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Fishing regulations at Rainbow Lake, MT
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in Montana can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Northern pike as of April 1st, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.
Northern pike
Seasons
Open
Bag limit
15
The Western Fishing District includes all waters in Montana west of the Continental Divide.
Western District Rivers and Streams:Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30, unless otherwise specified in Exceptions to Standard Regulations. For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations, Western Region
Western District Lakes and Reservoirs:Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30, unless otherwise specified in Exceptions to Standard Regulations. For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations, Western Region
Each angler may take all of the limits shown, unless otherwise noted in the Western District Exceptions. For species not listed, there are no limits on the number of fish that may be taken or possessed. Check for exceptions to the standard regulations.Anglers who move from one fishing water to another may possess the limit of fish allowed only for the water on which they are currently fishing.For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations, Western Region
An import permit is required to bring live fish into Montana. It is unlawful to possess or transport live fish away from the body of water in which the fish were taken except for transportation of fish for valid (approved) commercial purposes or as authorized by FWP. For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations
Anglers who move from one fishing water to another may possess the limit of fish allowed only for the water on which they are currently fishing.For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations
Western District Rivers and Streams:Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30, unless otherwise specified in Exceptions to Standard Regulations. For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations, Western Region
Western District Lakes and Reservoirs:Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30, unless otherwise specified in Exceptions to Standard Regulations. For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations, Western Region
Each angler may take all of the limits shown, unless otherwise noted in the Western District Exceptions. For species not listed, there are no limits on the number of fish that may be taken or possessed. Check for exceptions to the standard regulations.Anglers who move from one fishing water to another may possess the limit of fish allowed only for the water on which they are currently fishing.For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations, Western Region
An import permit is required to bring live fish into Montana. It is unlawful to possess or transport live fish away from the body of water in which the fish were taken except for transportation of fish for valid (approved) commercial purposes or as authorized by FWP. For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations
Anglers who move from one fishing water to another may possess the limit of fish allowed only for the water on which they are currently fishing.For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations
ALICE CREEK (tributary to Blackfoot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 1 inches, any size brown trout.
ANACONDA SETTLING POND SYSTEM
- See Warm Springs Wildlife Management Area.
ASHLEY LAKE
Entire lake- Salmon: 35 daily and 70 in possession.
- Closed entire year.
BEAR CREEK (tributary to Middle Fork Flathead River)
Angling is closed within 150-yard radius of the stream mouth June 1 through Sept. 30.BEAVER CREEK (tributary to Blackfoot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 1 inches, any size brown trout.
BELMONT CREEK (tributary to Blackfoot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 1 inches, any size brown trout.
- Artificial lures only within 100-yard radius of mouth.
BIG CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (tributary to North Fork Flathead River)
- Closed entire year.
BITTERROOT LAKE (see Little Bitterroot Lake)
BITTERROOT RIVER (note: river flows south to north)
Fishing RegulationsThe ENTIRE Bitterroot River to include the East Fork (downstream from Star Falls) and the West Fork (downstream from Painted Rocks Dam) to the mouth of the river near Missoula. During the Extended Season (Dec 1 to the third Saturday in May)- Extended season for northern pike and whitefish and catch-and-releas for all trout open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May.
- Artificial lures, maggots and/or aquatic insects only. All other live/dead bait prohibited.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout and rainbow trout.
- Brown trout: 3 daily and in possession.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout and rainbow trout.
- Brown trout: 3 daily and in possession.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 rainbow or brown trout daily and in possession, only 1 over 14 inches.
- Catch-and-release for all trout.
- Artificial lures only.
- Live/dead bait prohibited.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 rainbow or brown trout daily and in possession, only 1 over 14 inches.
- Smallmouth Bass: All Smallmouth Bass caught must be killed immediately, kept and the entire fish turned into FWP. Anglers who catch Smallmouth Bass in the lower Bitterroot River are required to report the catch to FWP within 24 hours (406-542-5500). Anglers will be asked to provide location, date, and time of capture and may be asked to provide their full name, ALS number, and phone number. Anglers are required to turn in the whole Smallmouth Bass to a FWP office within 10 days of capture (frozen is allowed) during regular business hours
- Regulations are the same as the adjacent river section.
- Painted Rocks Dam to Applebury Forest Service Site on Fridays.
- Applebury Forest Service Site to Trapper Creek Job Corps site on Saturdays.
