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An Angler's Dream

In Montana, great fishing is a given. From legendary trout streams to spectacular walleye reservoirs, Montana is truely an angler's dream. Whether casting a dry fly to a wild trout, trolling a deep-running plug for some of the West's largest walleye, or simply drifting a baited hook through the old fishing hole, Montana has it all.

Techniques & Tips - Seasons - Licenses - Fishing Access Sites - Species of Special Concern -
Regulations - Outfitters & Guides - Montana Fishing Regions - Fishing Etiquette

Famous for superb trout fishing, Montana's pure, cold water supports tremendous populations of rainbow, brown, brook and montana,mt,montana vacations,montana vacation homes,montana vacation home rentals,reservations,skiing,fishing,attractions,and,find,travel,I,can,where,usa,USA,america,America,united states,United States,for,visit,visitors,info,information,prices,rooms,rentals,attractions,teams,move,moving,eat,eating,sight-seeing cutthroat trout. Blue-ribbon rivers such as the Madison, Yellowstone, Big Hole and Bighorn are known to trout anglers throughout the world. Or fish the Beaverhead, Missouri, Jefferson, Rock Creek, Clark Fork, Bitterroot, Flathead and Kootenai Rivers, and the Nelson andArmstrong spring creeks.

Numerous reservoirs and natural lakes also provide excellent trout fisheries. The Gallatin River is a world-class fishery (CLICK HERE to read more about the Gallatin).Try Canyon Ferry, Clark Canyon, Hebgen or Flathead Lakes or the international Lake Koocanusa, where fish swim between British Columbia and Montana. Along with trout, many lakes contain kokanee salmon, yellow perch, largemouth bass and northern pike. For adventuresome anglers, Montana's breathtaking mountains harbor countless high-country lakes accessible by foot or horseback.

On Montana's central and eastern plains, trout are replaced by warmwater species such as sauger, smallmouth bass, channel catfish and even paddlefish, a prehistoric-looking fish that still spawns in the lower Yellowstone and Missouri rivers. Two huge reservoirs, Fort Peck Lake and Bighorn Lake, grow tremendous walleye, along with several other species.

Techniques and Tackle

In Montana, fishing methods vary with the season, the type of water, and the angler's personal preference. Fly, spin, and bait fishing are all popular techniques, although the use of bait is restricted on some streams. In general, most fly fishers use five-, six-, or seven-weight rods that are 8 1/2- or nine-feet long, while spin and bait fishers favor medium-action rods with six- to 10-pound test line. Ultralight spinning gear is also popular. Wading is the most common technique along streams and rivers. Hip boots are handy on small streams, but chest waders are needed on the large rivers. Felt-soled wading shoes or boots improve traction on slippery stream bottoms.

Float fishing is increasingly popular on the largest rivers, but some rivers can be dangerous in high water. Inexperienced floaters always should inquire locally about river conditions and possible hazards. The best floating craft are McKenzie-style drift boats or high-quality inflatable rafts with rowing frames.

Motorboats are allowed on most lakes and on some larger rivers; smaller lakes and rivers may have restrictions on motorized water craft. Motorboat operators should always be alert for fast-moving storms and strong winds, especially on large reservoirs such as Fort Peck. All motorboats must have a valid license from Montana or another state or country.

Children under 12 must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while boating or rafting; adults are encouraged to wear PFDs.

Seasons

In Montana you can fish year-round, but there are seasonal regulations and water conditions that affect fishing. In general, lakes and larger rivers are open to fishing all year, while smaller tributaries are closed in the winter. Even though spring run-off makes many freestone rivers high and muddy from May until late June, anglers still enjoy good fishing on tailwater fisheries, spring creeks, and some smaller streams. Fly fishers will find most waters in prime condition from late June through October, although March and April can be good before run-off. Winter comes early and stays long in the high country; alpine lake fishing is confined to the summer months. Winter freezes the lakes in December and doesn't let go until March and April. Ice fishing is a popular winter sport.

Licenses

All anglers 15 years of age and older must possess a Montana fishing license. Licenses are sold at numerous locations, including sporting goods stores, some general stores and service stations, and all offices of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Nonresident fishing licenses are available in two-day increments or season licenses. Licenses are non-transferrable and nonrefundable. There are special license requirements for youths under 15, residents 62 years of age and older, and for taking paddlefish. For a complete description of license requirements, contact the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks or a license agent.

Use this link to view Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks fishing regulations.

Fishing Access Sites

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks maintains more than 300 public fishing access sites throughout the state. Most simply provide parking and boat-launching areas, but some are equipped with toilets and camping sites. All sites are marked by the special hook-and-fish road sign. Fishing Access Sites Other state and federal land management agencies also provide fishing access sites.

Species of Special Concern

Pre-settlement Montana hosted a diverse native fishery. Over the years, however, a number of fish populations have been placed in jeopardy by dams and other habitat alterations, the introduction of non-native fish, and over harvest. The westslope cutthroat trout, yellowstone cutthroat trout, and grayling that once filled western Montana waters are now scarce in most of their native ranges, while the number of pallid sturgeon, and endangered species, in eastern Montana rivers is greatly reduced from historic times.
Recognizing the need to conserve Montana's native species, state fishery biologists have listed 16 kinds of fish as "species of special concern." Research and management programs are now being developed to protect and enhance these critical populations. The cooperation of anglers in complying with special regulations governing Montana's native fish will be vital to the species' survival.

