Montana Fishing Regulations

General Rules (barbless hooks are the #1 cause of fines)

• ⚠ 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.

• Closed year-round from Elk Lake Road to Upper Red Rock Lake; upstream open to artificial lures only, closed May 1 - Jun 14.

• temporary/seasonal angling restric-
• the Standard Daily & Possession Limits on p 25.
• During General Season (third Saturday in May through Nov. 30).
• • Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout and rainbow trout.
• Season (third Saturday in May through Nov. 30).
• boundary of the Woodside Bridge FAS. During General Season (third
• Saturday in May through Nov. 30).
• • Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.

• Smallmouth Bass: All Smallmouth Bass caught must be killed immediately,
• Regulations are the same as the adjacent river section.
• Painted Rocks Dam to Applebury Forest Service Site on Fridays.
• Applebury Forest Service Site to Trapper Creek Job Corps site on
• Trapper Creek Job Corps Site on to Hannon Memorial FAS on Sundays.
• Hannon Memorial FAS to Wally Crawford FAS on Mondays.
• Painted Rocks Dam to Applebury Forest Service Site on Fridays.
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, Only 1 rainbow trout over 14
• Artificial lures only within 100-yard radius of the mouths of Belmont

• No commercial floating or fishing June 1 to Sept. 15 from:
• No floating of any kind July 1 to Sept. 15 from:
• the Standard Daily & Possession Limits on p 25.

• temporary/seasonal angling restrictions and
• the Standard Daily & Possession Limits on p 25.
• General Season (third Saturday in May through Nov. 30)
• • Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• • Artificial lures only within 100-yard radius of the mouths of Belmont

• Mainstem only during the Extended Season (Dec. 1 to the third Saturday
• in May)
• • Extended season for mountain whitefish and catch-and-release for
• trout open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May. Tributaries are closed to
• fishing during the extended season.
• • Artificial lures and/or maggots only.
• • All other live/dead bait prohibited.
• • Catch-and-release for brook trout. (This regulation is a result of bull

• • Catch-and-release only.
• • Artificial lures only.
• • Closed to fishing from boats/vessels.
• During the General Season (third Saturday in May through Nov. 30):
• • Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• • Northern pike: no limit.
• • Artificial lures only within a 100-yard radius of the mouths of Rattlesnake

• During the Extended Season (Dec. 1 to the third Saturday in May):
• • Extended season for northern pike and whitefish and catch-and-release
• for trout open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May.
• • Artificial lures and/or maggots only.
• • All other live/dead bait prohibited.
• temporary/seasonal angling restrictions and closures not listed here.
• the Standard Daily & Possession Limits on p 25.

• Open entire year.
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.

• Open entire year.
• Combined trout: standard lake daily and possession limits apply.
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Bass (largemouth and smallmouth combined): 5 daily and in
• Walleye: no limit. Catch, keep and report of walleye not required (see
• Hook and Line: 2 lines with up to 2 hooks or artificial lures per line all year.
• Closed to fishing from Rainey Lake fish barrier downstream for 100 yards.
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Northern pike: no limit.
• Snagging: open for kokanee salmon from Lake Alva outlet to Lake

• NOTE: Clearwater River sections between lakes are closed to fishing
• from Dec. 1 until the third Saturday in May. This includes the Clearwater
• • Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• • Northern pike: no limit.
• • Closed entire year.
• • Artificial lures only, including within a 100-yard radius of the mouth.
• the Standard Daily & Possession Limits on p 25.
• • Artificial lures only within 100-yard radius of the mouth.

• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Lake trout: 100 daily and in possession, only 1 over 36 inches, and all
• Yellow perch: no limit, only 10 daily over 10 inches. No possession limit.
• NOTE: A Flathead Indian Reservation Tribal Permit is required to fish on

• • Hooks/lures must have single points, no double or treble hooks.
• • Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• • From Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May, maggots and artificial lures only,
• no artificial lures can be scented (infused, saturated, or applied).

