Currently, adfluvial Arctic grayling are common in lakes across the western half of Montana. Historically, fluvial Arctic graying were widespread throughout the Missouri River drainage upstream of Great Falls. They now are reduced to a single, native population in the Big Hole River, in southwest Montana.
Table of Contents
What is the best month for fly fishing in Montana?
- Late April to Early July.
- Mid July until early September.
- September and October.
Where is the best flying fish 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.
Are there grayling in Montana?
Arctic grayling are truly a unique native Montana species. The iridescent hues of a spawning grayling’s dorsal fin are brilliant. Exceptional individuals can weigh up to 3 pounds and reach 20 inches in length. They are generalists, eating a variety of aquatic invertebrates.
Is Arctic grayling good eating?
It is debated that the Alaska grayling is one of the best eating freshwater fish in the world. Their flesh is white and flaky when cooked over an open fire for a tasty shore lunch. At Angler’s Alibi, if the grayling fishing is strong, we will keep a few smaller grayling for a classic Alaskan shore lunch.
Where can I fish for Arctic grayling?

Can you fly fish in Montana in March?
March fly fishing in Montana is early season spring fishing at its finest. Our rivers are empty, trout are hungry, weather is cool, and the fly fishing can be outstanding. Anglers interested in Montana fly fishing trips during the month of March will enjoy our Spring Special Trips.
What is the cost of a non resident Montana 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.
When can you start fly fishing 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.
What city in Montana has the best fishing?
Bozeman is one of Montana’s best destinations for outdoor activities. The city has excellent cuisine, vibrant culture, and access to internationally renowned fly-fishing. Within a one-hour drive in the area, you will get to some of the finest trout fisheries in the western part of the country.
What size fly rod for Montana?
Our most commonly used rods are 9 foot 5 and 6 weights. The best all around rod for fishing large Montana rivers is a 6 wt and the best all around rod for the smaller rivers like the Gallatin is a 5 weight.
How much is a guided fly fishing trip in Montana?
Single angler, single room rate โ $2,175.. What’s included: Expert guided fly fishing for 3 full days, 4 nights lodging and taxes (which includes breakfast each morning and airport shuttle), delightful riverside lunch and drinks each day, travel to and from hotel and river, rod/reel, terminal tackle and flies!
Are there grayling in the lower 48?
There are six grayling species in the northern hemisphere, but the Arctic Grayling is the only species found in North America. The only populations native to the lower 48 states were in Michigan and Montana, and the Michigan population is now extinct.
Are there grayling in Wyoming?
Grayling have been introduced into a number of high lakes in Wyoming. Though they are a cold-water species, grayling generally do best in relatively shallow high lakes with more moderate summer water temperatures and longer growing seasons than those found in many alpine lakes.
Is Arctic grayling a trout?
Species Summary and Status: The Arctic grayling is a cool or cold- freshwater species in the same family (salmonidae) as salmon, trout and whitefish. The defining characteristic of this fish is its large, sail-like dorsal fin.
What do grayling fish taste like?
I ate Grayling in Montana. They’re bonier than trout, kind of like a whitefish. I think they’re in the same general family as the whitefish they’re not in the trout family.
How do you cook Arctic grayling?

What do grayling bite on?
Grayling spawn in the spring, so come summer they’re ready to eat. These feeding machines feast on aquatic insects like mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies and midges.
What lakes in Montana have grayling?
Montana also has native grayling, most pronounced on the Big Hole River south of Butte. Additional populations are found on the Ruby River; lesser numbers on the Madison.
Is Arctic grayling fun to catch?
Grayling typically weigh in at just over five pounds with a body length up to 24 inches but they still fight like crazy and are fun to fish for because of their intelligence.
How do you catch a grayling on the fly?
Grayling will often hold in deep water so you’ll need some heavyweight nymphs to reach them. In basic terms, you need to get the fly down to the fish so plenty of upstream ‘forward lead’ is called for. A good tip to remember is that in clear water the fish are almost ALWAYS deeper than they look.
Can you fly fish in Montana in November?
November fly fishing in Montana is a bit of a wildcard. The fishing is typically very good, but the weather is unpredictable. The threat of cold weather deters many folks from planning trips in November, but it is a very underutilized month for fishing and should be on the radar of more anglers.
Can you fish in Montana in December?
The Paradise Valley Spring Creeks offer the best fly fishing for anglers in Montana in December. DePuy’s, Armstrong’s, and Nelson’s Spring Creek run near-constant temperature and offer open water year run, even on the coldest of days.
When can you fish in Montana?
2022 General Fishing Seasons Open third Saturday in May through November 30, unless otherwise specified in Exceptions to Standard Regulations. Open all year, unless otherwise specified in Exceptions to Standard Regulations.
Can you fish with two rods in Montana?
It is legal to fish with 2 rods in Montana.