- Trapper Creek Job Corps Site on to Hannon Memorial FAS on Sundays.
- Hannon Memorial FAS to Wally Crawford FAS on Mondays.
- Painted Rocks Dam to Applebury Forest Service Site on Fridays.
BLACKFOOT RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
Mainstem and all tributaries except the Clearwater River. During the General Season (third Saturday in May through Nov. 30)- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches long, any size brown trout. (See Clearwater River Drainage for exception.)
- Artificial lures only within 100-yard radius of the mouths of Belmont Creek, Copper Creek, Gold Creek, Monture Creek and North Fork Blackfoot River.
- Extended season for mountain whitefish and catch-and-release for trout open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May. Tributaries are closed to fishing during the extended season.
- Artificial lures and/or maggots only.
- All other live/dead bait prohibited.
- Catch-and-release for brook trout. (This regulation is a result of bull trout being misidentified and harvested as brook trout. Brook trout are very rare in this section of river whereas bull trout are common.)
BLANCHARD LAKE (near Whitefish)
Bass: 1 daily and in possession, must be over 22 inches.BOOTJACK LAKE (near Whitefish)
- Combined trout: 1 daily and in possession, 22 inch minimum.
- Artificial lures only.
BUFFALOHEAD POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 5 trout daily, 10 in possession.
BULL LAKE (near Troy)
- Northern pike: no limit.
CABINET GORGE RESERVOIR
- (See Clark Fork River Mouth of Thompson River to Idaho Border)
CEDAR CREEK (tributary to Clark Fork River)
- Artificial lures only, including within a 100-yard radius of the mouth.
CHAMBERLAIN CREEK (tributary to Blackfoot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
CIBID LAKE
- Combined trout: 4 under 12 inches and only 1 over 22 inches daily and in possession.
CLARK FORK RIVER
Upstream from Perkins Lane Bridge, near Warm Springs- Open entire year.
- Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial lures only.
- Closed to fishing from boats/vessels.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 14 inches long.
- Artificial lures only within a 100-yard radius of the mouths of Rattlesnake Creek, Petty Creek, Fish Creek, Cedar Creek, Dry Creek, Trout Creek and St. Regis River.
- Extended season for northern pike and whitefish and catch-and-release for trout open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May.
- Artificial lures and/or maggots only.
- All other live/dead bait prohibited.
- Open entire year.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Open entire year.
- Combined trout: standard lake daily and possession limits apply.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Bass: 5 daily and in possession; except June 15 through July 15 only 1
- Hook and Line: 2 lines with up to 2 hooks per line all year.
CLEARWATER RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES (lakes not included, see exceptions for individual lakes elsewhere)
Clearwater River upstream from the Salmon Lake inlet and all tributaries of the Clearwater River except the West Fork and Marshall Creek- Closed to fishing from Rainey Lake fish barrier downstream for 100 yards.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Northern pike: no limit, open to spearing.
- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon from Lake Alva outlet to Lake Inez inlet and from Lake Inez outlet to Seeley Lake inlet from Sept.
- Open entire year.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches.
- Northern pike: no limit, open to spearing.
COAL CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (tributary to North Fork Flathead River)
- Closed entire year.
COPPER CREEK (tributary to Blackfoot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
- Artificial lures only, including within a 100-yard radius of the mouth.
COPPER MOUNTAIN PARK POND (in Butte)
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger and senior citizens 62 years of age or older.
- One rod per angler.
- One trout daily and in possession.
COTTONWOOD CREEK (tributary to Blackfoot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
DALY CREEK (tributary to Skalkaho Creek)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
DRY CREEK (tributary to Clark Fork River)
- Artificial lures only within 100-yard radius of the mouth.
DRY BRIDGE POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age and younger may take 1 trout daily and in possession.
DUNHAM CREEK (tributary to Monture Creek, Blackfoot drainage)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
- Artificial lures only.
EAST FORK BITTERROOT RIVER DOWNSTREAM FROM STAR FALLS
- Catch-and-release for rainbow trout and cutthroat trout.
- Brown trout: 3 daily and in possession.
- Extended season for northern pike and whitefish and catch-and-release for trout open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May with aquatic insects,
EAST FORK RESERVOIR
- Cutthroat trout: 2 daily and in possession, only 1 over 14 inches.
ECHO LAKE (near Anaconda)
- Open third Saturday in May through March 31.
- Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession, includes brook trout.
ELK CREEK (tributary to Swan River)
- Closed entire year.
EMILY SPRINGS (tributary to Georgetown Lake)
- Closed entire year.
EUREKA POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age and younger may take 1 trout daily and in possession.
FISH CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (Clark Fork River drainage)
Entire drainage- Artificial lures only, including within a 100-yard radius of the mouth.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14
FISHTRAP CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (Thompson River drainage)
Excluding Fish Trap Lake- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, none over 10 inches.
- Artificial lures only.
FLATHEAD LAKE
Flathead Lake north of Flathead Indian Reservation boundary- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Lake trout: 100 daily and in possession, only 1 over 36 inches, and all fish 30 to 36 inches must be released.
- Lake whitefish: 100 daily and in possession.
- Yellow perch: no limit, only 10 daily over 10 inches. No possession limit.
- NOTE: A Flathead Indian Reservation Tribal Permit is required to fish on the southern portion of the lake. Check Tribal Fishing regulations for the south portion of the lake.
FLATHEAD RIVER
Mainstem Flathead and tributaries, from confluence of North and Middle Forks to Highway 2 Bridge upstream to Teakettle FAS- Single-pointed hooks only. No treble or double hooks. Anglers may remove treble or double hooks from the lure and replace them with a single hook, or the shanks may be cut o the other hook points to leave a single hook. Lures with multiple hook attachments may still be used but any treble hook must be replaced by a single hook.
- Open entire year.
- No intentional fishing for bull trout.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Northern pike: Feb. 28 to third Saturday in May closed to intentional fishing for northern pike.
- Rainbow trout: 5 daily and in possession.
- Whitefish: 100 daily and in possession.
- From Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May, maggots and artificial lures only, no artificial lures can be scented (infused, saturated, or applied).
- Open entire year
FLATHEAD RIVER SLOUGHS
Brenneman, Church, Egan, Fennon, Half Moon, McWennegar, Mill, and Rose Creek- Open entire year.
- Rainbow trout: 5 daily and in possession.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Hook and Line: 2 rods and/or lines with up to 2 hooks per line; Western District bait regulations apply.
FLINT CREEK
Downstream from Georgetown Lake- Extended season for whitefish and catch-and-release for trout open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only.
FRED BURR LAKE (Granite County)
Philipsburg water supply- Closed entire year.
FRENCHTOWN POND
- Catch-and-release for bass.
GEORGETOWN LAKE
- Open third Saturday in May through March 31, except for the South and East shoreline area which is only open July 1 through March 31. South and East shoreline areas described as follows: all waters from the shore or within 100 yards of shore in the area extending from a point 200 yards west of Denton's Point Marina (along the shore, including all of Stuart Mill Bay) to a point 200 yards north from the mouth of North Fork Flint Creek.
- Combined trout, includes brook trout: 5 daily and in possession, of which only 1 may be a brook trout. Only brook trout over 16 inches can be kept.
- Kokanee salmon: no daily or possession limit
- Open July 1 through Nov. 30.
- Emily Springs: closed entire year.
- Catch-and-release for brook trout.
GERMAN GULCH
Mainstem and tributaries- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout
GOAT CREEK (tributary to Swan River)
- Closed entire year.
GOLD CREEK (tributary to Blackfoot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
- Artificial lures only, within 100-yard radius of the mouth.
GRANITE CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (Middle Fork Flathead River drainage)
- Closed entire year.
GRAVE CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (near Eureka including Clarence Creek and Blue Sky Creek)
Upstream of Highway 93 bridge- Open third Saturday in May through Aug. 15.
- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon from Sept. 15 through Nov. 30.
- Kokanee salmon: 20 daily and 40 in possession.
HANDKERCHIEF LAKE
- Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
HARDTLA CREEK (tributary to Georgetown Lake)
- Open July 1 through Nov. 30.
- Catch-and-release for brook trout.
- Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession.
HEIRONYMOUS POND
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, includes cutthroat trout and brook trout.
HERRIG CREEK (tributary to Little Bitterroot Lake)
- Closed entire year.
HOLLAND CREEK
Mouth on Holland Lake upstream to the Falls- Closed entire year.
HORSESHOE LAKE (near Ferndale)
- Catch-and-release for bass.
HORSESHOE LAKE (Thompson Chain of Lakes)
- Tiger muskie : 1 daily and in possession, must be over 40 inches. There are no northern pike in the lake.
