Montana is like a living paradise for every fisherman. For any angler, no matter professional or hobbyist, fishing in Montana is like a dream come true. When you look for the ‘BEST’ fishing rivers with crystal-clear water or spring lakes and creeks, then there is no better choice than Montana.
Because of the scenic beauty possessed by Montana, whenever I get a chance I opt for a fishing trip. Sometimes, I become mesmerized to see the wonderful beauty of the fishing spots in Montana. And, that’s the reason, Montana is the name that knocks in my mind first for any fishing quest.
As I have been here in Montana since my childhood, I can call myself that one lucky angler. Besides, I have got practical experience in fishing seasons in Montana.
Whenever you plan for Montana fishing trip, I recommend you to make proper research regarding fishing spots and fishing seasons. Having an appropriate is somewhat must, trust me, I can tell you from my own experiences.
At the same time, you have to get proper knowledge about the Montana fishing license and regulations unless you want to be in any kind of trouble.
As there are so many things you must know about fishing in Montana, I’m going to write a step-by-step guideline that you can ‘FOLLOW’ to enjoy your fishing trip to the fullest.
So, sit back where you are right now and pay our full ‘ATTENTION’ while reading the following details.
Montana Fishing License
First things first – let’s ‘START’ with a detailed discussion about Montana Fishing License….
For fishing in Montana, an angler will need the followings –
- General Fishing License.
- Conservation License.
- AIS Prevention Pass.
Note: “You have to keep your fishing license with you at the time of fishing.”
For your convenience, fishing law in Montana allows you to keep a copy of your fishing license in your smartphone.
General Fishing License
A general fishing license will give you permission to catch and possess fish authorized by the Montana Fishing Regulations. This license is nonrefundable and nontransferable.
The Montana Fishing License validity starts from March 1 up to the end of February of the following year.
Conservation License
A conservation license is mainly required when you want to purchase any hunting or fishing license. To apply for this license, you have to give the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number along with the other required information.
Note: “You need to have a valid photo ID or driver’s license for purchasing a license.”
AIS Prevention Pass
The AIS Prevention Pass is a must for any individual who wants to fish in Montana. This is more like a new program that was initiated in 2017 for the first time.
Special Fishing Licenses
Paddlefish
If you plan for paddlefish fishing, then you have to buy a Paddlefish tag. This tag is a must that gives you the required permission for paddlefish fishing.
To buy a paddlefish tag, you need to have the followings –
- Valid Conservation License.
- AIS Prevention Pass.
- Fishing License.
Bull Trout
For an experimental and regulated Bull Trout angling season, Lake Koocanusa, Hungry Horse Reservoir, and some parts of the South Fork Flathead River are open.
If you plan for Bull Trout fishing, then you need a valid Bull Trout catch Card specifically for the water environment you’re going to fish.
While applying for Bull trout Catch card, you have to select any one of the following fishing water environments –
- Lake Koocanusa.
- Hungry Horse Reservoir.
- South Fork Flathead River.
Note: “This catch card is free of cost which means you don’t need to pay for obtaining such permit.”
