FISHING IN MONTANA
Fishing in Montana is a dream come true. Wade into crystal clear lakes and cast your line into world-famous Paradise Valley or Flathead Lake, to only a name a few. While waiting for your big catch, take a moment to see the mountains cascade around you or catch a glimpse of Montana wildlife. It truly is a scene out of "A River Runs Through It."
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN MONTANA
CANYON FERRY LAKE
FLATHEAD LAKE
BIGHORN CANYON NATIONAL PARK
GET A MONTANA FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN MONTANA
KING SALMON
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
King salmons also known as Chinook salmon are by far the largest salmon species in North America.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 9 foot medium or medium-heavy action spinning rod |
| Reel | 4000 spinning reel |
| Line | 30-pound test fishing line |
| Lure | J-Plug, Downrigger |
RAINBOW TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The rainbow trout is an extremely valuable species in any and all of its forms.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | Light (2-8 lbs) spinning rod |
| Reel | 1500 spinning reel |
| Line | 2-4 pound test fishing line |
| Lure | Deli Shrimp, Dew Worm, Krill, Marshmellow, Single Salmon Egg, Artificial Baits |
CHANNEL CATFISH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The channel catfish is very highly regarded for its food and sports value.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7-foot, medium-heavy spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 14-pound or stronger abrasion-resistant monofilament line |
| Lure | Terminal tackle (circle or bait hooks, treble hooks, egg sinkers), live worms or minnows, cut-bait |
ARTIC GRAYLING
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
As the name implies, Arctic grayling survived in unglaciated areas of ARIZONA in the Yukon River valley and the North Slope.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 3-5 weight fly rod |
| Reel | Comparable light weight reel |
| Line | Weight forward floating line with a tapered 9 foot leader |
| Lure | Small dry flies, any insect (grass hoppers, wasps, black ants, etc.) |
BROWN TROUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The brown trout is one of the world’s most widely distributed and highly esteemed freshwater fish.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7 foot 1-3kg or heavier carbon fibre, graphite, or nano rod |
| Reel | 1000 or 2500 size reel |
| Line | 4-pound-test monofilament fishing line |
| Lure | Small Hooks (No. 12), Jigs, Crankbaits, Spoons, Minnows (use a sinker as well) |
SOCKEYE SALMON
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The sockeye salmon is the most commercially valuable of all the Pacific salmons.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 10-12 foot baitcasting or spinning rod |
| Reel | Baitcasting or spinning reel |
| Line | 50-65 pound test braided fishing line, with a leader saver |
| Lure | 1/0-4/0 hook, Spinners, Plugs, Jigs, Spoons |
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
