Montana’s waters give anglers some of the best trout fishing spots on Earth. The Treasure State features thousands of miles of navigable rivers and countless tributaries that make it a perfect destination for trophy catches.
Numbers tell the story clearly. Below Holter Dam, the Missouri River near Craig holds an impressive 5,000-6,000 trout per mile. The Bighorn River tops the list with the state’s highest trout concentration. Brown trout usually grow between 12 to 20 inches, while rainbow trout reach 14 to 20 inches in Montana’s waters. Anglers need to get their Montana fishing license and understand catch and release rules that protect these amazing fisheries before heading out.
The Yellowstone River stands out as the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states, with more than 200 miles of prime trout waters. The Smith River snakes through 60 miles of wilderness, and both are part of Montana’s unmatched waterway system. The state’s public access points make it easy for locals and tourists to enjoy these blue-ribbon streams freely.
Let’s take a closer look at seven rivers where anglers land trophy trout consistently throughout the season.
Madison River
Image Source: Flathead Beacon
The Madison River is a legendary blue-ribbon trout stream that holds a special place in American fly fishing history. Anglers call it the “50-mile riffle.” This iconic waterway starts in Yellowstone National Park and flows to the Missouri River, featuring fast, boulder-strewn sections full of wild trout.
Madison River Trout Species
Wild rainbow and brown trout thrive throughout the Madison’s length. Brown trout usually reach 10-16 inches, though trophy fish can grow beyond 24 inches. These browns first came to the river in 1889. Rainbow trout typically measure 12-17 inches but can also stretch past 24 inches. The 1990s brought tough times for rainbows when whirling disease killed up to 90% of young fish between 1991 and 1997. The population bounced back substantially within ten years.
Native mountain whitefish are common everywhere in the system and grow to 10-18+ inches. The river once belonged to westslope cutthroat trout and arctic grayling before other species arrived. Grayling vanished by the 1930s. Today’s conservation work aims to bring new grayling populations back to the drainage.
The Madison holds about 2,500 trout per mile. This makes it one of Montana’s most productive wild trout fisheries. Fish numbers vary by location, with the highest counts between Quake Lake and Ennis.
Madison River Fishing Techniques
Your fishing approach should change based on the river section and time of year:
- Nymphing works well year-round, especially with stonefly patterns, baetis nymphs, and crayfish imitations. High water calls for heavier tippet (around 10 lb) and larger, more visible patterns.
- Dry fly fishing shines from June through September. The Madison’s famous hatches include salmonfly, caddis, PMD, BWO, and summer terrestrials.
- Streamer fishing really picks up in fall and spring. Bigger patterns (3-5 inches) work best to catch trophy browns.
The river changes its personality along its course. Yellowstone Park sections need spring creek-style fishing with precise casts, exact imitations, and long, light leaders. The water below Quake Lake demands different tactics with heavier gear because of its boulder-filled pockets.
Madison River Public Access & Regulations
The 2024/2025 fishing rules now require barbless, single-pointed hooks from Varney Bridge to Ennis Lake. This rule helps protect spawning and larger brown trout, even though Madison’s brown trout numbers stay strong while other rivers see declines.
You’ll find plenty of public access points along the river. Three Dollar Bridge, which Western Rivers Conservancy protected in 2002, lets anglers fish three miles of prime water. Reynolds Pass, Lyons Bridge, Varney Bridge, and Warm Springs offer more ways to reach the river.
Float fishing works between Lyons Bridge and Ennis but stops at Ennis Bridge. Bear Trap Canyon’s Class III and IV rapids, including the tough Kitchen Sink, need expert boating skills.
Madison River Best Time to Fish
The Madison fishes well almost year-round, though different sections peak at different times. The main season runs April through October. The best dry fly action happens from late June through September.
Spring fishing heats up on the Lower Madison first, as it warms faster than upstream sections. Mid-May brings the Mother’s Day caddis hatch and explosive action. Summer offers steady fishing everywhere, though the Lower Madison can get too warm by late July.
