Trout Fishing In Montana

Guide to fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brook, brown, golden and lake trout in local lakes and streams.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Montana is renowned for its exceptional trout fishing opportunities, offering anglers the chance to pursue a variety of trout species in its lakes and rivers. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about trout fishing and identify trout fishing waters in the state. The state boasts several trout species, including rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and lake trout.

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Fishing For Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are one of the most fished for trout species in the state, and can be found in numerous Montana lakes and rivers. Known for its tasty pink flesh, rainbows are a favorite among the vast majority of trout anglers in the state. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be caught on flies as well as other small baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. It is ideal for both sport and dining pleasure. Rainbow trout are found in many rivers, streams, and lakes throughout the state, providing thrilling angling experiences. Some of the best rivers for rainbow trout fishing include the Yellowstone River, Madison River, Gallatin River, and Bighorn River. These waterways offer both wild and stocked populations of rainbow trout, with trophy-sized specimens available for those who seek a challenge. More...

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Fishing For Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat trout call the Pacific northwest home, however they are also stocked in many lakes. Cutthroat trout fishing holds a cherished place among anglers. While fly fishing reigns supreme as the preferred method, these prized fish are also susceptible to various artificial lures mimicking minnows or grubs, as well as live bait presentations. Cutthroat trout fishing is renowned for the spectacular battles while landing. Cutthroat trout hold a special place in Montana's fishing heritage. The state is home to various subspecies of cutthroat trout, including Yellowstone cutthroat, Westslope cutthroat, and the iconic native Montana cutthroat. Anglers can find cutthroat trout in both rivers and lakes, with some of the best fishing opportunities in waters such as the Yellowstone River, Clark Fork River, and Flathead Lake. More...

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Fishing For Brook Trout

Brook trout, with their stunning colors and willingness to bite, can be found in remote mountain streams and creeks across the state. These small but feisty fish can provide an exciting fishing experience for those willing to explore Montana's more secluded and scenic locations. The primary food source of brookies is small insects, mollusks, crustaceans and other small fishes. In lakes where brook trout are stocked, shade over shallow cover is a great place to start. More...

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Fishing For Brown Trout

Brown trout, another prized trout species, can be found in select Montana lakes and rivers. Many of these fisheries are attracting anglers from near and far. These elusive and wary fish offer a challenge to anglers, requiring stealthy presentations and precise casting to entice a bite. Brown trout feed on worms, minnows, insects and crustaceans. Larger browns can be taken on jerkbaits, small crankbaits and spinners. Montana's rivers and streams, particularly the Madison River, Missouri River, and Big Hole River, offer exceptional brown trout fisheries. These fish are known for their voracious feeding habits and can be caught using a variety of techniques. More...

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Fishing For Lake Trout

Lake trout are by far the largest of the trouts. They live in deep, cold lakes and feeds on virtually all forms of flesh which exist in its home waters. It's rich flaky flesh makes it a tasty table favorite. During early spring, lake trout can often be found in the shallows of lakes, readily taking dry flies, wet flies, and other slow-moving presentations. As surface temperatures rise, these trout typically migrate to deeper waters, prompting anglers to employ trolling with heavier tackle as the primary technique using spoons and baitfish-imitating lures. Lake trout grow big, and are plentiful in many of Montana's lakes. Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States, offers opportunities to catch lake trout, as well as rainbow trout and cutthroat trout. Georgetown Lake and Hebgen Lake are also renowned trout fisheries, known for their trophy-sized fish and breathtaking scenery. More...

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The state of Montana keeps records of exceptional trout caught by anglers, highlighting the impressive fish that roam its waters. The current state records include giant trout such as a 37-pound lake trout, a 34-pound brown trout, and a 30-pound rainbow trout, showcasing the immense potential for trophy-sized catches.

Trout Waters

With its clean cold water, Montana is a prime haven for trout. They grow big and healthy in all types of waters throughout the state. Virtually all rivers and streams in MT contain one or more species of trout and they are found in private ponds and small lakes as well. Most trout species can be taken while ice fishing. Most of the major lakes in the state sport a healthy population of trout. These lakes include Ashley Lake, Bull Lake, Canyon Ferry Lake, Clark Canyon Reservoir, Deadmans Basin Reservoir, Earthquake Lake, Flathead Lake, Fort Peck Lake, Fresno Reservoir, Georgetown Lake, Gibson Reservoir, Hauser Lake, Hebgen Lake, Holter Reservoir, Hungry Horse Reservoir, Lake Elwell, Lake Frances, Lake Helena, Lake Koocanusa, Lower Saint Mary Lake, McDonald Lake, Noxon Reservoir, Placid Lake, Seeley Lake, Swan Lake, Tiber Reservoir, Whitefish Lake and Willow Creek Reservoir.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Select the best trout lures and baits

Trout spinners, crankbaits and jerkbaits work well for shallow, reasonably active fish. Salmon eggs, worms and prepared baits will work at virtually all depths.

Montana State Record Trout

The state record rainbow trout was caught from the Kootenai River.

The state record cutthroat trout was taken out of Red Eagle Lake.

The state record brook trout was taken from Lower Two Medicine Lake.

The state record brown trout came from Wade Lake.

The state record lake trout was caught in Flathead Lake.

The state record golden trout was caught in Cave Lake.

Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks has a program for stocking trout and other fish. Visit their website to get details on trout stocking in Montana.

Watch trout fishing videos to see trout anglers in action.

Additional trout fishing information

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Browns are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts.

Trout Conservation
Trout Unlimited

Trout locations and info, by state.

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