HUNGRY HORSE RESERVOIR
Dam to Crossover Boat Ramp- Bull trout: 1 daily and in possession from the third Saturday in May through Aug. 15, maximum of 2 fish per license year. Catch-and-release the rest of the year with a Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead permit validation on Fishing License. A Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead Bull Trout Catch Card must be in possession when fishing for bull trout. See bull trout under obtain a license for application information. All bull trout must be released immediately or killed and counted as your limit when harvest is allowed. It is unlawful to possess a live bull trout for any reason.
HUNGRY HORSE RESERVOIR TRIBUTARIES
- See South Fork Flathead River Drainage regulations.
JOB CORPS PONDS (Deer Lodge County)
- see Warm Springs WMA map on page 46- Open Aug. 15 through Sept. 30.
- Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial lures only.
- Motorized boats/vessels prohibited.
KEELER CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES
- Open third Saturday in May through July 15.
KOOTENAI RIVER
Libby Dam to Idaho Border- Bull trout: As per the District Standard Regulations, the Kootenai River is closed to angling for bull trout; any bull trout caught must be released promptly, with little or no delay.
- Brown trout: No limit. All brown trout caught between Libby Dam and Kootenai Falls must be killed immediately, kept, and the entire fish FWP. Anglers who catch brown trout upstream of Kootenai Falls are required to report the catch to FWP within 24 hours (406-752-5501). Anglers may be asked to provide their full name, ALS number, phone number, date and time of capture, and location on the river. Anglers are required to the whole brown trout to a FWP oce during regular business hours and within 10 days of capture. Libby Dam to Highway 37 Bridge, near Fisher River• Open June 1 through Feb. 28.
- Rainbow trout: 1 daily and in possession, 28 inch minimum length. Highway 37 Bridge, near Fisher River, to Idaho Border
- Open entire year.
- Rainbow trout: 4 daily and in possession, includes 3 under 13 inches and only 1 over 18 inches.
- Closed to angling June 1 through Sept. 30 within 150-yards upstream and downstream of the Quartz Creek stream mouth unless posted at a
- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon from Sept. 15 through Nov. 30.
LAKE ALVA
- Kokanee salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Spearing: open for northern pike.
LAKE CREEK (near Troy)
- Open to fishing all year, except 150-yards upstream of Keeler Creek to Chase Cutoff Bridge: Closed to angling from July 15 through Oct. 31.
- Brown trout: no limit.
- Snagging: Downstream of Troy Dam open for kokanee salmon from Sept. 15 through Nov. 30.
LAKE INEZ
- Kokanee salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Spearing: open for northern pike.
LAKE KOOCANUSA
- Bull trout: Catch-and-release only (all bull trout must be released immediately). A Lake Koocanusa bull trout Catch Card must be in possession when fishing for bull trout. See bull trout under obtain a license for application information. It is unlawful to possess a live bull trout for any reason.
- Kokanee salmon: 50 daily and 100 in possession.
LAKE MARY RONAN
- Kokanee salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Spearing: open for northern pike.
LANDERS FORK (tributary to Blackfoot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
LIBBY POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger who may take 1 trout daily and in possession.
LION CREEK (tributary to Swan River)
- Closed entire year.
LITTLE BITTERROOT LAKE aka Bitterroot Lake
- Kokanee salmon: 20 daily and 40 in possession, no more than 2 daily and 4 in possession over 12 inches.
LITTLE BLACKFOOT RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
Mainstem River- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Extended whitefish season and catch-and-release for trout open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only. Tributaries
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
LODGEPOLE CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (Middle Fork Flathead River drainage)
- Closed entire year.
LONG CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (Middle Fork Flathead River drainage)
- Closed entire year.
LOST LAKE (near Eureka)
- Combined trout: 1 daily and in possession, 22-inch minimum.
- Artificial lures only.
LOWER STILLWATER LAKE
- Yellow perch: no limit, only 10 daily over 10 inches. No possession limit.
LOWER THOMPSON LAKE
- Salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
MARSHALL CREEK (tributary to West Fork Clearwater River)
- Artificial lures only.
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger, holders of a "Resident with a Disability Conservation License" and holders of a "Permit to Hunt from a Vehicle" with the proper prerequisite Fishing License. One rod per angler.
- Open April 1 through Oct. 30.