• the Standard Daily & Possession Limits on p 25.
• • Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• • Downstream from Silver King Falls: Artificial lures only, including within
• • Closed entire year.

• Open entire year.
• Rainbow trout: 5 daily and in possession.
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Hook and Line: 2 rods and/or lines with up to 2 hooks per line; Western

• Extended season for whitefish and catch-and-release for trout open
• Closed entire year.
• Catch-and-release for bass.
• Open third Saturday in May through March 31, except for the South and

• Seasonal Closure
• April 1 - June 30

• • Open third Saturday in May through March 31, except for the South and
• East shoreline area which is only open July 1 through March 31. South

• Combined trout, includes brook trout: 5 daily and in possession, of which
• Kokanee salmon: no daily or possession limit

• Closed entire year.
• Catch-and-release for bass.

• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Extended whitefish season and catch-and-release for trout open Dec. 1
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Closed entire year.

• Open July 1 through April 30.

• Open July 1 through Nov. 30.

• Hooks/lures must have single points, no double or treble hooks.
• Closed to angling June 1 through Sept. 30 within a 150-yard radius of
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Rainbow trout: 5 daily and in possession.
• Extended season open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial
• Salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
• Catch-and-release only.
• Artificial lures only.

• • Closed entire year.
• • Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.

• Artificial lures only, including within a 100-yard radius of the mouth.

• Artificial lures with single point barbless hooks only.
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, Only 1 rainbow trout over 14
• Single-pointed hooks only. See page 5 for description.
• Closed to angling June 1 through Sept. 30 within a 150-yard radius of the

• • Single-pointed hooks only. See page 5 for description.
• • Closed to angling June 1 through Sept. 30 within a 150-yard radius of the

• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Rainbow trout: 5 daily and in possession.
• Extended season open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial

• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, Only 1 rainbow trout over 14
• Artificial lures only, including within 100-yard radius of mouth.

• Closed to fishing from the mouth of Beeskove Creek to the former
• Combined trout: 3 brown trout daily and in possession. Catch-and-
• Artificial lures only, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may use
• Closed to fishing from boats/vessels July 1 through Nov. 30.
• Extended season for whitefish and catch-and-release for trout open
• Kokanee salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
• Northern pike: no limit.
• Spearing: open for northern pike.
• Kokanee salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
• Bass: no daily or possession limit for entire year.

• Hooks/lures must have single points only, no double or treble hooks.
• Closed to all angling from the mouths of Gordon Creek and Little Salmon

• • Hooks/lures must have single points only, no double or treble hooks.
• • Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• • Extended season open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May. No live, dead, or
• artificial bait allowed, except maggots.
• • Closed entire year.
• • Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• • Artificial lures only within 100-yard radius of the mouth.

• • Closed to fishing July 1 through Sept. 30 from the Silver Lake diversion
• temporary/seasonal angling restrictions and closures not listed here.
• the Standard Daily & Possession Limits on p 25.
• • Open July 1 through Nov. 30.
• • Catch-and-release for brook trout.
• • Catch-and-release for cutthroat and rainbow trout.
• • Closed to angling June 1 through Sept. 30 within a 300-yard radius of

• Artificial lures only.
• Hooks/lures must have single points, no double or treble hooks.

• Open entire year.
• Lake trout: 1 daily and in possession, must be over 42 inches.
• (See Clark Fork River Mouth of Thompson River to Idaho Border)
• Open to fishing entire year.
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout and rainbow trout.
• Brown trout: 3 daily and in possession, any size.
• Artificial lures only, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may use bait.
• Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Sept. 15 through Nov. 30.
• Kokanee salmon: 20 daily and 40 in possession.
• Closed entire year downstream from mouth of Thoma Creek.

• Ducks Unlimited
• the Standard Daily & Possession Limits on p 25.
• • Open from the third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
• • Open from the third Saturday in May through Nov. 30 except for the
• section from Myers Dam downstream 50 yards which is closed to
• fishing July 1 through Sept. 30.
• • Extended season: catch-and-release for trout Dec. 1 to third Saturday
• in May with artificial lures only.

