Montana is renowned for its scenic natural terrain and picturesque streams, rivers, and lakes. In simple terms, the landscape of the ‘Treasure State’ makes for some top-notch fly fishing–one of the most popular outdoor attractions of the entire region.
Those who live in Montana already know, and visiting anglers are usually well-pleased to discover they are surrounded by some of the best fly fishing waters in the country, if not the world.
It’s a fact that some of the highest numbers of fish per square mile of water exist in this part of the world. The rivers and streams are fairly brimming with wild trout, and one of the few issues many anglers are likely to have is making the decision of where to pitch their tackle.
Even locals will have different answers as finding the best fly fishing in Montana is a huge task in itself given the options.
Many of the famous rivers across the region are indeed esteemed trout fishing hot spots, as are some of the lesser-known ones—and there are plenty of those. It can certainly be a challenge knowing where to begin if you don’t know the area that well, so this is where local outfitters may come in handy if necessary.
With literally dozens of famous fly fisheries and hundreds of smaller streams and creeks to choose from, this list is just a taste of what’s on offer. And a spot of prior planning can go a long way towards best utilizing any fly fishing time in Montana.
To give some idea of what exactly you may expect to find in the state fly fishing-wise, here are a few of the main river options that should undoubtedly feature in any attempt at finding the best fly fishing in Montana.
Guide to Fly Fishing in Montana
Fishing Seasons in Montana
The first thing that you need to understand before heading to Montana to fish, is the different seasons for fishing. Sure, Montana has the normal, “Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall”, but there’s much more to it than that.
Winter – Winter runs from mid-November to mid-to-late March. Locals fish in the winter, and with quiet streams, the patient angler can expect to have a successful fishing day even with cold temps and snow on the ground. You’ll need to bundle up and watch the weather. Montana weather can change in an instant, so be prepared.
Spring – Spring runs from late March or early April to mid-May. Fishing in the spring is best in the lower elevation streams and rivers as they start to warm. Higher-elevation streams are still cold and unproductive.
Run-Off – This season starts around mid-May and extends through June, and sometimes even into early July, depending on the snowpack. Run-off season is a great time to fish tailwaters. Avoid the big rivers because the water will be high and dirty.
Summer – The summer season runs from July through September, and it’s often considered the best season to go fishing in Montana. The big rivers have cleared, and high mountain and backcountry streams and lakes have warmed enough to be productive.
Fall – For locals, the fall is the ideal time to fish in Montana. It’s a short season, running just eight weeks from September through October. Tourists have gone home, which means you’ll enjoy a quiet fishing experience, and the opportunity to catch trophy-size trout.
Best Time to Catch the Most Fish in Montana
If your goal is to catch a lot of fish, spring into early summer is probably your best time to enjoy fishing in Montana. During this time there are more insects for fish to feed on, and you’ll be able to have good catch days on any lake, river, or stream in the state.
Keep in mind, however, this is when all the other anglers will be out.
If you’re looking for a good catch day without the crowds, wait until later in July, and head into the backcountry for high-mountain fishing or fishing on private lands.
You will need to be willing to do a bit of work for these prime fishing locations. You will want an experienced fishing guide for backcountry or private land fishing, to get you to t