Bass Fishing In Montana

Guide to fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass lakes in MT

By Rick Seaman

Last updated on September 4, 2025.

Montana has excellent bass fishing opportunities, pretty much all across the state. Although it is not known as a prolific bass fishing state, due to relatively short growing seasons and typically cold water, there are some excellent options for bass fishing here.

Bass Fishing In The State

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Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are the most abundant, and most pursued bass in Montana. They are available in most warm-water lakes in the state, they tend to thrive in most water conditions and grow to bragging size in relative short order. Often called big mouth bass, or wide mouth bass, they are savvy predators that feed on most things that live in their territory. Bass in the 5 to 10-pound range are common in Montana. The state record largemouth bass is over 8 pounds.

Finding & Catching Bigmouth Bass

Anglers can target big mouth bass in various lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Spring and early summer are typically the best seasons for targeting largemouth bass as they are more active and feeding in the shallows near shoreline cover. Start with topwater baits, as they cover the water most efficiently. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are the next choice. For finicky bass, plastic worms and jigs may entice a bite as you can move them very slowly around cover. In the heat of summer and the cold of winter bass move to deeper water, usually following the baitfish. Jigs, drop shot rigs and spoons are a good approach for bass holding in deep water. Vary your retrieve speed and action to find what the bass like today!

Largemouth bass can be found in some of Montana's larger lakes and reservoirs, such as Fort Peck Reservoir, Lake Elmo, and Canyon Ferry Reservoir. These fish prefer warmer water and are often associated with vegetation, submerged structures, and near shorelines. Anglers commonly use a variety of techniques including topwater lures, spinnerbaits, and soft plastic baits to entice largemouth bass to strike.

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Smallmouth Bass

While smallmouth bass don't grow as large as their cousin the largemouth, they make up the difference with tenacious fights. Known for long battles and spectacular jumps, smallies grow fat and strong but rarely exceed ten pounds. Their range and locations are often with or nearby the largemouths. The state record smallmouth bass is over 7 pounds.

Smallmouth bass, on the other hand, are more prevalent in Montana's rivers and some of the state's smaller lakes. Popular rivers like the Bighorn River, Yellowstone River, and the upper reaches of the Missouri River offer excellent smallmouth bass fishing opportunities. Smallmouth bass are known for their aggressive nature and fighting ability, making them a favorite among anglers. Techniques such as casting crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics along rocky banks, current breaks, and deep pools can be productive when targeting smallmouth bass.

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Bass fishing in Montana is a beloved pursuit, cherished by anglers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Few experiences rival the thrill of hooking into a largemouth or smallmouth bass, making it a timeless pastime that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice angler eager to learn the ropes, mastering the art of bass fishing can be immensely rewarding. That's why this page is dedicated to offering invaluable insights and tips on bass fishing, providing a comprehensive guide on everything from bass fishing techniques to essential bass-catching strategies. Whether you're seeking advice on selecting the perfect lure or honing your casting skills, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel on the water. Dive into our wealth of information to discover the secrets of successful bass fishing and unlock the full potential of your angling endeavors.

Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Montana

Some of the larger lakes maintaining a healthy population of bass include Bighorn Lake, Canyon Ferry Lake, Echo Lake, Flathead Lake, Fort Peck Lake, Noxon Reservoir, Thompson Lakes, Tongue River Reservoir.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Montana State Record Bass

The state record largemouth bass was caught from Noxon Rapids Lake.

The state record smallmouth bass came from Fort Peck Reservoir.

Top 5 bass fishing lures for Montana this year

When bass are shallow, topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jigs are the very productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

Bass fishing basics video

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in Montana.

Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Treasure State.

Bass fishing information by state

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