October transforms the river as big browns start spawning. The park section sees huge lake-run browns and rainbows that average 16-18 inches. Warmer winter days can produce good fishing, especially on the Lower Madison.
Madison River Catch and Release Tips
The Madison’s reputation as a premier catch-and-release fishery means proper fish handling matters:
- Use barbless hooks to reduce harm
- Net fish quickly to minimize stress
- Keep fish underwater as much as possible
- Touch fish only with wet hands
- Never squeeze fish – it hurts their organs
- Let fish swim away on their own
Water temperature plays a big role in fish survival. Trout like water around 52°F, and oxygen levels drop as temperatures climb. Hot summer days with low flows mean you should fish early mornings when water stays cooler.
Madison River Local Insights
The Madison shows different personalities along its length. The upper river between Quake Lake and Ennis stays relatively cool even during hot summers thanks to Hebgen Reservoir releases. This helps when other southwest Montana rivers struggle with heat and low water.
The “Slide” section just below Earthquake Lake packs lots of trout into its swift currents and massive boulder fields. Wading here takes skill, but the high trout numbers make it worth it. The classic “50-mile riffle” stretches from Lyons Bridge to Varney Bridge, offering great dry fly fishing among its channels and islands.
Bear Trap Canyon gives you nine miles of remote fishing alongside Class III and IV rapids. You can reach it using the Bear Trap National Recreation Trail. The Lower Madison changes again, with weed beds that create perfect homes for crayfish – a favorite meal for big browns.
Knowing your tributaries helps during high water. Cherry Creek and Elk Creek can muddy things up, so stick to the west side of the river when these streams run dirty.
Missouri River
Image Source: Montana Angler
The Missouri River below Holter Dam ranks as Montana’s premier tailwater fishery. You’ll find an amazing 5,000 trout per mile here. Local anglers call it the “Mighty Mo,” and this remarkable river combines technical spring creek challenges with big trout rewards in a breathtaking setting.
Missouri River Trout Species
Rainbow trout rule the Missouri River, usually measuring 18-22 inches. These powerful fish act like mini steelhead that put up spirited fights and jump spectacularly when hooked. Most fish stretch past 20 inches, while trophy rainbows in the Land of Giants section can reach 25 inches.
The river’s nutrient-rich waters help brown trout grow big and smart. Though fewer than rainbows, browns often reach bigger sizes, with some monsters stretching beyond 23 inches. Mountain whitefish thrive here too, though many anglers overlook these native fish.
The Missouri’s diversity goes beyond trout. Common carp weighing around 8 pounds have earned a dedicated following among fly anglers who want a challenge similar to saltwater bonefishing. Walleye numbers have grown over recent decades, creating seasonal fishing chances between Toston Dam and Canyon Ferry.
Missouri River Fishing Techniques
Nymphing works well year-round on the Missouri, especially for newcomers who want steady action. Deep nymphing with sow bugs, scuds, and Baetis nymphs keeps fish coming to the net. Baetis (Blue-Winged Olive) hatches create excellent fishing when water temperatures hit the mid-40s to 50s.
Dry fly fishing shines as the Missouri River’s crown jewel. This river works like an “insect factory” with hatches throughout the seasons:
- Midges and Blue-Winged Olives (March-May)
- Caddis (early May through fall)
- Pale Morning Duns (June)
- Tricos (mid-July through August)
- Terrestrials (August-September)
- Fall Blue-Winged Olives and October Caddis (autumn)
Streamer fishing helps target bigger fish, especially during cloudy days and rising flows. Trophy brown trout hit hard at classic patterns like Sparkle Minnows, Kreelex, and Thin Mint.
Missouri River Public Access & Regulations
The blue-ribbon section offers great public access throughout. Craig, Montana serves as the main base for guided operations. Anglers can find numerous boat launches and wade-fishing spots along the 35-mile blue-ribbon stretch.
While wade fishing produces results, drift boats help reach the river’s best spots. Boats let anglers position better when targeting specific feeding lanes and covering large sections.
