Montana is home to some of the finest trout fishing in North America with over 3,200 lakes, 1,500+ miles of blue-ribbon trout streams, and Glacier National Park — which alone contains over 700 lakes. Massive reservoirs like Fort Peck and Canyon Ferry, the largest natural freshwater lake in the West (Flathead Lake), and world-famous rivers like the Madison, Yellowstone, Bighorn, and Missouri make Big Sky Country a world-class fishing destination across five distinct regions.
Fishing Regulations
- 3 fishing districts: Western (p23), Central (p50), Eastern (p79). District standard limits apply unless the water is listed in District Exceptions.
- Anglers moving between waters may possess only the limit for the water they are currently fishing.
- Noodling (catching fish by hand) is unlawful in all districts.
- Bull trout: all waters closed to angling; all fish must be released. Pallid sturgeon: endangered, release immediately.
- For species not listed, no limits on number taken or possessed.
Pick a region below to explore its fishing spots.
Central MT & Missouri Headwaters Region
Missouri River Inlet, Canyon Ferry, Hauser, Helena
37 spots
Eastern Montana & Fort Peck Region
Fort Peck Reservoir Inlet, Missouri Breaks, Milk River, Lake J9
40 spots
Southeastern MT & Yellowstone Region Region
Yellowstone River Inlet, Bighorn River, Tongue River, Powder River
37 spots
Southwestern Montana Region
Madison Inlet, Gallatin, Big Hole, Jefferson Rivers
40 spots
Western Montana & Flathead Region Region
Flathead Lake Inlet, Glacier NP, Clark Fork River, Kootenai River
40 spots
Get CatchTales
Ready to start bragging? Download the app and hit the water.