• Catch-and-release only. (See Kid’s Pond and Gravel Pit Pond for exceptions.)
• Artificial lures only. (See Kid’s Pond and Gravel Pit Pond for exceptions.)
• Motorized boats/vessels prohibited.
• Open Aug. 15 through Sept. 30.
• Catch-and-release only.
• Artificial lures only.
• Motorized boats/vessels prohibited.

• • Catch-and-release only.
• • Artificial lures only.
• • Motorized boats/vessels prohibited.

• Open entire year.
• Combined trout: 2 daily and in possession.
• Bait may be used.
• Open to fishing by anglers 14 years of age or younger only. One rod per child.

• Open second Friday in June at 5 p.m. through Nov. 30.
• Combined trout: 2 daily and in possession.
• Bait may be used.
• Open May 25 through Sept. 30. No trespassing on islands.

• Hook and Line Limits
• - 1 line with 2 hooks per line, with or without a rod. The rod or line must be

• - 2 lines with 2 hooks per line. All lines must be attended and in the angler’s
• - 2 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice on lakes, reservoirs, or ponds
• be in immediate control, but must be in the vicinity and in visual contact
• - 2 lines with 2 hooks per line or as noted under Exceptions to Standard
• Regulations. All lines must be attended and in the angler’s immediate
• - 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice. When a line is used through
• the ice, the angler need not be in immediate control but must be in the
• Removal After the Season: The owner of an ice fishing shelter shall remove

• Submerged Spearing: In all waters open to fishing, nongame fish may be taken
• Game fish species may be taken with rubber or pneumatic-propelled spears by
• Ice Spearing: Spearing may be used through the ice for designated species in
• - Live fish may not be used as bait in the Central Fishing District unless the
• - Game fish, including yellow perch, may not be used as bait except as
• - It is unlawful to release live bait of any kind into Montana waters; do not empty
• - Collection methods: Nongame fish may be taken for use as live bait in the
• - with hook and line; or

• - Bait fish collected in the Bighorn River drainage of Wyoming may be imported
• crayfish, reptiles, amphibians and insects may be used as bait on all waters not
• restricted to artificial lures only. Transport of invasive species is unlawful.
• - Leeches may only be imported into Montana from FWP-approved leech
• with leeches in Montana. A list of approved out-of-state leech dealers may be
• - Nongame fish species that may be collected and possessed and used as
• sucker. All other nongame fish species (not listed above) must be released
• - The nongame fish species listed above may be used as live fish bait only in

• Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or
• Yellow perch: 10 daily and in possession.
• Walleye: 10 daily, only 1 over 15 inches. Possession limit is twice the
• Northern pike: no limit. Spearing allowed through the ice only.
• Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice

• the Standard Daily & Possession Limits on p 52.
• • Open May 15 at 12:00 noon through Nov. 30.
• • Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
• • Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
• • Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
• • Rainbow trout: Catch-and-release only.

• Open third Saturday in May through Sept. 30.

• Catch-and-release for brown trout.
• Artificial lures and single-pointed hooks only. Anglers may remove
• Open April 1 through Sept. 30.
• Brown trout: Catch-and-release only.
• Brown trout: 5 fish daily and in possession. All fish must be less than 18”.
• Closed to float fishing by nonresidents and float outfitting on each
• Closed to float fishing by nonresidents and float outfitting on each
• Closed to float outfitting from the third Saturday in May through Labor
• Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
• Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession, no size restriction.

• temporary/seasonal angling restrictions
• the Standard Daily & Possession Limits on p 52.
• • Closed to float fishing by nonresidents and float outfitting on each
• Sunday from the third Sunday in May through Labor Day
• • Closed to float outfitting from the third Saturday in May through Labor
• • Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
• • Catch-and-release only.
• • Artificial lures only.

