Montana is famous for stunning natural terrain and landscapes, and fishing is usually associated with such geographical features. This is especially the case with trout fishing, which is one of the many attractions of the Big Sky State.
Those who are looking for trout in Montana either already know, or are thrilled to find out, that it is surrounded by some of the best fly fishing rivers in the world. The renowned tailwaters of Montana have some of the highest fish per mile counts there are, and the rivers are brimming with wild trout.
The Rainbow Trout is the number one game fish in Montana. Introduced from numerous hatchery stocks beginning in 1989, and now can be found in every suitable habitat in the state. Montana also has one of the most sought after trout species in the Cutthroat trout which is a highly protected species.
Deciding on where is best to experience the best trout fishing in Montana is a mammoth task in itself, as pretty much all the rivers in the state have something to offer anglers on a fishing expedition.
But Montana trout fishing is some of the best in the whole country, which is one of the reasons why it is known as the “Treasure State”. Many of the famous rivers across the region are indeed esteemed trout fishing hot spots, as are some of the lesser-known ones.
There are literally dozens of famous rivers, as well as hundreds of smaller streams and creeks, which often tend to be equally fruitful.
So to give some idea of what is on offer in the state as far as trout fishing goes, here are ten potential options which will all undoubtedly feature somewhere in an attempt to catalog the best trout fishing in Montana.
A Guide to the Best Trout Fishing in Montana
Montana truly is a great place for fishing. Both fly fishing and trout fishing in Montana are common recreational activities and many people travel to Big Sky Country Just for the experience. South Central Montana is particularly revered for its trout fishing at locations like the Bighorn River.
- Madison River
- Bighorn River
- Yellowstone River
- Gallatin River
- Clark Fork River
- Smith River
- Missouri River
- Flathead River South Fork
- Blackfoot River
- Big Hole River
1. The Madison River
The Madison River is certainly one of the most well-known and revered trout fishing rivers and for many offers the best trout fishing in Montana.
For many die-hard enthusiasts fly fishing on the Madison River is some form of right of passage, and success is more likely guaranteed when time has been spent learning the dynamic and swift rhythms of the river.
First-timers here may find it something of a challenge, but the struggle is usually well worth it, especially if they are rewarded with what are some of the largest average-sized trout in Montana.
The good news is the waters of the Madison River are packed with healthy populations of wild brown and rainbow trout. The skillful angler can find rainbow trout and brown trout on every bend of the river, which is one of the reasons why anglers from all over make the pilgrimage to test their fishing skills on a stretch of the Madison River.
2. The Bighorn River
The Bighorn River in Montana is a veritable trout fishing haven and is considered by most to be the best river for trout fishing in Montana. With epic numbers of fish per mile, fly fishing is unsurprisingly one of the biggest attractions of this river.
This is still the case even though environmental factors have impacted the fish to some degree over recent years, and the Bighorn River is considered a worthy stop-off point for any Montana fly fishing venture.
The arduous and plentiful wild rainbow and brown trout that swim in the Bighorn River make it something of a world-class fishing option for anglers across the world.
3. Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River will always be a special place when it comes to the idea of trout fishing in Montana, and many consider it simply the best river in the state for fly fishing.
This may have something to do with the fact that the Yellowstone River is the longest undammed stretch of water in the entire state, with a distinct feel of the wild and free to it.
There are large numbers of cutthroat trout to be found upstream of Livingston, and wild rainbow and brown trout populate the entire stretch of the river.
Fly Fishing on the Yellowstone River is undoubtedly some of the best dry fly trout fishing anywhere in Montana, and some of the largest brown trout that get caught in the state come out of the Yellowstone River.
If you could only pick one river to fish on a trip to Montana this would probably be one of the best options.
4. Gallatin River
The Gallatin River is definitely a much shorter option than any other river in Montana, but it is very easy to access as it is close to a highway.
This makes it a popular option for anyone wanting to avoid hiring a guide who prefers to test out their skills on their own.
The river also still manages to provide nothing short of excellent trout fishing, and this spot is actually ideal for anglers who prefer to wade as it is virtually devoid of rafts and boats.