Montana Fishing License Costs
To have a clear idea about the exact info about Montana Fishing License Cost, you can check the following tables:
General Fishing License Cost:
| General Fishing License | |||||
| Age | License Specifics | Conservation License | AIS Prevention Pass | License Fee | Total Cost |
| 0-11 | No License Required. Must observe all limits and regulations. | ||||
| 12-17, 62 and older, or Disabled | Resident Resident Sportsman licenses include a season fishing license. | $8 | $2 | $5 for 2 consecutive calendar days | $15 |
| 18-61 | Resident Resident Sportsman licenses include a season fishing license. | $8 | $2 | $5 for 2 consecutive calendar days. Or, $21 for season. | $15 $31 |
| 12 and older | Non Resident Non Resident Combination licenses include a season fishing license. | $10 | $15 | $25 for 2 consecutive calendar days. Or, $56 for 10 consecutive calendar days. Or, $86 for the season. | $50 $81 $111 |
Paddlefish Tag Cost:
| Paddlefish Tag | ||||||
| License Specifics | Conservation License | Season Fishing License | AIS Prevention Pass | Tag Fee | Drawing Fee )*Only for Upper Missouri) | Total Cost |
| Resident | $8 | $10.50 | $2 | $6.50 | $5 | $37-$42 |
| Non Resident | $10 | $86 | $15 | $15 | $5 | $126 $131 |
Montana resident with Disability:
| Montana Resident with Disability | ||||
| License Specifics | Conservation License | AIS Prevention Pass | License Fee | Total Cost |
| Resident Must be substantially or permanently disabled, and certified by FWP. Application and licenses can be found at both online and FWP offices. | $8 | $2 | $10.50 | $20.50 |
| Non Resident | Not Available. | |||
Lifetime Fishing for the Blind:
| Lifetime Fishing for the Blind | |||
| License Specifics | AIS Prevention Pass | One-Time license fee | Initial Total Cost |
| Resident Contact the Headquarter and Regional offices for info and application. | $2 (This must be purchased once each license year) | $10 | $12 |
| Non Resident | Not Available. | ||
Montana Fishing Regulations
Fishing regulations in Montana vary from district to district. Depending on the district you choose for your fishing trip, you have to prepare yourself in accordance with the specific fishing regulations.
However, there are some General Fishing Regulations in addition to the Standard Regulations designed specifically for each district.
Let’s get to know about the General Fishing Regulation first –
General Fishing Regulations in Montana
Possession Limit
The term possession limit indicates the number of fish that is allowed for you to keep in your possession during your fishing time at any form – salted, stored in lockers or freezers, fresh, canned, dried, smoked, or preserved.
Daily Limit
This term specifically means the number of fish that is legal for you to take in one calendar day. Always keep in mind that it will be unlawful if you exceed the number of Standard Daily Limit set by the authority of each district of Montana.
Handling and Transporting Legally Caught Fish
While a person is involved in the task of fishing, or while on the ice or on the water:
- All fish in his/her possession must have to be identifiable (visibly) to species.
- All fish in his/her possession must have to be whole with skin, fins, head, and tail attached. Entrails and gills can be removed.
Once you’re off the ice or water, you can filter and dress fishes to transport them to your permanent living place, unless you violate any laws regarding the size limit under the following conditions:
- All fish can be identified and counted. Two fillets can be counted as one fish. If your catch is frozen before the transportation, then each fillet or fish has to be packaged so that it can be counted.
- For Salmonids – Salmon, Trout, Arctic Grayling, Whitefish, and Char – the entire skin has to be attached to the fillet for making the identification procedure quicker and easier.
General Fishing Seasons and Hours
- Fishing Hours
You are permitted to fishing at any point of hours during the open fishing seasons unless otherwise, it contradicts with the Standard Regulations for any specific District exception.
- Fishing Season: Rivers and Streams
Open 3rd Saturday in May through November 30 unless specified in District Exceptions to the Standard Regulations.
- Fishing Season: Lakes and Reservoirs
Open for the entire year unless otherwise specified in District Exceptions to Standard Regulations.
This is about the General Regulations regarding Fishing in Montana.
But, there are some differences in District-based Standards Daily and Possessions Limits. Let’s have a brief look at those based on District wise Regulation system.
The following charts will give you the exact idea about the fish limits you can catch and posses being an angler if it doesn’t conflict with the District Standard Regulation Exceptions.
It is to be noted that for species that are listed in the chart, you don’t need to worry about the number of fish that you can take or possess.
Another important thing to keep in mind – anglers who prefer moving from one fishing water to another, can possess the limit of fish that is listed in the below chart only for the water where they’re fishing at this moment.
