com/team/coaches-roster/shawn-howe [15] https://nbcmontana.com/sports/local-sports/bobcats-dc-shawn-howe-leaves-for-pittsburgh-steelers [16] https://www.montanasports.com/college/montana-state-bobcats/montana-state-defensive-coordinator-shawn-howe-leaving-for-position-with-pittsburgh-steelers [17] https://www.swxlocalsports.com/montana/montana-state/msu-defensive-coordinator-shawn-howe-leaving-bobcats-for-the-nfl/article_45aa6a8a-2b9f-4acf-9865-378ed0dac44d.html [18] https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/onsi/news/pittsburgh-steelers-add-college-coach-shawn-howe-defensive-staff [19] https://steelersdepot.com/2026/02/new-steelers-coach-shawn-howe-reacts-to-taking-first-nfl-job/ [20] https://steelersnow.com/steelers-tap-fcs-defensive-coordinator-for-olb-coach-role/