Fishing: Time Well Spent

We're not one to toot our own horn, but when there is something as incredible as our Montana fishing, we simply have to tell you about it. Western Montana has some of the most pristine, undisturbed waters that nature has to offer. Our streams, river and lakes offer competitive fishing for the hardcore angler, as well as an abundance of easily accessible choices for the casual fisherman.

Fly-fish the Blackfoot River—made famous by A River Runs Through It—as it navigates its way west before joining with the Clark Fork River. The Clark Fork runs through the heart of downtown Missoula—simply grab a pole and head down to the shore in town. Or try the fishable waters of the Middle Fork of the Flathead as it navigates its way through deep, quiet canyons with the peaks of Glacier National Park in the background. And if you're looking to fish in an even quieter part of the region, head to Lincoln County and cast your line in the Kootenai River.

In addition to our great fly-fishing in Montana, we also have stellar fishing guides and outfitters ready to take you to their favorite fishing hole, help you land your trophy and make your excursion as enjoyable as possible

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Fishing Access Sites


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With rivers aplenty in Western Montana, there is truly no lack of locations to cast your line. The map lists easily accessible fishing access sites around the region.

In addition to these sites, there are many fishing locations found in national forests and wilderness areas in Glacier Country. Most of them require a short hike or a longer journey to a high alpine lake.

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 around eight or nine feet long, while spin and bait fishermen favor medium-action rods. Ultra light spinning gear is also popular.

Wading is the most common technique along streams and rivers and hip boots or waders are definitely wanted and needed. Waders also help improve traction on slippery stream bottoms.

Float Fishing

Float fishing is an increasingly popular activity, especially on larger rivers. Please keep in mind that some rivers can be volatile in high water. Inexperienced floaters should inquire about water conditions and possible hazards before hitting the water. Our recommendation: hire a local guide to help direct your float fishing adventure.

Motorboats

Motorized boats are allowed on most lakes and on some larger rivers. All motorboats must have a valid license, while users should wear a PFD. To help prevent the spread of invasive weeds and species, boaters should be sure to inspect, clean and dry their equipment before entering a new body of water.

Seasons

In Montana, you can fish year-round. However, there are seasonal regulations and water conditions that have an impact on fishing. In general, lakes and larger rivers are open to fishing all year, while some smaller tributaries are closed in the winter.

Spring run-off causes many rivers to be high and muddy from May through late June, although anglers can still enjoy good fishing on spring creeks and some smaller streams. Fly-fishing will find most waters in prime condition from late June through October, although March and April can provide prime fishing before run-off begins.

Winter comes early and stays long in the high country, confining alpine lake fishing to the summer months. Anglers can still cast a line through winter fly-fishing or ice fishing.

Fishing Etiquette

Proper fishing etiquette is important to get the most out of the angling experience, while still preserving and protecting Montana's pristine waters for future generation. Keep in mind that boat access areas can be busy places.

Do your best to not encroach on another angler's space. There will be instances when a wading angler should yield to floaters, as there is no other channel for floaters to navigate. If possible, avoid using the streambed as a pathway as this foot traffic can damage fragile aquatic habitat.

Do not introduce or move fish from one waterway to another. This can have a detrimental effect on native populations, as well as reducing water and habitat quality. Use only live bait fish where it is legal and safely dispose of unused bait fish.

To report fish violations, call 1.800.TIPMONT.

Montana's Trespass Law

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. Montana big game hunters must always obtain permission. Recreationists are urged to obtain complete rules about this law from any Fish, Wildlife & Parks office.

In the interest of public health and safety, certain areas above and below all Montana Power Company owned and operated dams are closed to the public. These include areas where no public access is allowed below the ordinary high water mark, as well as areas of no boating, sailing, floating of swimming. Signs and/or boat restraining systems identify the area. For specific closures, call 1.800.247.9131.

Stream Access

Montana law allows the public to make recreational use of rivers and streams between the ordinary high-water marks. Anglers can wade in a stream, walk along the stream bank below the high-water mark or float fish on any waters large enough to carry a boat.

Please keep in mind that the law does not give recreationists the right to enter private lands bordering streams or to cross private lands to gain access to streams. The success of the stream access law depends on recreationists and landowners cooperating on a basis of mutual understanding and respect for private property rights.

Catching Tagged Fish

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

  • The tag'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

Releasing Fish

When practicing catch and release fishing, please observe the following 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 (most fish survive with hooks left in).
  • 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.

Special Advisory- Whirling Disease

Montana's wild and native trout are one of our most precious natural resources. Whirling disease, a potentially fatal illness to trout and salmon, has been found in Montana. Please help prevent its spread and preserve our fisheries.

Dos & Don'ts

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks urges anglers, boaters and others to follow these DOs & DO'NTs:

DO remove all mud and aquatic plants from your vehicle, boat, anchor, trailer and axles, waders, boots and fishing gear before departing the fishing access site or boat dock.
DO dry your boat and equipment between river trips.
DON'T transport fish from one body of water to another.
DON'T dispose of fish entrails, skeletal parts or other by-products in any body of water.
DON'T collect sculpins (also known as bullheads) or use sculpins as bait.