Standard Regulations: Western District
| Species | Daily and Possession Limits |
| Brook Trout | 20 daily and in possession. |
| Bull Trout | All waters are closed to angling for Bull Trout and all fish must be immediately released unless otherwise authorized in the Western District Exceptions. |
| Combined Trout – Brown Trout, Golden Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Arctic Grayling | Reservoirs/Lakes: 5 daily and 10 in possession, only 1 over 22 inches daily and in possession. Rivers/Streams: 5 daily and in possession, only 1 over 14 inches. |
| Cutthroat Trout | Reservoirs/Lakes: 3 daily and in possession, No size limit is applicable. Rivers/Streams: 3 daily and in possession, none over 12 inches. |
| Lake Trout | 20 daily and 40 in possession. |
| Bass | 5 daily and in possession, no size limit is applicable here. |
| Burbot (ling) | 2 daily and in possession. |
| Kokanee Salmon | 20 daily and 40 in possession. |
| Northern Pike | 15 daily and in possession. |
| Sturgeon | All waters are closed to angling for Sturgeon. If you capture any Sturgeon, you have to release that immediately. |
| Whitefish | 20 daily and 40 in possession. |
General Fishing Season: Western District
- Rivers and Streams
Open on 3rd Saturday in May up to November 30, if there is no Exception to the Standard Regulations.
- Lakes & Reservoirs
Open all year.
Standard Regulations: Central District
| Species | Daily and Possession Limits |
| Brook Trout | 20 daily and in possession |
| Combined Trout – Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Golden Trout, and Arctic Grayling | Reservoirs/Lakes: 5 daily and 10 in possession, including Cutthroat Trout. Streams/Rivers 5 daily and in possession, only 1 can be Cutthroat Trout, only 1 piece over 18 inches. All Arctic Grayling have to be released immediately. |
| Lake Trout | 5 daily and in possession |
| Bass | 5 daily and in possession |
| Burbot (Ling) | 5 daily and in possession |
| Channel Catfish | 10 daily and 20 in possession |
| Northern Pike | 10 daily and in possession |
| Pallid Sturgeon | None – This is one of those endangered species. If caught, you have to release it immediately. All water areas are closed to Pallid Sturgeon fishing. |
| Salmon (Kokanee & Chinook) | 10 daily and in possession |
| Walleye/Sauger | 50 daily and 10 in possession |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | 5 daily and in possession, none above 40 inches. |
| Tiger Muskie | 1 daily and in possession, must have to be above 40 inches. |
| Whitefish | 20 daily and 40 in possession |
General Fishing Season: Central District
- Rivers and Streams
Open all the year round except any exception to the Standard Regulations.
- Lakes & Reservoirs
Open all year.
Standard Regulations: Eastern District
| Species | Daily and Possession Limits |
| Brook Trout | 10 daily and in possession |
| Combined Trout – Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Arctic Trout an Golden Trout | Reservoirs/Lakes: 5 daily and 10 in possession, including Cutthroat Trout Streams/Rivers: 5 daily and in possession |
| Cutthroat Trout | Reservoirs/Lakes: Mentioned in the “Combined Trout” Section. Streams/Rivers: You have to release Cutthroat Trout immediately. |
| Lake Trout | 3 daily and 6 in possession |
| Bass | 5 daily and in possession |
| Burbot (Ling) | 5 daily and in possession |
| Channel Catfish | 10 daily and 20 in possession |
| Crappie | 15 daily and 30 in possession |
| Northern Pike | 10 daily and in possession |
| Paddlefish | 1 per season and in possession (Tag is required) |
| Pallid Sturgeon | None – This is one of those endangered species. If caught, you have to release it immediately. |
| Salmon (Kokanee & Chinook) | 5 daily and 10 in possession |
| Walleye/Sauger | 5 daily and 10 in possession |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | 5 daily and in possession, none above 40 inches |
| Tiger Muskie | 1 daily and in possession, must have to be above 40 inches. |
| Whitefish | 20 daily and 40 in possession |
General Fishing Season: Central District
- Rivers and Streams
Open all year.
- Lakes & Reservoirs
Open all year.
Montana is very strict while conducting these fishing regulations. So, you have to be very careful while planning for a Montana fishing trip. If you violate any fishing regulation, you may have to pay fine for that.
Top Montana Fishing Spots
Montana is regarded as the choice for any fishing enthusiast because of a wide range of fishing spots available out there.
For a fishing trip, I can bet the crystal clear water of Montana fishing spots can give you the most pleasurable fishing experience. And, trust me, there is no better location than the fishing spots available in Montana.
You just need to pack the needed fishing gears along with good quality fish finder and you’re all ready to go.
Another important thing to note down is to plan your trip during the best time for fishing in Montana. It will help you to pack all of those necessary items without which your fishing trip can be somewhat a disappointment.
Here, I’m going to tell you about the Top Fishing Spots in Montana so that you can schedule your trip accordingly.
Blackfoot River
The Blackfoot River is known to be one of the most popular fishing spots in Montana. This River is located somewhere in the Western part of Montana – closed to Missoula.
One of the main reasons for which this River has earned so much popularity is because it was used as a set for a 1992 movie named – “A River Runs Through It”. After the release of this movie, the Blackfoot River has drawn the attention of anglers from all the parts of the US for tubing, rafting, and trout fishing.
My practical experiences say that your fishing trip can be the best one if you choose this fishing spot at the starting of spring. And, I must give thanks to the abundance of dry-fly hatches.
The followings are the trout species available here for fishing:
- Bull Trout.
- Westslope Cutthroat Trout.
- Brown Trout.
- Rainbow Trout.
- Brook Trout.
You may find this River a bit crowded if you plan to make a trip during the summer weekends. And, this is because of the recreational floaters and local anglers.
But, if you make a plan on mid-week, somewhere before the Memorial Day or after the Labor day, chances are you’ll find it comparatively empty.
With a pretty and amazing scenic setting, the Blackfoot River will give you ‘EXCELLENT’ fly fishing opportunities. So, don’t forget to be prepared by taking fly fishing clothes so that your trip can be an enjoyable one.
If you have more time in hand, you can also plan to pay a visit to the nearby Rock Creek and Bitterroot River – trust me, you won’t regret it at the end of the day.
Madison River
Another popular fishing spot, also one of my favorite ones, is known as the Madison River. This River is located in the Southern part of the State and, surprisingly, known as the ‘BEST’ river for fly fishing in North America.
The best time you can choose this location for your fishing quest is between May and October.
For trout fly fishing, you can undoubtedly choose this River. You can hope to catch some of those trophy-sized trout in this river. The best part is you won’t get any half-starved trout as it can disappoint any fishing enthusiast.
This strikingly beautiful fishing spot offers a great opportunity for streamer fishermen, dry fly fishermen, and nymph fishermen as well.
Apart from the fishing quest, you can also plan to stay in the Madison River Campground for a few days. This will surely give you the ultimate ‘EXPERIENCE’ of an outdoorsman.
The Big Hole River
Approximately 153 miles long, the Big Hole River is located in Beaverhead County – southwestern part of Montana. If you’re a brown trout lover, this River, I believe, is the ‘BEST’ fishing spot available out there for you. At the same time, this River is known to be one of the strongholds for the Arctic Grayling.
You can try to win the ‘Montana Grand Slam’ by targeting the following species all in a single day –
- Cutthroat trout.
- Brown Trout.
- Rainbow Trout.
- Arctic Grayling.
- Brook trout.
I must let you know that this River was advertised in an Eastern angling journal named “The Angler’s Guide” in the 1880s. And, starting from that period till now, the Big Hole River has been the ideal fishing destination for anglers who have a serious level of weakness for trout fishing.
You can expect to catch around 40 pounds of trout and grayling during your fishing trip in this location. The saddest part is some Westslope Cutthroat trout can still be found, but they have become almost non-existent.
However, this won’t be a disappointment for you as the Big Hole River will give plenty of opportunities to catch rainbow, brook, and brown trout.
Another ‘IMPORTANT’ thing to note down is you have to be well prepared for your fly fishing checklist if you choose the Big Hole River for your next fishing trip.
Lastly, there is also camping opportunities like the RV campground that you can also add to your trip.
Missouri River
The Missouri River is said to be the longest river currently existing in North America. It flows through Montana around 700 miles. And, for the fly fishing anglers, this River is known to be one of the very ‘BEST’ ones.
There are wide ranges of fishing access points that you can pick for both wading and floating. Whether you go for brown trout or rainbows, the Missouri River can be an ideal fishing spot for your next fishing mission.
As far as I know, the ‘BEST’ time for planning a fishing trip to Missouri River is from June to August. There are wide ranges of fish species that can make your trip even better than you have planned for.
Apart from fishing, there are also quality campgrounds that you can choose for making the best use of your holidays.
Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River is famous since it is known to be one of those last undammed rivers located on the Western side of the United States of America. And, it is considered as one of the best trout streams existing currently on the earth. Also, it is officially categorized as a blue ribbon in Montana.
As mentioned above, the absence of dams alongside this river offers a greater level of trout habitat from the Paradise Valley, downstream through Gardiner, Livingston, inside Yellowstone Park, and to the Big Timber – approximately a 200 miles stretch.
You’ll get plenty of species to make the best use of your fishing trip. Here, I’ve mentioned a few of those –
- Brown trout.
- Native Yellowstone Cutthroat trout.
- Rainbow trout.
- Rocky Mountain Whitefish.
- Channel Catfish.
- Burbot.
- Sauger.
- Paddlefish.
- Walleye.
- Smallmouth bass.
If you’re lucky enough, you can find the pallid Sturgeon that is one of those endangered species.
For turning your trip into a more awesome one, you can plan to stay at any of the campgrounds where you can enjoy your beer with your friends while cooking your day’s catch.
Ennis Lake
The construction of the Madison Dam located on the Madison River is the reason for forming the Ennis Lake. For the fishing enthusiasts, Ennis Lake can be the ‘PERFECT’ spot when fishing vacation is planned for Montana. There is an option of camping along with staying in the motels located at the towns of Bozeman and Ennis.
This lake is somewhat shallow and during the summer it gets very warm. So, you have to pack the most appropriate fishing gears, if you want to turn your fishing vacation into an unforgettable one.
You’ll get plenty of large size brown and rainbow trout in this lake. But, the larger species can be found in the deeper holes of this lake. So, you have to bring a good quality fish finder that features depth finding functionality to locate those species.
Besides, you can also enjoy fishing with the following available species –
- Mountain Whitefish.
- Brook trout.
- Grayling.
The ‘BEST’ time to plan for a fishing vacation in this location is during the summer. As it is one of the most crowded places on the weekends, so it will be better if you plan to fish on weekdays.
Although this lake is not some kind of massive reservoir, sometimes it gets a bit windy. So, you can look for good quality inflatable kayaks for paddling. This can truly make your fishing vacation one of the most memorable ones.
Harrison Lake
Harrison Lake is a small-sized reservoir that is around 2.5 miles long. From both Ennis and Bozeman, this lake is around 30 minutes. Although this lake doesn’t offer the same kind of prolific fly fishing opportunity that Hebgen and Ennis lakes do, it is one of the most popular fishing destinations especially for those who are looking for either a Madison River fishing trip or a fishing vacation near Bozeman.
If you’re planning for staying for a couple of days, then you can go either for camping or checking out the accommodation offerings in those two nearby towns.
Harrison lake has become one of the most popular fishing destinations because of having the unique strain of rainbow trout (hard-fighting). You’ll find these rainbows a bit larger and scrappy as well. With larger sized fish common, the average trout you’re going to find in this lake rages between 16 and 19 inches.
To catch this type of hard-fighting rainbows, you need to be very careful while picking the right kind of fishing rod unless you want to pass a bad day with an empty bucket.
I believe summer is the ideal time to have a pleasurable fishing vacation on this fishing destination. And, going for dry fly fishing can help you with making a good score at the end of the day.
In addition, you can also try stream fly fishing, by hiking down to the Willow Creek Canyon. This can definitely give you an ‘AMAZING’ fishing experience.
Fort Peck Lake
Fort peck lake, also known as Lake Fort Peck, is one of the major reservoirs in Montana. This Lake is located in the eastern region of Montana with a total area covering around 17,000 acres. So, a decent-sized motorboat is required to fish in this huge lake. To be more specific, it’s not a lake; rather you can call it an inland sea.
Very much popular for lake trout, trophy pike and walleye, this lake offers a greater level of ‘EXCELLENT’ fishing opportunities all the year-round. But, according to my experience, I would say – later summer and spring can be the BEST time as you’ll find plenty of fish in shallower waters during the mentioned season.
You get a whole lot of species to catch when you plan for a fishing vacation in Fort Peck Lake. Some of those fish species are mentioned in the following:
- Channel Catfish.
- Smallmouth bass.
- Largemouth bass.
- White crappie.
- Black crappie.
- Brown trout.
- Rainbow trout.
- Lake trout.
- Walleye.
- Green sunfish.
- Chinook salmon.
- Yellow perch.
- Sauger.
- Paddlefish and many more….
If you plan to stay for a few days in this fishing spot, you can take a look at the available campgrounds. All of the campgrounds are well-equipped. So, you can get ‘EXCELLENT’ access to lake fishing while camping as well.
Gartside Reservoir
Gartside reservoir is located in the County named Richland that is close to the town known as Sidney. With a size of 109.6 acres, this reservoir offers ‘EXCELLENT’ fishing opportunities for the fishing enthusiasts with wide ranges of species.
Here, the best thing you’ll enjoy is having the flexibility of fishing directly from the water. Both electric and manual motors are allowed while fishing in this reservoir.
Although summer is considered as the best time to make a fishing trip on this popular fishing spot, the weekends can be a bit crowded due to the presence of the local anglers. So, I would suggest that you should make your plan for the weekdays to avoid such kind of crowd.
Following is a list of the fish species that you can target while fishing in Gartside Reservoir –
- Bluegill.
- Black Crappie.
- Green Sunfish.
- Common Carp.
- Northern Pike.
- Largemouth Bass.
- Walleye.
- Smallmouth Bass.
- White Sucker and many more…
For bass fishing in this fishing destination, you can choose the evening time as it is the ‘PERECT’ time to be successful in your fishing mission.
Bighorn Lake
Bighorn Lake is more like a reservoir that is located in the southern part of Montana and also the northern side of Wyoming. This particular fishing destination has got many fishing opportunities to offer for fishing enthusiasts.
Apart from enjoying the high-class fishing experience, you get the chance of enjoying some of the most fabulous and dazzling scenery of the northwest region of the US.
Choosing this lake for your fishing trip can offer you 2 different types of fishing options – catching fish directly from the water and the shore as well.
Fish species you can target in Bighorn Lake include the following –
- Walleye.
- Yellow Perch.
- Sauger.
- Smallmouth Bass.
- Rainbow Trout.
- Shovelnose Sturgeon.
- Lake Trout.
- Ling.
- Brown Trout.
- Bullhead.
- Channel Catfish.
- Common Carp.
If you choose Bighorn Lake for your next fishing vacation, I would suggest you plan for staying there for at least a few days. The tent campgrounds system around this lake offers spectacular views of this fishing spot that you’ll definitely enjoy with your family or friends.
Well, these are some of the best fishing spots in Montana that you can choose for your upcoming fishing vacation. And, don’t forget to write to me about your fishing experiences. As fishing runs in my blood, I always look for what others say about their own fishing experiences.
Now, it is time I should tell you about Montana Fishing Season. For making a fishing trip to Montana, it is very ‘IMPORTANT’ to have complete knowledge about the fishing season in Montana.
Having such knowledge can help pick the right time for your fishing vacation. And, consequently, this will surely double the pleasure you can hope to get from such a trip.
Montana Fishing Season
Although fishing in Montana can be done any time you want as many of the fishing destinations are open all the year-round. But, for your convenience, I have divided this section into subsections with 3 different fishing seasons.
Read in full to get a precise idea about the Montana Fishing Season….
Spring [March, April, May]
By the end of March and early April, the temperature in Montana starts to rise. This indicates that fish tend to become more active during this time. At the same time, the insects are found to hatch more than other times.
This is the time when you can make a fishing trip for catching the lake trout like Brown trout, Rainbow trout, Brook trout, Cutthroat trout and others as well.
According to my fishing experiences, it is the BEST opportunity to go for dry fly fishing as it is the starting period of this season.
Summer [June, July, August]
Summer can be considered as the peak time for Montana Fishing Season as it is a very dynamic period. Temperatures rise and fall, water levels rise, and the hatches also change by this time.