• Closed to float outfitting from the third Saturday in May through

• Closed to float outfitting on each Tuesday from the third Saturday in May
• Closed to float outfitting on each Thursday from the third Saturday in May

• Closed to float outfitting on each Wednesday from the third Saturday

• Closed to float fishing by nonresidents and float outfitting on each
• Closed to float fishing by nonresidents and float outfitting on each
• Closed to float outfitting on each Monday from the third Saturday in May
• Closed to float outfitting on each Friday from the third Saturday in May
• Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
• Bass: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
• Shovelnose sturgeon: 2 daily and in possession.
• Sauger/walleye: 6 daily (only 3 may be sauger) and 12 in possession
• Channel catfish: 6 daily and in possession.
• Burbot (ling): 3 daily and in possession.

• the Standard Daily & Possession Limits on p 52.
• • Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
• • Sauger/walleye: 6 daily (only 3 may be sauger) and 12 in possession
• (only 3 may be sauger).
• • Hook and Line: 2 lines with 2 hooks per line on open water and 6 lines
• with 1 hook per line through the ice.
• • Anglers obtaining live bait fish in Montana may use them only in the
• • May use live nongame bait fish (as identified in Standard District

• Open June 15 through Nov. 30.

• Closed to fishing from boats/vessels.

• Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
• Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger only. One rod
• Closed entire year where enclosed by concrete walks and masonry work.
• Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession. Catch-and-release for
• Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
• Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.

• Combined trout and kokanee salmon: 5 trout and kokanee salmon
• Walleye: 10 daily, only 1 over 15 inches. Possession limit is twice the
• Yellow perch: 10 daily and in possession July 1 through March 31; 1
• Northern pike: no limit.
• Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or
• Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice
• Spearing: open for northern pike through the ice.
• Cutthroat trout: 2 daily and in possession.
• Manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric
• During ice cover: no fires, all-terrain vehicles, off highway vehicles,

• Open July 15 through Nov. 30.

• Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
• Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
• Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger, holders of a
• Northern pike: no limit.
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 18 inches and

• Seasonal spawning closure at tributary mouths: Closed to fishing 100
• Cisco and whitefish: all fish must be released immediately or killed
• Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice
• Spearing: open for nongame fish, northern pike, and walleye through
• Closed entire year around the water supply outlet as posted.
• Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
• Spearing: open for nongame fish, northern pike, and walleye through
• Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or
• Yellow perch: 10 daily and in possession July 1 through March 31; 1 daily
• Walleye: 10 daily, only 1 over 15 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily

• • Cisco and whitefish: all fish must be released immediately or killed
• and counted as part of your limit. It is unlawful to possess live cisco or
• • Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice
• • Closed entire year around the water supply outlet as posted.
• • Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
• • Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or
• younger may take 1 brown trout daily and in possession, any size.
• • Yellow perch: 10 daily and in possession July 1 through March 31; 1 daily

• Open third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
• Closed entire year as posted.

• Catch-and-release for rainbow trout, except anglers 14 years of age or

• Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger
• Artificial lures only.
• Closed to fishing from boats/vessels.
• Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger
• Artificial lures only.
• Catch-and-release for rainbow trout, except anglers 14 years of age or
• Artificial lures only with barbless, single-pointed hooks. No treble or

• Catch-and-release for rainbow trout, except anglers 14 years of age or
• Artificial lures only with barbless, single-pointed hooks. No treble or
• Closed to fishing from boats/vessels.
• Northern pike: no limit.
• Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
• Closed entire year from intake of Glacier Park Hotel Company water

• • Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
• • Closed entire year from intake of Glacier Park Hotel Company water
• temporary/seasonal
• the Standard Daily & Possession Limits on p 52.

• Northern pike: no limit.

• Big Springs spawning area closed as posted from March 1 through June 15.
• Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or
• Walleye: 10 daily, only 1 over 15 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily
• Northern pike: no limit.

• the Standard Daily & Possession Limits on p 52.

• Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or
• Combined trout and kokanee salmon: 5 trout and kokanee salmon
• Yellow perch: 10 daily and in possession, July 1 through March 31; 1 daily
• Walleye: 10 daily, only 1 over 15 inches. Possession limit is twice the
• Northern pike: no limit.
• Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice
• Combined trout: standard river/stream limits apply, except catch-and-
• Walleye: 5 daily, only 1 over 25 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily
• Northern pike: no limit.

• Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
• Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
• Closed entire year.
• Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
• Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice
• Spearing: open for northern pike through the ice only.
• Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession.
• Bass: 3 daily and in possession, none over 10 inches.
• No spear fishing or bow fishing allowed.

• Open entire year except May 1 through June 14.
• Artificial lures only.

• Closed the entire year.
• Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
• West Fork Rock Creek is closed to fishing from the Red Lodge water
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.

• Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.

• Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
• Catch-and-release for rainbow trout.
• Closed entire year just below Ruby Dam (that portion of the Ruby River
• Catch-and-release for brown trout.
• Open April 1 through Sept. 30.
• Brown trout: 1 daily and in possession, must be less than 18”.
• Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
• Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
• Closed to fishing (City of Helena water supply).
• Open third Saturday in May through Labor Day.

• Smallmouth bass: All smallmouth bass caught must be killed
• Open third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
• Catch-and-release for Arctic grayling.
• Combined trout: 2 daily and in possession.

• • Open third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
• the Standard Daily & Possession Limits on p 52.
• Bridge is strictly limited. Mandatory registration, floater’s fee and other
• • Open third Saturday in May to Nov. 30.
• • Artificial lures only, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may use bait.

• the Standard Daily & Possession Limits on p 52.
• • Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
• • Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.

• Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
• Open May 15 at 12:00 noon through Nov. 30.
• Cisco and whitefish: all fish must be released immediately or killed
• Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice
• Spearing: open for nongame fish, northern pike, and walleye through
• Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
• Combined trout: includes 1 arctic grayling.
• Catch-and-release for lake trout.
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession.
• Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger only. One rod

• • Cisco and whitefish: all fish must be released immediately or killed
• and counted as part of your limit. It is unlawful to possess live cisco or
• • Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice
• • Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
• temporary/seasonal angling restrictions and closures not listed here.
• the Standard Daily & Possession Limits on p 52.
• • Catch-and-release for lake trout.
• • Spawning channel and channel inlet closed as posted.

• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.

• the Standard Daily & Possession Limits on p 52.
• following limits:
• 1 per season and in possession
• 0 (all waters are closed to fishing for pallid sturgeon)
• These harvest limits cannot be exceeded, even if the angler possesses both tribal
• River and/or Milk River — are limited to a maximum of 6 lines with 6 hooks per
• Hook and Line Limits
• - 6 lines with 6 hooks per line. The line(s) must be attended and in the

• May 1 - Jun 15
• July 1 - Aug 31
• May 15 - Jun 15
• Bridge to ND Line yellow May 15 - Jun 15
• FAS = Fishing Access Site C&R = Catch-and-Release
• - Each angler must cast for, hook and reel in their own paddlefish. It is unlawful
• - Any fish other than paddlefish caught while paddlefish snagging must be
• immediately released alive.

• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, Only 1 rainbow trout over 14

• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, Only 1 rainbow trout over 14
• Artificial lures only within 100-yard radius of mouth.
• Closed entire year.
• Closed to all angling within a 300-yard radius around the inlet (where
• Closed to all angling within a 300-yard radius around the inlet (where
• Extended season for northern pike and whitefish and catch-and-release
• Artificial lures, maggots and/or aquatic insects only. All other live/dead
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout and rainbow trout.
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout and rainbow trout.

• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• (See Clark Fork River Mouth of Thompson River to Idaho Border)

• Artificial lures only, including within a 100-yard radius of the mouth.

• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, Only 1 rainbow trout over 14
• Combined trout: 4 under 12 inches and only 1 over 22 inches daily and

• Open entire year.
• Catch-and-release only.
• Artificial lures only.
• Closed to fishing from boats/vessels.
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Northern pike: no limit.
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, Only 1 over 14 inches long.
• Artificial lures only within a 100-yard radius of the mouths of Rattlesnake
• Extended season for northern pike and whitefish and catch-and-release
• Artificial lures and/or maggots only.

