Montana Fishing Guides

Freshwater Fishing In Montana

Montana is riddled with huge lakes, rivers, and clear mountain streams, all of which provide great angling opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Numerous desirable fish species are available, as are several styles of fishing: traditional hook-and-line fishing, fly fishing, and ice fishing.

Although Montana is not known for its bass fishing, there are actually some nice bass here, mostly in the larger lakes and reservoirs. Because of the frigid winters and the cold water, bass don’t get as big here as they do in many other states. The state record largemouth weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces. The record smallie weighed in at 6 pounds, 6 ounces.

The Montana trout, however, are a different story. They grow big here! Just about every stream and river in the state, along with several lakes, has at least one type of trout, and some contain several species.

If you enjoy fresh salmon, you can catch your own in Montana. Species include Chinook, Coho, and Kokanee salmon.

Other fish species available include northern pike, sauger, saugeye, catfish, walleye, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, green sunfish, and yellow perch.

Montana Trout Rivers And Streams

Some of the best trout waters in the state include the Flathead River, the Blackfoot River, Rock Creek, Big Hole River, Bitterroot River, Gallatin River, Missouri River, Sun River, Yellowstone River, Madison River, and Bighorn River.

Since many of Montana’s trout rivers and streams are located in wild, rugged locales, you’ll do best with an experienced trout fishing guide.

Fishing Guides in Montana

Popular Montana Fishing Lakes

Canyon Ferry Lake – This 33,000-acre lake is located in west-central Montana. This is one of the best places in the state to land a big rainbow, but you might also catch brown trout, burbot, bass, walleye, and a variety of panfish. Numerous boat ramps and launches can be found along the shore, and fishing guides are available.

Fort Peck Lake – Located in northeast Montana, this lake covers 250,000 acres. If you’re looking for a trophy walleye, smallie, or northern pike, this is the place to go. You’ll need a fishing guide on this sprawling lake, and several are available. Some offer package deals for fishing that include lodging, meals, and guided angling. They’ll even clean and pack your catch!

Bighorn Lake – This lake is located in south-central Montana and covers 5,574 acres. This is a beautiful lake with steep canyon walls, so a boat is a must. The lake supports healthy populations of sauger, walleye, and yellow perch, and crappie, smallies, rainbow trout, brown trout, and channel cats might be landed, too.

Flathead Lake – In northwestern Montana is 128,000-acre Flathead Lake. This large lake is like a directory for trout, as it or the adjoining streams and rivers support cutthroat trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, bull trout, brook trout, golden trout, and lake trout. Other species include both largemouth and smallmouth bass, Kokanee salmon, northern pike, and yellow perch. The state record whitefish was landed here, weighing in at 10.46 pounds. Ice fishing on the lake is popular in the winter.