Montana

Big Sky Country — Blue Ribbon Trout Streams

Fishing in Montana

Montana is a fly fishing mecca with legendary rivers like the Missouri, Madison, Yellowstone, and Bighorn. The state offers world-class trout fishing in stunning mountain settings.

Tournament Scene

Limited tournament scene. Some walleye tournaments on Fort Peck. Fly fishing competitions.

Local Tips

Missouri River below Holter Dam is world-class. Madison River for dry fly fishing. Bighorn River for trophy trout. Fort Peck for walleye.

Local Circuits

Montana Bass Federation

Public Access

Extensive public land access. Stream access law provides excellent river access.

Species in Montana

What you can target and when

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout

excellent
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Madison River · Missouri River · Yellowstone River

FlyInline spinnerSmall spoon
Brown Trout

Brown Trout

excellent
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Missouri River · Madison River · Bighorn River

Streamer flyRapalaInline spinner
Walleye

Walleye

good
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Fort Peck Reservoir · Canyon Ferry · Tiber Reservoir

Jig and minnowCrankbaitSpinner rig

Top Waters in Montana

Lakes, rivers, bays, and coastal fisheries

Madison River

riverPublic AccessBoat RampsKayak

One of the most famous trout rivers in the world.

Top Species

Rainbow TroutBrown Trout

Best: Summer/Fall

Missouri River

riverPublic AccessBoat RampsKayak

Incredible trout numbers below Holter Dam.

Top Species

Rainbow TroutBrown Trout

Best: Year-round

Upcoming Tournaments in Montana

47 tournaments found

Crappie
Freshwater

Osprey Billings Crappie Throwdown

Billings, Montana
Apr 9, 2026 – Apr 12, 2026
Crappie
$200Details
Smallmouth Bass
Youth
7 days

Monster Helena Bass Challenge

Helena, Montana
Apr 20, 2026 – Apr 23, 2026
Smallmouth Bass
$150Details
Common Carp
Kayak
2 weeks

Giant Missoula Carp Explosion

Missoula, Montana
Apr 26, 2026 – Apr 28, 2026
Common Carp
FreeDetails
Bluegill
Freshwater Featured

Platinum West Yellowstone Bluegill Showdown

West Yellowstone, Montana
May 19, 2026 – May 20, 2026
Bluegill
$250Details
Largemouth Bass
Youth

Championship Ennis Bass Extravaganza

Ennis, Montana
May 23, 2026 – May 26, 2026
Largemouth Bass
$300Details
Spotted Bass
Open

National Fort Peck Bass Roundup

Fort Peck, Montana
May 31, 2026 – Jun 3, 2026
Spotted Bass
$400Details

Fishing Licenses & Regulations

Resident License

Annual Resident: $20.

Non-Resident License

Annual Non-Resident: $86. 2-Day: $25.

Short-Term License

2-Day non-resident license available.

Youth & Senior

Free for residents under 12. Reduced for youth 12-17.

Boat Registration

Required for motorized vessels.

Tournament Permit

Limited tournament activity on most waters.

Regulations Overview

Complex regulations by water body. Many waters are catch-and-release for trout. Artificial only on some streams.

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