Typically a running depth of 5′-7′ covers most of the water you’ll be spin fishing for trout in Montana. If you need to run shallower slow your retrieve down.
Table of Contents
What part of Montana has the best fishing?
- Bighorn River.
- Blackfoot River.
- Clark Fork River.
- Flathead River (North and South Forks)
- Gallatin River.
- Madison River.
- Missouri River.
- Smith River.
Can you fish with lures in Montana?
Live animals such as meal worms, red worms, night crawlers, leeches, maggots, crayfish, reptiles, amphibians and insects may be used as bait on all waters not restricted to artificial lures only. Leeches may only be imported into Montana from FWP-approved leech dealers.
Can you fish any river in Montana?
The Missouri River is a classic and one of the best Montana fly fishing rivers. It begins at Three Forks, about 30 minutes west from Bozeman where the Gallatin, Madison, and Jefferson meet. The Missouri river produces great hatches, premier dry fly fishing, large trout and even world class carp fishing!
Is night fishing legal in Montana?
To reduce stress on fish, anglers followed fishing restrictions including hoot owl hours, which prohibit fishing between 2 p.m. and midnight. Ranchers worked with each other and FWP to maintain a steady flow of water in threatened rivers and healthy fish habitat. Even with the drought, fishing was good in many places.
What is the best time of year to trout fish in Montana?
Fly Fish Montana in Spring The middle of March through April is our spring season, pre-runoff. It’s when we get the first big hatch of the year that really gets the fish looking up. Skwala stoneflies start to hatch in mid-to-late March and last through April, or until runoff begins.
What is the best fishing river in Montana?
- 1) The Yellowstone River. The Yellowstone River has always had a special place in our hearts and we without a doubt consider it the best river to fly fish in Montana.
- 2) The Missouri River.
- 3) The Madison River.
- 4) The Blackfoot River.
- 5) The Bighorn River.
What fish is Montana known for?
These fish habituate Montana’s waters, and they should be on top of your Montana fish bucket list. The westslope cutthroat trout, yellowstone cutthroat trout, and bull trout are Montana’s native trout species. On the other hand, the brown and rainbow trout are not stocked in Montana.
Can you fish with two rods in Montana?
It is legal to fish with 2 rods in Montana.
Can you fish with treble hooks in Montana?
Under these changes, anglers would be restricted to single pointed hooks, no treble or double pointed hooks.
Is noodling illegal in Montana?
NOODLING: A technique for catching fish by hand. It is unlawful to catch fish by hand in any district.
What is required to fish in Montana?
To legally fish in Montana you must hold a valid fishing license, $10 conservation license ($8 for MT residents), and $7.50 invasive species pass ($2 for MT residents). Fees below include all three items. Licenses can be purchased online at the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Online Licensing Site.
Can you fish from a bridge in Montana?
About Swinging Bridge is a state fishing access site along the Stillwater River. Tent and trailer camping is permitted. Facilities are limited to toilets and there is a 7 day stay limit. SPECIAL DIRECTIONS Swinging Bridge Fishing Access Site is located 5.3 miles south of Columbus on Montana Highway 78.
Can you legally dam a river in Montana?
In 1984, the Montana Supreme Court held that the streambed of any river or stream that has the capability to be used for recreation can be accessed by the public regardless of whether the river is navigable or who owns the streambed property.
How much is a Montana nonresident fishing license?
The Montana fishing license cost for a nonresident for an entire season of fishing is $117.50. There are many different fees that contribute to the total cost of the license. See full breakdown of costs below: Conservation License.
What is the fine for fishing without a license in Montana?
(3) A person convicted of a violation of this section shall be fined not less than $50 or more than $1,000 or be imprisoned in the county detention center for not more than 6 months, or both.
Do you need a fishing license on private property in Montana?
No fishing license is required to fish on licensed, privately stocked fish ponds. Fishing license requirements apply to all other ponds and/or waters on private land. Koi and goldfish ponds must be registered with FWP.
How late can you fish in Montana?
The Montana Fishing Season typically runs from about March 1st through about November 1st. These are the prime months for fly fishing in Montana, although we really fish year-round. Spring is a wonderful time around here.
Can you fish year round in Montana?
Open all year, unless otherwise specified in Exceptions to Standard Regulations.
Where can I fish in Montana in March?
- Yellowstone River. The Yellowstone River is a prime option during spring when water and weather conditions cooperate.
- Paradise Valley Spring Creeks.
- Lower Madison.
- Gallatin River.
- Missouri River.
Can you fish in Montana in April?
April is arguably the most diverse month of the fishing season in regards to fishing techniques and hatches. Spring weather in Montana is notoriously fickle and can produce both balmy warm days and blizzard like winter weather.
When can you fish the Yellowstone River?
Aside from pre-run off (March – April) the best time to fish the Yellowstone River is a week or two after it clears. Depending on snowpack levels and how fast the snow melts, this typically occurs during mid July. August is the best time to fish hoppers, but the fish have also seen a few more flies by then.
Do you need a fishing license in Montana?
A valid fishing license is required for all types of fishing on state waters for anyone 12 or older. A fishing license allows a person to fish for and possess any fish or aquatic invertebrate authorized by the state’s fishing regulations. It is nontransferable and nonrefundable.
Where are the biggest brown trout in Montana?
The fish weighed 32.42 pounds and measured 37 inches long. Robbie Dockter of Conrad holds the new Montana state record brown trout caught March 3 on the Marias River. The fish weighed 32.42 pounds and measured 37 inches long.
Where can I catch big brown trout in Montana?
In the spring and fall we consistently catch more big fish as they move into the river from the lake below to spawn or feed behind other spawning fish. The Madison River above Quake and Hebgan lakes is a great place to see this and catch a monster Montana trout.