• Open entire year.
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, Only 1 rainbow trout over 14
• Northern pike: no limit.

• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, Only 1 rainbow trout over 14
• Artificial lures only, including within a 100-yard radius of the mouth.
• Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger and senior
• One rod per angler.
• One trout daily and in possession.

• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, Only 1 rainbow trout over 14

• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Artificial lures only within 100-yard radius of the mouth.

• Closed entire year.

• Closed entire year.
• Artificial lures only, including within a 100-yard radius of the mouth.
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, Only 1 rainbow trout over 14

• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.

• Open entire year.

• Closed entire year.
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout

• Closed entire year.

• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Combined trout: 3 daily, Only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size
• Artificial lures only, within 100-yard radius of the mouth.

• Tiger muskie : 1 daily and in possession, must be over 40 inches. There
• No spearing.
• Bull trout: 1 fish per license year from the third Saturday in May through
• See South Fork Flathead River Drainage regulations.
• Open Aug. 15 through Sept. 30.
• Catch-and-release only.
• Artificial lures only.
• Motorized boats/vessels prohibited.
• Open third Saturday in May through July 15.
• Bull trout: As per the District Standard Regulations, the Kootenai River is

• Open June 1 through Feb. 28.
• Rainbow trout: 1 daily and in possession, 28 inch minimum length.
• Hooks/lures must have single points, no double or treble hooks.

• Open entire year.
• Rainbow trout: 4 daily and in possession, includes 3 under 13 inches
• Closed to angling June 1 through Sept. 30 within 150-yards upstream
• Snagging: open for kokanee salmon from Sept. 15 through Nov. 30.
• Kokanee salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
• Northern pike: no limit.
• Spearing: open for northern pike.
• Open to fishing all year, except 150-yards upstream of Keeler Creek to
• Brown trout: no limit.
• Snagging: Downstream of Troy Dam open for kokanee salmon from

• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, Only 1 rainbow trout over 14
• Downstream from Silver King Falls: Artificial lures only, including within

• Closed entire year.

• Artificial lures only.
• Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger, holders of a
• Open April 1 through Oct. 30.
• Combined trout, including cutthroat trout: 1 fish daily and in possession.
• Crayfish: 20 daily and in possession; females with egg clusters or

• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, Only 1 rainbow trout over 14
• Artificial lures only, including within 100-yard radius of the mouth.
• Artificial lures only.
• Closed entire year.
• Closed entire year.

• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, Only 1 rainbow trout over 14

• Open July 1 through Nov. 30.
• Catch-and-release for brook trout.
• (See Clark Fork River Mouth of Thompson River to Idaho Border)
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, Only 1 rainbow trout over 14
• Artificial lures only within 100-yard radius of the mouth.

• Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Oct. 15 through Dec. 31; 20 daily
• Catch-and-release for largemouth bass.
• Kokanee salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
• Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Oct. 15 through Dec. 31; 20 daily
• Northern pike: no limit.
• Smallmouth bass: no limit.
• All northern pike and smallmouth bass caught must be killed
• Open third Saturday in May through Aug. 15.
• Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger
• Artificial lures only, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may use

• Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger, holders of a
• Open April 1 through Oct. 30.
• Combined trout, including cutthroat trout: 1 fish daily and in possession.

• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout, includes Daly Creek.
• Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger. One rod per
• Yellow perch: no limit, only 10 daily over 10 inches. No possession limit.

• Cutthroat trout: Western District Standard (3 daily and in possession,
• Bull trout: No intentional angling for bull trout except catch-and-release
• Angling for bull trout is not allowed at any time in tributaries to South
• Hooks/lures must have single points only, no double or treble hooks.
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Rainbow trout: 5 daily and in possession.
• Extended season open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May. No live, dead, or

• Closed entire year.
• Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger; one rod per child.
• Combined trout, including cutthroat trout: 1 fish daily and in possession.
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, Only 1 rainbow trout over 14
• Artificial lures only within 100-yard radius of the mouth.