Noxious Weeds

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.

For more information, visit The Montana Weed Association.

Fishing Guide and Outfitter Services
Featured Listings

Abbott Valley Homestead

Alta Ranch

America's Best Value Port Polson Inn

Apgar Village Lodge

Averill's Flathead Lake Lodge

Backpacker's Inn

Bagley Guide Service

Bar W Guest Ranch

Bison Creek Ranch

Bitterroot River Bed and Breakfast, LLC

Black Diamond Guest Ranch

Bob Marshall Wilderness Outfitters

Cardinal Properties

Cheff Guest Ranch

Comfort Inn - University

Crane Mountain Guide Service

Diamond R Guest Ranch

Double Arrow Lodge

Double Tree by Hilton Missoula - Edgewater

Eagle Bend Flathead Vacation Rentals

Garden Wall Inn

Gaynor's Resorts

Gentry River Ranch

Glacier Anglers

Glacier Guides Lodge

Glacier Guides, Inc./Montana Raft Company

Glacier National Park

Glacier Outdoor Center Cabins

Glacier Raft Company

Glacier Raft Company & Glacier Outdoor Center

Good Medicine Lodge

Great Northern Fly Fishing Guides

Great Northern Guides

Great Northern Resort & Guides

Grizzly Hackle

Haymoon Resort

Hidden Moose Lodge

Historic Tamarack Lodge & Cabins

Holiday Inn Downtown at the Park

Lakeshore Rentals

Lakeside Motel & Resort, Inc.

Lodge at Whitefish Lake

Many Glacier Hotel

Marina at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake

Marina Cay Resort

Montana Hunting & Fishing Adventures

Montana Island Lodge

Montana River Guides

Northern Rockies Outfitters, Ltd.

Old Sun Properties

Old Sun Properties - Rollins

Quinn's Hot Springs Resort

Rich Ranch

Riverview RV Park

  • City: Cut Bank ( Map It! )
  • Phone: 406-873-4151

Rock Creek Fishermans Mercantile

Rocky Mountain Hi Campground

Stillwater Mountain Lodge

Swan Hill Bed and Breakfast and Lakefront Cabin

Swan Mountain Outfitters

Tamaracks Resort

The Islander Inn

The Lodge at Lolo Hot Springs

The Ranch at Rock Creek

The Raven

The Shire of Montana

Triple Dare Adventures

Village Inn At Apgar

West Glacier Motel

Wild River Adventures

Wilderness River Outfitters

Fishing Guide and Outfitter Services
Other Listings

Region 1

Company Phone Location
Big Salmon Outfitters

http://bigsalmonoutfitters.com		 406-676-3999 Ronan
Cheff's Guest Ranch and Outfitters

http://cheffguestranch.com		 406-644-2557 Charlo
Swan Mountain Outfitters

http://swanmountainoutfitters.com		 406-886-3900 Swan Lake
Big Salmon Outfitters

http://bigsalmonoutfitters.com/		 406-676-3999 Ronan
Cut Bank Creek Outfitters

http://cutbankcreekoutfitters.com		 406-338-5567 Browning
Morning Star Troutfitters

http://blackfeettrout.com		 406-338-2785 Browning
Montana Old West Outfitters

 406-336-3966 Browning
Bigfork Anglers

http://bigforkanglers.com		 406-837-3675 Bigfork
Channel Outfitters

http://channeloutfitters.com		 406-837-3565 Bigfork
Crane Mountain Guide

 406-837-4391 Bigfork
Flathead Lake Charters

http://flatheadlakecharters.com		 406-837-3632 Bigfork
Two River Gear and Outfitter

 406-837-3474 Bigfork
Gentry River Ranch

http://gentryriverranch.com		 406-892-1464 Columbia Falls
Glacier Fishing Charters

http://landwehroutfitters.com		 406-892-2377 Columbia Falls
Salmon Forks Outfitters

http://salmonforks.com		 406-892-5468 Columbia Falls
Snowy Springs Outfitters

http://snowysprings.com		 406-226-9225 Essex
Skyline Outfit

http://wildmontana.com		 406-387-4051 Hungry Horse
B and D Outfitters

http://banddoutfitters.com		 406-752-7842 Kalispell
Great Bear Outfitters

 406-755-3210 Kalispell
Mo Fisch Charters and Tours

http://mofisch.com		 406-755-4414 Kalispell
A Able Fishing Charters & Tours

http://aablefishing.com		 406-844-0888 Lakeside
Glacier Outdoor Center Fly Shop

http://glacierraftco.com		 406-888-5454 West Glacier
Montana Raft Company

http://glacierguides.com		 406-387-555 West Glacier
Diamond R Guest Ranch

http://diamondrranch.com		 406-862-5905 Whitefish
Montana River Anglers

http://montanariveranglers.com		 406-862-3448 Whitefish
Spotted Bear Ranch

http://Spottedbear.com		 406-862-4444 Whitefish

Region 2

Company Phone Location
Big Sky Inflatables (Equipment)