- Combined trout, including cutthroat trout: 1 fish daily and in possession.
- Crayfish: 20 daily and in possession; females with egg clusters or attached juveniles must be released.
MEDICINE LAKE AND TRIBUTARIES (near Philipsburg)
Medicine Lake- Open July 1 through April 30.
- Open July 1 through Nov. 30.
MIDDLE FORK FLATHEAD RIVER
Middle Fork Flathead River including headwaters to confluence with North Fork Flathead River (near Blankenship Bridge)- Single-pointed hooks only. No treble or double hooks. Anglers may remove treble or double hooks from the lure and replace them with a single hook, or the shanks may be cut o the other hook points to leave a single hook. Lures with multiple hook attachments may still be used but any treble hook must be replaced by a single hook.
- Closed to angling June 1 through Sept. 30 within a 150-yard radius of the Bear Creek stream mouth.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Rainbow trout: 5 daily and in possession.
- Extended season open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only.
MIDDLE THOMPSON LAKE
- Salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
MILL CREEK (tributary to Clark Fork River)
Downstream from the Stewart Street Bridge in Opportunity- Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial lures only.
MONTURE CREEK (tributary to Blackfoot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
- Artificial lures only, including within 100-yard radius of the mouth.
MORRELL CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (tributary to Clearwater River)
Entire drainage- Artificial lures only.
- Closed entire year.
MORRISON CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (Middle Fork Flathead River drainage)
- Closed entire year.
NEVADA CREEK (tributary to Blackfoot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
NINEPIPES POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 5 trout daily and in possession, only 1 over 14 inches. A Flathead Indian Tribal Permit is required to fish on Ninepipes Pond.
NORTH FORK BLACKFOOT RIVER (tributary to Blackfoot River)
Downstream from the North Fork Falls- Artificial lures only, including within a 100-yard radius of the mouth.
- Artificial lures only.
- Single point barbless hook lures only.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
NORTH FORK FLATHEAD RIVER
North Fork Flathead River including headwaters to confluence withMiddle Fork Flathead River (near Blankenship Bridge)NOTE: Montana/Glacier National Park boundary is the middle of the river.- Single-pointed hooks only. No treble or double hooks. Anglers may remove treble or double hooks from the lure and replace them with a single hook, or the shanks may be cut off the other hook points to leave a single hook. Lures with multiple hook attachments may still be used but any treble hook must be replaced by a single hook.
- Closed to angling June 1 through Sept. 30 within a 150-yard radius of the Big Creek stream mouth unless posted at a greater distance.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Rainbow trout: 5 daily and in possession.
- Extended season open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only.
NORTH FORK FLINT CREEK (tributary to Georgetown Lake)
- Open July 1 through Nov. 30.
- Catch-and-release for brook trout.
- Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession.
NOXON RAPIDS RESERVOIR
Birdland Bay Bridge to Noxon Rapids Dam- (See Clark Fork River Mouth of Thompson River to Idaho Border)
PETTY CREEK (tributary to Clark Fork River)
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
- Artificial lures only within 100-yard radius of the mouth.
PINE GROVE POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 trout daily and in possession.
PLACID CREEK (tributary to Placid Lake)
- Kokanee salmon: 5 daily and 10 in possession.
- Spearing: open for northern pike.
- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Oct. 15 through Dec. 31; 20 daily and 40 in possession.
PLACID LAKE
- Catch-and-release for bass.
- Kokanee salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Oct. 15 through Dec. 31; 20 daily and 40 in possession.
- Northern pike: no limit. All northern pike caught must be killed immediately, kept and the entire fish presented to FWP. Anglers who catch northern pike in Placid Lake are required to report the catch to FWP within 24 hours (406-542-5500). Anglers must provide their full name, ALS Number, phone number, date and time of capture, and location on the lake. Anglers are required to present the whole northern pike to a FWP oce within 10 days of capture during regular business hours. Edible portions of the fish may be returned to angler upon request.
QUARTZ CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES
(Kootenai River drainage including West Fork)- Open third Saturday in May through Aug. 15.
RACETRACK POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 3 combined trout, including cutthroat trout, daily and in possession.
- Artificial lures only, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may use bait.
RATTLESNAKE CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (near Missoula)
Entire Creek- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
- Artificial lures only, including within 100-yard radius of mouth.