Montana’s standard fishing license rules apply here. The river stays open year-round, though weather might restrict some sections. It’s smart to check with local fly shops about current conditions.
Missouri River Best Time to Fish
Good fishing happens almost year-round on the Missouri, with some stellar periods. March through November stays consistently good, while May through October marks peak season. Each season brings something special:
Spring (April-May) brings excellent Blue-Winged Olive hatches and trout getting active after winter. Early season fish tend to forgive imperfect presentations.
Summer (June-August) delivers legendary hatches and technical dry fly fishing. The Trico hatch creates amazing sight-fishing chances with groups of rising trout. Terrestrial patterns become key by August as grasshoppers, ants, and beetles dominate.
Fall (September-October) rewards anglers with quiet waters, aggressive fish, and trophy brown opportunities. Streamer fishing hits its peak now, producing some of the river’s biggest catches on large, articulated patterns.
Winter fishing can surprise you with productivity as midges lead the hatch parade and nymphing keeps producing.
Missouri River Catch and Release Tips
The Missouri’s trout need careful handling, especially in warm months. Temperature monitoring leads the list of green practices—guides check temperatures throughout the day and move to deeper, cooler water when needed.
To release fish properly:
- Land fish quickly to reduce exhaustion
- Keep fish in the water as much as possible
- Use barbless hooks to minimize damage
- Wet hands before handling to protect the fish’s protective slime coating
Missouri River Local Insights
The section below Holter Dam keeps relatively stable clarity and temperature throughout the season. This makes it more reliable than many freestone rivers. This stretch stays productive even when other Montana rivers struggle.
Big trout in the Missouri show extreme caution and need precise presentations with drag-free drifts. The river rewards technical skill and patience more than quantity of casts. Local guides stress the importance of frequent line “mending” to achieve natural drifts and maximize fishing time.
Anglers seeking quiet waters should visit during shoulder seasons (late fall or early spring). The famous hatches attract smaller crowds then but still produce quality fishing.
Yellowstone River
Image Source: National Park Service
The Yellowstone River flows freely for 692 miles through Montana’s varied landscapes. This makes it the longest undammed river in the lower 48 states. Anglers can find over 200 miles of rich trout waters here. Many anglers call this magnificent freestone river the perfect Montana fishing experience, thanks to its changing character and wild trout populations.
Yellowstone River Trout Species
Several prized trout species swim in the Yellowstone. The native Yellowstone cutthroat trout stands out as the star attraction with its bright colors and impressive size. You’ll find these beauties dominating the upper river from Gardiner to Joe Brown access above Yankee Jim Canyon. Rainbow and brown trout numbers grow as you head downstream. Some spots even produce brown trout weighing up to 15 pounds.
Mountain whitefish, another native species, like to gather in deeper pools during fall. Native cutthroat numbers have bounced back nicely over the last several years. This success comes from careful conservation work that helped protect them from rainbow trout hybridization and invasive lake trout predation.
Yellowstone River Fishing Techniques
Each section of the river needs its own approach based on the season. Big water angling techniques work best here. Large rabbit fur streamers and foam attractor dry flies bring good results. While you can wade fish at some spots, using rafts or drift boats will give you better coverage of this massive waterway.
Baetis and caddis hatches rule the spring until runoff shows up in May. The water clears up in July, and hopper fishing becomes amazing, especially in Paradise Valley where hayfields run along the banks. Just drop a size 2-10 hopper loudly near the banks and watch for explosive strikes. Cloudy fall days are perfect to cast large streamers if you’re after trophy browns.
Yellowstone River Public Access & Regulations
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks runs a simple website where you can check current rules and buy non-resident fishing licenses. Native cutthroat trout must be released carefully to protect these vital ecological resources. Conservation teams focus on removing non-native species while protecting native populations.
Public access spots dot the entire river. Livingston sits right along this stretch and offers everything visiting anglers might need. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport serves as the best gateway, about an hour’s drive from the prime fishing spots.