 406-251-3337 Missoula
Blackfoot River Outfitters

http://blackfootriver.com		 406-542-7411 Missoula
Five Valley Flyfishers

 406-728-9434 Missoula
Grizzly Hackle International Fishing

http://grizzlyhackle.com		 406-721-8996 Missoula
Paws Up Outfitters

http://pawsupoutfitters.com		 406-244-5363 Missoula
The Missoulian Angler Fly Shop

http://missoulianangler.com		 406-728-7766 Missoula
JM Bar Outfitters LLC

http://jmbaroutfitters.com		 406-825-3230 Clinton
John Perry's Montana Flyfishing

http://johnperryflyfishing.com		 406-825-2997 Clinton
Fly Fishing Adventures

http://flyfishingadventures.info		 406-550-3144 Lolo
Holland Lake Lodge

http://www.hollandlakelodge.com		 406-754-2282 Condon
Bill Mitchell Outfitters

http://billmitchelloutfitters.com		 406-363-4129 Hamilton
Bitterroot Rafting Adventures

http://bitterrootraftingadventures.com		 406-375-9317 Hamilton
Fishaus Fly Fishing

http://fishaus.montana.com		 406-363-6158 Hamilton
Fly Fishing Always

http://Flyfishingalways.com		 406-360-4346 Hamilton
M and M Fly Fishing

 406-375-2459 Hamilton
Montana Flyfishing Center

http://montanaflyfishingcenter.com		 406-363-3801 Hamilton
Montana Flywater Company

http://catchmontana.com		 406-363-1020 Hamilton
John Rose Outfitter & Guide Service

http://montanahunt.com		 406-363-3522 Hamilton
Trout Fishing Only

http://abbotsmontanafishing.com		 406-363-2408 Hamilton
Two Bear Outfitters & Guide Service

http://elkoutfitters.com		 406-375-0070 Hamilton
Bitterroot Fly Company

http://bitterrootflycompany.com		 406-821-1624 Darby
Circle KBL Outfitters

http://circlekbl.com		 406-821-0017 Darby
East Fork Outfitters

http://eastforkoutfitters.com		 406-821-2040 Conner
Flying W. Outfitters

http://huntingoutfitters.com/flyingw		 406-821-4900 Conner
Two Bear Outfitters & Guide Service

http://elkoutfitters.com		 406-375-0070 Darby
Anglers Afloat

 406-777-3421 Stevensville
Backdoor Outfitters

http://backdooroutfitters.com		 406-777-3861 Stevensville
Bitterroot Anglers

 406-375-1901 Stevensville
Carl Mann's Montana Experience Outfitters

http://carlmannsoutfitting.com		 406-777-1687 Stevensville
Fish Eddy O

http://fisheddyo.com		 406-777-1449 Stevensville
Five Bears Outfitters

http://fivebearsoutfitters.com		 406-273-2677 Florence
Fiver Otter Flyshop & Outfitters

http://riverotterflyfishing.com		 406-273-4858 Florence
Wapiti Waters

http://wapiti-waters.com		 406-642-6548 Victor

Region 3

Company Phone Location
Dave Blackburn's Kootenai Angler

http://www.montana-flyfishing.com		 406-293-7578 Libby
Lazy JR Outfitters

 406-293-0629 Libby
Silver Bow Outfitters

http://silverbowoutfitters		 406-293-4868 Libby
Kootenai River Outfitters

http://kroutfitters.com		 406-295-9444 Troy
Linehan Outfitting Company

http://fishmontana.com		 406-295-4872 Troy
Kootenai High Country Hunting

http://davesmontanahunting.com		 406-882-4868 Trego
Hole in the Wall Ranch

http://holeinthewallranch.com		 406-239-2882 Alberton
Rugg's Outfitting LLC

http://ruggsoutfitting.com		 406-822-4240 Superior
Adventures with Western Waters

http://westernwaters.com		 406-822-8282 Superior
Clark Fork River Outfitters

http://flyfishbigsky.com		 406-826-4220 Saint Regis
Clark Fork Trout & Tackle

http://clarkforktrout.com		 406-649-2538 Saint Regis
Joe Cantrell Outfitting

http://joecantrelloutfitting.com		 406-649-3474 Saint Regis
Flat Iron Outfitting

http://flatironoutfitting.com		 406-827-7606 Thompson Falls
Rocky Point Outfitters

http://rockypointoutfitters.com		 406-827-1600 Thompson Falls
Triple M Outfitters

http://triplemoutfitters.com		 406-246-3249
Cabinet Mountain Outfitters

http://cabinetmtoutfitters.com		 406-826-3970 Plains
Western Timberline Outfitters

http://westerntimberlineoutfitters.com		 406-826-3874 Plains
Jerry Malson Outfitting

http://jerrymalsonoutfitting.com		 406-827-3789 Trout Creek

Additional Links