- Closed to fishing from the mouth of Beeskove Creek to the former location of the Mountain Water Company Dam, as posted.
RIVERS EDGE POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age and younger may take 1 trout daily and in possession.
ROCK CREEK (near Missoula)
From the confluence of the Middle and West forks, near Philipsburg, to the mouth- Combined trout: 3 brown trout daily and in possession. catch-and-release for rainbow trout and cutthroat trout.
- Artificial lures only, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may use
- Closed to fishing from boats/vessels July 1 through Nov. 30.
- Extended season for whitefish and catch-and-release for trout open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only.
SALMON LAKE
- Kokanee salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Spearing: open for northern pike.
SEELEY LAKE
- Kokanee salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
- Bass: no daily or possession limit for entire year.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Spearing: open for northern pike.
- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Oct. 15 through Dec. 31; 20 daily and 40 in possession.
SHADY LANE POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 trout daily and in possession.
SILVER LAKE (near Anaconda)
- Closed to fishing July 1 through Sept. 30 within a 50-yard radius of the mouth of Storm Lake Creek.
SILVER BOW CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES
Mainstem and Tributaries- Artificial lures only in Silver Bow Creek and German Gulch.
- Blacktail Creek is open all year from its mouth near Montana Street in
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
SILVER'S LAGOON aka McCormick Pond (Missoula)
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger, holders of a "Resident with a Disability Conservation License" and holders of a "Permit to Hunt from a Vehicle" with the proper prerequisite Fishing License. One rod per angler.
- Open April 1 through Oct. 30.
- Combined trout, including cutthroat trout: 1 fish daily and in possession.
SKALKAHO CREEK (tributary to Bitterroot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout, includes Daly Creek.
SKYLINE POND (in Butte)
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger. One rod per child. 1 trout daily and in possession.
SMITH LAKE (near Kalispell)
- Yellow perch: no limit, only 10 daily over 10 inches. No possession limit.
SOUTH FORK FLATHEAD RIVER
South Fork Flathead River and tributaries, including headwaters to confluence with Flathead River (does not include Hungry Horse Reservoir)- Single-pointed hooks only. No treble or double hooks. Anglers may remove treble or double hooks from the lure and replace them with a single hook, or the shanks may be cut o the other hook points to leave a single hook. Lures with multiple hook attachments may still be used but any treble hook must be replaced by a single hook.
- Bull trout: catch-and-release from the third Saturday in May through July 31. A Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead bull trout Catch Card must be in possession when fishing for bull trout. See bull trout under obtain a license for application information. All bull trout must be released promptly, with little or no delay. It is unlawful to possess a live bull trout for any reason. Angling for bull trout is not allowed in South Fork Flathead River tributaries or Big Salmon Lake. Meadow Creek Bridge to Spotted Bear foot bridge and tributaries
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Artificial lures only.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Rainbow trout: 5 daily and in possession.
- Extended season open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only.
SQUEEZER CREEK (tributary to Swan River)
- Closed entire year.
ST REGIS COMMUNITY PARK POND
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger; one rod per child.
- Combined trout, including cutthroat trout: 1 fish daily and in possession.
ST REGIS RIVER
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
- Artificial lures only within 100-yard radius of the mouth.
STILLWATER RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES (Flathead River drainage)
- Open entire year from mouth of Sunday Creek to
STORM LAKE CREEK (tributary to Silver Lake near Anaconda)
- Closed to fishing July 1 through Sept. 30 from the Silver Lake diversion structure located near the stream mouth down to where the stream enters Silver Lake.
STUART MILL CREEK (tributary to Georgetown Lake)
- Open July 1 through Nov. 30.
- Catch-and-release for brook trout.
- Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession.
SWAN RIVER
- No intentional fishing for bull trout.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Closed to angling June 1 through Sept. 30 within a 300-yard radius of the Woodward Creek and Lion Creek stream mouths, unless posted at a greater distance.
- Artificial lures only.
- Open entire year.
TALLY LAKE
- Lake trout: 1 daily and in possession, must be over 42 inches.
THOMPSON FALLS RESERVOIR
- (See Clark Fork River Mouth of Thompson River to Idaho Border)
THOMPSON PARK POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger
THOMPSON RIVER
Entire river- Open to fishing entire year.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout and rainbow trout.
- Brown trout: 3 daily and in possession, any size.
- Artificial lures only, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may use bait.