Yellowstone River Best Time to Fish
The main fishing season starts in late May, but water conditions change a lot throughout the year. Late summer months (August-September) offer the best fishing. The water runs clear then, and land insects become key food sources.
July through August brings outstanding dry fly fishing as insect hatches peak. The Fall Green Drake hatch arrives in October at places like the Lamar River and Slough Creek. This time also offers excellent streamer fishing. The river closes for winter and reopens on Memorial Day weekend.
Yellowstone River Catch and Release Tips
Smart fish handling helps released trout survive. Wet hands protect the fish’s slime coating, and barbless hooks make removal easier and safer. Keep air exposure under 10 seconds. Hold tired fish facing upstream until they swim away on their own.
You must know how to identify different species to protect cutthroat trout. Park rangers can give hefty fines for misidentification. Rubber nets are great tools that reduce injury risk and help fish recover better.
Yellowstone River Local Insights
The river’s personality changes as it flows downstream. From Gardiner to Yankee Jim Canyon, you’ll find steady dry fly action with mostly cutthroat trout. Yankee Jim Canyon has some tough whitewater that only experienced boaters should tackle. Paradise Valley offers smoother flows that new anglers will appreciate, plus lots of brown trout.
The “Town” stretch near Livingston features a mix of channels, gravel shelves, and riffles. This diverse habitat creates some of the river’s best rainbow trout fishing. Each section needs different approaches as water conditions and fish populations change with the seasons.
Big Hole River
Image Source: Fly Fishing Waters
The Big Hole River stretches 155 miles through Montana’s stunning landscapes. People call it “The Last Best River” with good reason. Anglers find everything from peaceful meadows to challenging canyons here. Strict rules and active conservation work help protect its natural beauty and amazing trout populations.
Big Hole River Trout Species
The river’s game fish variety makes it one of Montana’s best fishing spots. Wild rainbow and brown trout rule many areas. You’ll find about 3,000 fish per mile in the middle sections. Brook trout thrive all over, especially in the upper reaches near Wisdom.
The Big Hole stands out because it has the Lower 48’s last strong population of native fluvial Arctic grayling. These rare fish are a vital focus of conservation work. Restoration efforts have helped maintain populations in Mussigbrod, Miner, and Pintler lakes. Native westslope cutthroat trout, mountain whitefish, and several other species swim these waters too.
Big Hole River Fishing Techniques
Each section of the river calls for different fishing methods:
Wade fishing works great in the upper river near Wisdom. You’ll mostly catch brook trout and sometimes Arctic grayling in the meadow areas. The middle sections give you plenty of options for nymphing and dry fly fishing. Trophy brown trout hide in the canyon areas.
Dry fly fishing rules from April through September. Skwala stoneflies hatch all through April. June brings the legendary salmonfly hatch that lasts into early July. Expert anglers chase trophy browns with streamers during post-runoff weeks and early fall.
Big Hole River Public Access & Regulations
Current rules say you must catch and release all brown trout. You can keep one rainbow trout daily. The rules allow only artificial lures with single-pointed hooks—no treble or double hooks.
Big Hole Recreation Rules set up a rotating schedule of limits during fishing season. Different river zones close to float outfitting on specific days from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day. Nonresident float fishing faces weekend restrictions.
Big Hole River Best Time to Fish
The season runs hot from April 1 through September 30. Spring brings amazing skwala stonefly action with blue-winged olive and caddis hatches. June’s salmonfly hatch tops many Montana fly fishing bucket lists.
Hot weather and irrigation in the upper valley can trigger “Hoot Owl” restrictions midsummer. Fishing picks up again in early fall as waters cool. Blue-winged olive hatches create perfect dry fly conditions.
Big Hole River Catch and Release Tips
The right catch and release technique matters a lot here. Barbless hooks help you release fish easily and cause less harm. Your hands should be wet when handling fish. This protects their slime layer. Keep fish out of water for less than 10 seconds. Hold them gently facing upstream in the current if they need revival.
Big Hole River Local Insights
The river shows four distinct personalities. The upper section flows through the beautiful Big Hole Valley. Agricultural pastures sit between the Beaverhead and Pioneer Mountains. Past the North Fork, canyon walls start to squeeze the river. Maiden Rock Canyon offers great fishing away from busy roads. The final 40 miles wind through farmlands and cottonwood groves with lots of braids and side channels.
Bighorn River
Image Source: National Park Service
The Bighorn River stands out as a world-class tailwater fishery below Yellowtail Dam. Its cold, crystal-clear waters create a perfect trout habitat that attracts anglers looking for trophy-sized fish. Some sections of this Montana treasure hold over 4,000 fish per mile, making it a year-round fishing destination with stable conditions.
Bighorn River Trout Species
Brown trout make up about 60% of the river’s population, while rainbow trout account for the other 40%. These wild trout love the nutrient-rich environment. Most fish measure 14-16 inches, with many reaching 20 inches and trophy specimens growing up to 28 inches. Rainbow trout prefer the waters above Soap Creek, while brown trout dominate downstream.
Bighorn River Fishing Techniques
Anglers need to adapt their techniques based on conditions and seasons. Two-fly weighted nymph rigs work best in early June. Most anglers use size 10 worm patterns with size 16 bead head scuds, sowbugs, or caddis nymphs. These should sit 8 feet below a strike indicator. The midseason brings great dry fly action with Pale Morning Dun (PMD) hatches and caddis emergences in sizes 14-18. Black streamer patterns catch more fish during cloudy days and higher flows, especially below Mallard’s Landing.
Bighorn River Public Access & Regulations
The first 30 miles of the river has four main access points: Afterbay Dam (River Launch), 3-mile (Lind) access, Bighorn Access, and Mallards Landing. The river runs through Crow Tribal lands, so anglers must stay below the high water mark. Local anglers practice catch-and-release to protect the fishery.
Bighorn River Best Time to Fish
The prime fishing season runs from April through October. June offers excellent PMD and caddis hatches, while early spring brings productive Blue-Winged Olive emergences. August sees peak terrestrial fishing, and fall brings trophy browns to streamers. The bottom-release dam keeps water temperatures consistently cold.
Bighorn River Catch and Release Tips
Anglers should follow these guidelines to protect the fishery: keep fish in water, use barbless hooks, wet your hands before handling fish, limit photos to 3 seconds out of water, and make sure fish recover before release. Trout stay healthy in water below 65°F but get stressed above 68°F.
Bighorn River Local Insights
Most anglers fish the upper 13 miles where fish numbers are highest. The stretch below Mallard’s Landing offers more solitude and chances for trophy browns. Cloudy days with light winds are perfect for using 6-7 weight rods and black streamers. August and September mornings provide excellent dry fly fishing opportunities.
Gallatin River
Image Source: Montana Fly Fishing
The Gallatin River flows from Yellowstone National Park, offering amazing fishing spots with its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery. This intimate stream keeps high trout numbers throughout, delivering quick action and great catch rates rather than just big trophy fish.
Gallatin River Trout Species
Rainbow and brown trout make up most of the Gallatin’s fish population, with 2,500-3,000 fish per mile from Yellowstone Park to Spanish Creek. Anglers can catch rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout among brook trout and mountain whitefish in these waters. The lower Gallatin draws large migratory trout from the Missouri River, giving anglers a shot at trophy browns.
Gallatin River Fishing Techniques
Trout in the Gallatin take simple fly patterns well—parachute adams and royal wulffs catch most fish effectively. Stonefly nymphs, attractor patterns, and san juan worms work great for nymphing success. During summer months, terrestrials are a vital part as grasshoppers and spruce moths create excellent dry fly action.
Gallatin River Public Access & Regulations
The river is rife with access points thanks to Highway 191, which runs parallel to much of it with plenty of pull-offs. The upper section needs a Yellowstone Park fishing permit and offers about 25 miles of hiking and wading spots. Float fishing stays off-limits on most sections, making this a wade-fishing destination.