• Open entire year from mouth of Sunday Creek to confluence with

• Closed to fishing July 1 through Sept. 30 from the Silver Lake diversion

• Open July 1 through Nov. 30.
• Catch-and-release for brook trout.
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat and rainbow trout.
• Closed to angling June 1 through Sept. 30 within a 300-yard radius of

• Artifical lures only within 100-yard radius of the mouth.
• Kokanee salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
• Catch-and-release for bass.
• Northern pike: no limit.
• Spearing: open for northern pike.
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Open from the third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.

• Open from the third Saturday in May through Nov. 30 except for the
• Extended season: catch-and-release for trout Dec. 1 to third Saturday

• Open entire year on Warm Springs Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
• All ponds and canals open Aug. 15 through Sept. 30 including Job

• Open May 25 through Nov. 30 to fishing from non-motorized vessels.

• Open entire year.
• Closed to fishing from boats/vessels.
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout and rainbow trout.
• Brown trout: 3 daily and in possession.
• Extended season for northern pike and whitefish and catch-and-
• Painted Rocks Dam to Applebury Forest Service Site on Fridays.
• Applebury Forest Service Site to Trapper Creek Job Corps Site on
• Trapper Creek Job Corps Site on to Hannon Memorial FAS on Sundays.
• Hannon Memorial FAS to Wally Crawford FAS on Mondays.
• Painted Rocks Dam to Applebury Forest Service Site on Fridays.

• Closed to fishing (City of Helena water supply).
• Burbot (Ling): 3 over 23 inches daily and in possession.
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession.
• Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
• Hook and Line: 2 lines with 2 hooks per line all year.
• Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
• Combined trout: limit includes 2 cutthroat trout daily and in
• March 1 through Aug. 31 – Central District Standard Daily and
• Sept. 1 through Feb. 28 – Trout: no limit.

• Closed to angling from Nov. 30 to April 15.
• Artificial lures only.
• Open entire year downstream of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation
• Combined trout: 10 daily and in possession.
• Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 35 daily
• Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.

• Open May 15 at 12:00 noon through Nov. 30.

• Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
• Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession.
• Open June 15 through Sept. 30.

• Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
• Open July 15 through Nov. 30.
• Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice.
• Spearing: open for nongame fish and northern pike through the ice
• Northern pike: no limit.
• The Narrows Creek spawning channel is closed to angling.
• Catch-and-release for lake trout and arctic grayling.

• Open entire year except May 1 through June 14.
• Artificial lures only.
• Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger only. One rod
• Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through ice only.
• Spearing: open for northern pike and nongame fish through the ice only.
• Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger only.
• Combined trout: 2 daily and in possession.
• Northern pike: no limit.

• Open third Saturday in May through the end of February.
• Open third Saturday in May through the end of February.

• Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
• Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
• Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
• Catch-and-release for rainbow trout.

• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 12 inches, all may
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession only 1 over 12 inches.
• Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
• Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, none over 12 inches.

• Open May 15 at 12:00 noon through Nov. 30.
• Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
• Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
• Spearing: open for northern pike through the ice only.
• Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice
• Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Sept. 1 through Dec. 31; 35 daily
• The unnamed tributary to the lake, inlet and outlet, is closed all year.
• Closed entire year from city water supply intake to a point 1,000 feet
• Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.

• Cutthroat trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 14 inches.
• Open third Saturday in May to Nov. 30.
• Combined trout: 3 under 13 inches daily and in possession and only 1
• Artificial lures only, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may use bait.
• Cutthroat trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 14 inches.
• Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.

• Closed entire year.
• 5 trout daily, only 1 over 20 inches.

• Smallmouth bass: All smallmouth bass caught must be killed immediately,

• Smallmouth bass: 10 daily and in possession.
• Hook and Line: 2 lines with 2 hooks per line all year.
• See “Dead Bait” and “Live Bait” sections below for details on possession
• Nongame fish may be taken from: