Montana Fly Fishing Reports
River Reports - Click a river below
Beaverhead River – Dillon
Beaverhead River – Twin Bridges
Big Hole River – Glen
Big Hole River – Maiden Rock
Big Hole River – Melrose
Bighorn River – St. Xavier
Bitterroot River – Bell Crossing
Bitterroot River – Conner
Bitterroot River – Darby
Bitterroot River – Missoula
Blackfoot River – Bonner
Boulder River – Big Timber
Clark Fork – Above Missoula
Clark Fork – Below Missoula
Clark Fork – Deer Lodge
Clark Fork – Goldcreek
Clark Fork – St. Regis
Dearborn River – Craig
Flint Creek – Maxville
Gallatin River – Big Sky
Gallatin River – Gallatin Gateway
Jefferson River – Twin Bridges
Kootenai River – below Libby Dam
Madison River – Below Ennis Dam
Madison River – Cameron
Madison River – Kirby Ranch
Madison River – West Yellowstone
Middle Fork Flathead River – West Glacier
Middle Fork Rock Creek – Philipsburg
Missouri River – Below Holter Dam
Missouri River – Cascade
Missouri River – Fort Benton
North Fork Flathead River – Columbia Falls
Rock Creek – Clinton
Smith River – Eden
Soda Butte Creek – Silver Gate
Stillwater River – Absarokee
Yellowstone River – Corwin Springs
Yellowstone River – Livingston
State overview
Montana is widely regarded as one of the top fly fishing destinations in the United States, offering an abundance of pristine rivers, streams, and lakes. The state’s diverse landscapes range from the majestic Rocky Mountains to tranquil valleys, providing anglers with opportunities to catch a variety of species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout.
Famous waters like the Madison River, Yellowstone River, and Gallatin River draw anglers from around the globe, known for their stunning scenery and exceptional fishing experiences. Montana’s rich fishing culture is complemented by its commitment to conservation and habitat preservation, making it a prime location for both novice and experienced anglers to explore year-round.
Fishing Regulations
In Montana, anglers aged 12 and older are required to have a valid fishing license. Key regulations include:
- General Seasons: Most rivers and streams are open from the third Saturday in May through November 30, while lakes and reservoirs are open year-round.
- Trout: The daily limit for trout is generally 5 fish, with specific size limits varying by water body. Some waters may have special regulations, so it’s important to check local rules.
- Northern Pike: There is no limit for northern pike in many waters, and spearing is allowed in designated areas.
- Catch-and-Release Regulations: Certain waters require anglers to practice catch-and-release for specific species or sizes.
For comprehensive regulations and specific water body rules, visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
Conservation Efforts
Montana is dedicated to the conservation of its fish populations and aquatic habitats through a range of proactive measures. The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is responsible for implementing fisheries management plans aimed at enhancing, protecting, and restoring both native and non-native fish species. Their efforts include habitat restoration projects and the management of aquatic invasive species to maintain healthy ecosystems [oai_citation:5,CONSERVATION :: Fisheries Management | Montana FWP](https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/fisheries-management) [oai_citation:4,](https://fwp.mt.gov/binaries/content/assets/fwp/conservation/fisheries-management/cutthroat-trout/westslope-cutthroat/r3-wct-conservation-strategy-final-2024.pdf).
In addition to state efforts, local organizations like Montana Wildlife Federation advocate for sustainable practices and habitat protection initiatives. These collaborative efforts focus on maintaining the integrity of Montana’s rivers and streams, ensuring that future generations can enjoy quality fishing experiences [oai_citation:3,CONSERVATION :: Fisheries Management | Montana FWP](https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/fisheries-management) [oai_citation:2,Conservation | Montana FWP](https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation).
Programs aimed at restoring native fish populations, such as the Westslope Cutthroat Trout Conservation Strategy, highlight Montana’s commitment to preserving its unique aquatic biodiversity [oai_citation:1,](https://fwp.mt.gov/binaries/content/assets/fwp/conservation/fisheries-management/cutthroat-trout/westslope-cutthroat/r3-wct-conservation-strategy-final-2024.pdf).