TOBACCO RIVER
- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Sept. 15 through Nov. 30.
- Kokanee salmon: 20 daily and 40 in possession.
TRAIL CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (Yakinikak, N. Fork Flathead River drainage)
- Closed entire year downstream from mouth of Thoma Creek.
TROUT CREEK (tributary to Clark Fork River)
- Artifical lures only within 100-yard radius of the mouth.
TROY POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 trout daily and in possession.
UPPER THOMPSON LAKE
- Kokanee salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
UPSATA LAKE
- Catch-and-release for bass.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Spearing: open for northern pike.
WARM SPRINGS CREEK (near Anaconda)
Upstream of Myers Dam- Open from the third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
- Open from the third Saturday in May through Nov. 30 except for the section from Myers Dam downstream 50 yards which is closed to fishing July 1 through Sept. 30.
- Extended season: catch-and-release for trout Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial lures only.
- Open entire year on Warm Springs Wildlife Management Area (WMA). (See Warm Springs WMA for additional regulations.)
WARM SPRINGS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (WMA)
All waters- All ponds and canals open Aug. 15 through Sept. 30 including Job Corps Ponds and Ducks Unlimited Ponds.
- Catch-and-release only. (See Kid's Pond and Gravel Pit Pond for exceptions.)
- Artificial lures only. (See Kid's Pond and Gravel Pit Pond for exceptions.)
- Motorized boats/vessels prohibited.
- Open Aug. 15 through Sept. 30.
- Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial lures only.
- Motorized boats/vessels prohibited.
- Open entire year.
- Combined trout: 2 daily and in possession.
- Bait may be used.
- Open to fishing by anglers 14 years of age or younger only. One rod per child.
- Open second Friday in June at 5 p.m. through Nov. 30.
- Combined trout: 2 daily and in possession.
- Bait may be used.
- Open May 25 through Sept. 30. No trespassing on islands.
- Open May 25 through Nov. 30 to fishing from non-motorized vessels.
- Open entire year.
- Closed to fishing from boats/vessels.
WEST FORK BITTERROOT RIVER DOWNSTREAM OF PAINTED ROCKS DAM
Fishing Regulations- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout and rainbow trout.
- Brown trout: 3 daily and in possession.
- Extended season for northern pike and whitefish and catch-and-release for trout from Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May with aquatic insects, maggots and/or artificial lures only.
- Painted Rocks Dam to Applebury Forest Service Site on Fridays.
- Applebury Forest Service Site to Trapper Creek Job Corps Site on Saturdays.
- Trapper Creek Job Corps Site on to Hannon Memorial FAS on Sundays.
- Hannon Memorial FAS to Wally Crawford FAS on Mondays.
- Painted Rocks Dam to Applebury Forest Service Site on Fridays.
WEST FORK CLEARWATER RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
Entire drainage- Artificial lures only.
- Closed entire year.
WEST FORK THOMPSON RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, none over 10 inches.
- Artificial lures only.
WHALE CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (North Fork Flathead River drainage)
- Closed entire year downstream from Whale Creek Falls.
WHITEFISH LAKE
- Lake trout: 20 daily and in possession, only 1 over 36 inches. All fish 30 to 36 inches must be released.
WHITEFISH RIVER
- Open entire year from Whitefish Lake to
WILLOW CREEK (near Warm Springs)
From Stewart Street Bridge to the Warm Springs WMA- Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial lures only.
WOODWARD CREEK
- Closed entire year.
All waters open for spearing through the ice or as otherwise noted in District Exceptions.
For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations, Western Region
Esox lucius
The Western Fishing District includes all waters in Montana west of the Continental Divide.