Gallatin River Best Time to Fish
The best fishing kicks off after spring runoff calms down in late June and runs through September. The salmonfly hatch starts downstream and moves upriver to Yellowstone Park, creating perfect dry fly conditions. Winter fishing near Big Sky can be productive where springs prevent ice formation.
Gallatin River Catch and Release Tips
Fish should stay in water as much as possible to protect their slime coating. Barbless hooks reduce damage, and clean, dry equipment between trips stops aquatic invasive species from spreading.
Gallatin River Local Insights
The stretch between Gallatin Gateway and the East Fork confluence gives you great October caddis hatches. High water conditions call for bank fishing where trout find shelter from strong currents.
Smith River
Image Source: Montana FWP
The Smith River flows through a stunning limestone canyon and stands out as Montana’s only river where you need a permit to fish – evidence of its special status among anglers who seek solitude and trophy trout. Between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge, a 60-mile stretch creates an unmatched multi-day float trip through remote wilderness.
Smith River Trout Species
Rainbow and brown trout flourish throughout the Smith River, with trophy fish that are a big deal as it means that 20 inches. The river provides perfect habitat that supports healthy populations of both species, and it’s known especially for its large brown trout. These trout keep feeding even in off-color or muddy conditions – a unique trait that experienced guides actually prefer.
Smith River Fishing Techniques
The river’s large brown trout are predatory and have substantial food sources, so successful anglers use larger flies compared to other small freestone rivers. You’ll get the best results with:
- Streamers in sizes 2-4 to catch trophy browns
- Nymphs in sizes 8-10 for steady action
- Dry flies in sizes 6-8 during hatches
Anglers who become skilled at the reach cast get better results because their flies stay in feeding zones longer by positioning the line upstream.
Smith River Public Access & Regulations
The Smith’s shoreline stretches 118 miles, but all but one of these miles (26 miles) border public land. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks runs a strict permit system and grants only 1,175 permits each year despite thousands of applications. This keeps the river pristine but creates high demand – 9,365 people applied for permits in 2015.
Smith River Best Time to Fish
The best fishing happens during May-June and early September. The Smith boasts Montana’s earliest salmonfly hatch, which usually shows up by mid-May. Most floating happens during these times since late July through August water levels drop too low to navigate effectively.
Smith River Catch and Release Tips
Trophy trout in the Smith need careful handling. Fish during cooler morning and evening hours in warm weather. Land fish quickly and keep them in water while releasing them to help them survive.
Smith River Local Insights
The Smith gets more and thus encourages more than $10 million yearly for local communities and outfitters. The canyon’s beauty adds to the fishing experience, and you might spot eagles, bears, moose, and deer.
Back on shore…
Montana’s legendary trout rivers are a great way to get amazing fishing opportunities all season long. The Missouri’s spring creek-like waters test technical skills while the Yellowstone remains wild and untamed. Each waterway shows its own character among other trophy trout spots. On top of that, these watersheds’ conservation work helps native species thrive, including Arctic grayling and Yellowstone cutthroat.
Whatever your skill level, these seven blue-ribbon fisheries match different angler priorities. The Madison River’s comeback from whirling disease shows amazing resilience. This is a big deal as it means that the Bighorn’s trout count tops 4,000 per mile. The Big Hole River’s famous salmonfly hatch creates perfect dry fly fishing conditions. The Smith River’s wilderness solitude stands nowhere near what other American waterways offer.
These rivers keep producing trophy-class trout with the right techniques, even as weather and water levels change with seasons. Catch-and-release survival rates go up substantially when anglers use barbless hooks, wet hands, and handle fish less. Smart fishing practices help keep these waters productive for future generations.
Ask any seasoned angler – Montana’s premier rivers belong on every fisher’s bucket list. The best time to plan your trip is during peak hatches, especially when you have the salmon fly emergence from mid-May through July. You’ll find explosive action and stunning scenery. The intimate Gallatin or mighty Yellowstone creates fishing memories that last well beyond your experience.