Therefore, the avid fishermen consider this as the ‘BEST’ time for fishing as they get the opportunity to enjoy summer weather along with the sunshine. Besides, fishing during this time becomes a bit more technical than usual times.
The weather during this period is much more helpful for any fishermen. Also, the skilled and experienced fishermen get the chance of using various fishing techniques to maintain a more success rate.
You can expect to catch the following fish species during this particular Montana fishing season –
- Lake trout.
- Lake whitefish.
- Largemouth bass.
- Smallmouth bass.
- Perch.
- Kokanee.
- Pike and others also…
Fall [September, October]
The fall season of the Montana fishing season is what I call going for the big. Typically, this particular time of the year gives you the opportunity to catch bigger fishes. The reason behind this is it is the perfect period for brown trout to spawn. At the same time, all the trout tend to become more territorial and aggressive as well.
In addition, the fall season also offers a greater level of opportunity to the skilled anglers for trying to be involved in some action on the lower elevation rivers. In the summer, you don’t get such an opportunity because of extremely hot weather conditions.
This particular fishing season can be the ideal time to target all types of lake trout, rainbow, bass, perch, pike, and others as well.
No matter the season you choose for your next fishing vacation in Montana, it is always a wise decision to have complete knowledge about the best time for fishing in Montana.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind o fishing is in Montana?
Answer: If you pick Montana for your fishing quest, you get the opportunity to target wide ranges of fish species to fill in your fishing bucket.
The most popular ones that attract avid fishermen are as follows –
- Rainbow trout.
- Brown trout.
- Walleye.
- Perch.
- Northern Pike.
- Channel Catfish and other lake trout as well.
2. Do you need a fishing license in Montana?
Answer: For any type of fishing Montana, you need to have a valid fishing license. In addition, you also need a Conservation License and AIS Prevention as well.
Without the above-mentioned licenses, you won’t get permission in any fishing access points in Montana. So, it is better to have a precise idea about the cost of the Montana Fishing License.
3. What happens if you get caught without a fishing license?
Answer: You may be totally surprised to hear the fact that thousands of fishermen are caught fishing every year without having a fishing license.
Such an act can definitely discourage other anglers who follow all the rules and regulations of Montana fishing.
Therefore, if you get caught without a fishing license while fishing in Montana, the fine can be up to $10,000 starting from $2000 along with imprisonment for about a year.
4. What is the best time of year to fly fish Montana?
Answer: The Montana Fishing Season typically starts from the 1st of March to the 1st of November.
These are said to be the prime months for enjoying fly fishing in Montana. But, you can make a fishing trip all-year-round, if you have a valid fishing license along with other permits.
It is better for you to have a clear concept about the best time for fishing in Montana so that you can make a perfect fishing vacation.
5. Where can I fly fish in Montana?
Answer: Montana has always been considered as the best fishing destination as it is full of wide ranges of fishing spots.
For fly fishing in Montana, you can check out the following fishing spots:
- Blackfoot River.
- Madison River.
- Big Hole River.
- Smith River.
- Bitterroot River.
- Clark Fork River and others as well.
Final Thought
Most of avid fishermen, including me, consider Montana as the fishing paradise. The changing weather with crystal-clear water in the fishing spots of Montana offers excellent fishing opportunities to the anglers.
That’s the reason, whenever I get to manage some time, I plan for a fishing trip to Montana fishing spots.
To be on the safest side, it is always mandatory for you to carry a valid fishing license, conservation license, and other permission as well.
At the same time, you should also have proper knowledge regarding Montana fishing regulation. It is because you have to pay a lot if you violate Montana fishing regulations.
Another thing you should keep in mind while planning for a Montana fishing trip is to have a clear concept about Montana Fishing Season. Choosing the best time for fishing in Montana can surely increase your pleasure during your fishing vacation.
I believe that I have covered almost everything you need to know about Fishing in Montana.
But, if you think I might have missed anything to mention, make sure to comment in the comment box or send me a direct message.
I would love to share my assistance depending on your need.
Besides, don’t forget to share your fishing experiences in Montana. Write to me in detail about your entire fishing journey to Montana. As fishing runs in my blood, I always look for more info and experience regarding this topic.
Take care & Happy Fishing!