Regulations

Montana's fishing regulations generally allow liberal catch limits, but on some waters, special regulations are used to protect certain species and provide larger trout. Some blue-ribbon streams, including a 30-mile stretch of the upper Madison River, are subject to a "catch-and-release" regulation, which allows anglers to enjoy fishing but requires that all trout be returned to the water immediately after landing. Other waters, including portions of the Big Hole, Missouri, Smith, and Bighorn rivers, have "slot limits" which allow some harvest but require trout in a specified size class (generally 13 to 22 inches) to be released. Angling on these stream sections is often restricted to artificial flies or lures only. By reducing the number of trout creeled, more trout are surviving to grow into trophy size of three pounds or larger, and anglers are reaping the rewards.

Outfitters & Guides

For anglers who prefer to hire a fishing guide, Montana has some of the best licensed outfitters and guides in the country. Many tackle shops provide guides, but others operate independently as outfitters. Services vary from half-day trips to complete, multiple-day vacations. A complete listing of licensed outfitters is available in the Montana Recreation Guide, from Travel Montana. For more information about guided fishing trips, contact a local fishing shop or the following organizations:

BIG SKY FISHING GUIDES

East Slope Anglers: (406) 995-4369 or (888) 359-3974
Gallatin River Guides: (406) 995-2290
Lone Mountain Ranch: (406) 995-4644
Wild Trout Outfitters: (406) 995-4895

---- OR TRY ----

Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana (FOAM)
Box 67
Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730
(406) 763-5436

Montana Outfitters and Guides Association (MOGA)
PO Box 1248
Helena, MT 59624
(406) 449-3578

Montana's Fishing Regions

When fishing in Montana there are a few moral guidelines that should be observed. Proper fishing etiquette is important to get the most out of the angling experience while preserving and protecting Montana's pristine waters for future generations.

Be aware that boat access areas can be busy places; you may wish to fish in a location that is less congested. Do not encroach on another angler's space. Use the "visual rule of crowding" and attempt to keep out of sight of other anglers, if at all possible. Try not to monopolize a good fishing spot on the river. Fish for a while, then move on. Understand that there are going to be instances when the wading angler should yield to floaters, because there is no other channel for the floaters to navigate. When possible, avoid using the streambed as a pathway. This type of foot traffic can cause damage to the fragile aquatic habitat. Anglers should use the shoreline to travel from one point to the other, if doing so doesn't violate trespass laws.

Fish have been moved illegally into over 200 waters statewide. Illegally introduced fish can introduce disease or parasites, impact recreational fisheries or native fish populations, and reduce water quality. Illegal transplants cost you as an angler through increased costs for chemical rehabilitation projects, expanded hatchery programs, lost fishing opportunity, and limits on legal fish introductions. In many cases, the fishery can never be recovered. Help curb this harmful practice by only using live bait fish where legal and safely disposing of unused bait fish. Educate other anglers to never move live fish between waters and report violations by calling 1-800-TIPMONT.

Noxious weeds, including spotted knapweed and leafy spurge infest millions of acres and limit recreational opportunities. They also reduce habitat for fish, wildlife and livestock and choke out native plant species. Be a good land steward and learn to identify noxious weed species and prevent their spread. Please support noxious weed management efforts.

Montana's trespass law states that a member of the public has the privilege to enter private land only with the explicit permission of the landowner or his agent, or when the landowner has failed to post a no-trespassing notice . The recreationist is responsible for finding out if private lands are posted. If lands are posted, the recreationist must obtain permission from the landowner before entering them. (Exception: Montana big game hunters must always obtain permission). Recreationists are urged to obtain complete rules about this law from any Fish, Wildlife & Parks office.

Use restrictions at Montana Power Company Dams. In the interest of public health and safety, certain areas above and below all Montana Power Company (MPC) owned and operated dams are closed to the public. These restrictions include areas where no public access is allowed below the ordinary high-water mark and areas of no boating, sailing, floating or swiming. The restricted areas are identified and delineated by signs and/or boat restraining systems. For specific closures, see the current Montana Boating Laws or call MPC's Hydro hotline at 1-800-247-9131 (Montana only).

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has issued advisories for the consumption of fish from certain Montana waters. Fish from some Montana waters contain levels of chemicals which may be harmful to young children, nursing mothers, child-bearing women or persons frequently consuming fish. Information, advice and additional details about fish consumption are available from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Food and Consumer Safety Section, Helena, Montana, 59620; telephone (406)-444-3986.

If you catch a tagged fish, please report the following information to any Fish, Wildlife & Parks office:

the tags's number and color;
the date the fish was caught;
the species of the fish;
the fish's length and weight (close as possible);
location of the catch (the body of water and distance from nearest landmark);
if the fish was kept or released; and
the name and address of the angler
To ensure a released fish has the best chance for survival follow these few simple guidelines. Play the fish as rapidly as possible, do not play it to total exhaustion. Try to keep the fish in water as much as possible when handling and removing the hook. Remove the hook gently and do not squeeze the fish or put your fingers in its gills. If the fish is deeply hooked, cut the line. Do not yank the hook out, because most fish survive with hooks left in them. Release the fish only after it has gained its equilibrium. If necessary, gently hold the fish upright in the current facing upstream and move it slowly back and forth. Release the fish in quiet water close to the area where it was hooked.