Western District Rivers and Streams:Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30, unless otherwise specified in Exceptions to Standard Regulations. For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations, Western Region
Western District Lakes and Reservoirs:Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30, unless otherwise specified in Exceptions to Standard Regulations. For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations, Western Region
Each angler may take all of the limits shown, unless otherwise noted in the Western District Exceptions. For species not listed, there are no limits on the number of fish that may be taken or possessed. Check for exceptions to the standard regulations.Anglers who move from one fishing water to another may possess the limit of fish allowed only for the water on which they are currently fishing.For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations, Western Region
An import permit is required to bring live fish into Montana. It is unlawful to possess or transport live fish away from the body of water in which the fish were taken except for transportation of fish for valid (approved) commercial purposes or as authorized by FWP. For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations
Anglers who move from one fishing water to another may possess the limit of fish allowed only for the water on which they are currently fishing.For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations
Western District Rivers and Streams:Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30, unless otherwise specified in Exceptions to Standard Regulations. For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations, Western Region
Western District Lakes and Reservoirs:Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30, unless otherwise specified in Exceptions to Standard Regulations. For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations, Western Region
Each angler may take all of the limits shown, unless otherwise noted in the Western District Exceptions. For species not listed, there are no limits on the number of fish that may be taken or possessed. Check for exceptions to the standard regulations.Anglers who move from one fishing water to another may possess the limit of fish allowed only for the water on which they are currently fishing.For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations, Western Region
An import permit is required to bring live fish into Montana. It is unlawful to possess or transport live fish away from the body of water in which the fish were taken except for transportation of fish for valid (approved) commercial purposes or as authorized by FWP. For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations
Anglers who move from one fishing water to another may possess the limit of fish allowed only for the water on which they are currently fishing.For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations
ALICE CREEK (tributary to Blackfoot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 1 inches, any size brown trout.
ANACONDA SETTLING POND SYSTEM
- See Warm Springs Wildlife Management Area.
ASHLEY LAKE
Entire lake- Salmon: 35 daily and 70 in possession.
- Closed entire year.
BEAR CREEK (tributary to Middle Fork Flathead River)
Angling is closed within 150-yard radius of the stream mouth June 1 through Sept. 30.BEAVER CREEK (tributary to Blackfoot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 1 inches, any size brown trout.
BELMONT CREEK (tributary to Blackfoot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 1 inches, any size brown trout.
- Artificial lures only within 100-yard radius of mouth.
BIG CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (tributary to North Fork Flathead River)
- Closed entire year.
BITTERROOT LAKE (see Little Bitterroot Lake)
BITTERROOT RIVER (note: river flows south to north)
Fishing RegulationsThe ENTIRE Bitterroot River to include the East Fork (downstream from Star Falls) and the West Fork (downstream from Painted Rocks Dam) to the mouth of the river near Missoula. During the Extended Season (Dec 1 to the third Saturday in May)- Extended season for northern pike and whitefish and catch-and-releas for all trout open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May.
- Artificial lures, maggots and/or aquatic insects only. All other live/dead bait prohibited.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout and rainbow trout.
- Brown trout: 3 daily and in possession.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout and rainbow trout.
- Brown trout: 3 daily and in possession.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 rainbow or brown trout daily and in possession, only 1 over 14 inches.
- Catch-and-release for all trout.
- Artificial lures only.
- Live/dead bait prohibited.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 rainbow or brown trout daily and in possession, only 1 over 14 inches.
- Smallmouth Bass: All Smallmouth Bass caught must be killed immediately, kept and the entire fish turned into FWP. Anglers who catch Smallmouth Bass in the lower Bitterroot River are required to report the catch to FWP within 24 hours (406-542-5500). Anglers will be asked to provide location, date, and time of capture and may be asked to provide their full name, ALS number, and phone number. Anglers are required to turn in the whole Smallmouth Bass to a FWP office within 10 days of capture (frozen is allowed) during regular business hours
- Regulations are the same as the adjacent river section.
- Painted Rocks Dam to Applebury Forest Service Site on Fridays.
- Applebury Forest Service Site to Trapper Creek Job Corps site on Saturdays.
- Trapper Creek Job Corps Site on to Hannon Memorial FAS on Sundays.
- Hannon Memorial FAS to Wally Crawford FAS on Mondays.
- Painted Rocks Dam to Applebury Forest Service Site on Fridays.
BLACKFOOT RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
Mainstem and all tributaries except the Clearwater River. During the General Season (third Saturday in May through Nov. 30)- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches long, any size brown trout. (See Clearwater River Drainage for exception.)
- Artificial lures only within 100-yard radius of the mouths of Belmont Creek, Copper Creek, Gold Creek, Monture Creek and North Fork Blackfoot River.
- Extended season for mountain whitefish and catch-and-release for trout open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May. Tributaries are closed to fishing during the extended season.
- Artificial lures and/or maggots only.
- All other live/dead bait prohibited.
- Catch-and-release for brook trout. (This regulation is a result of bull trout being misidentified and harvested as brook trout. Brook trout are very rare in this section of river whereas bull trout are common.)
BLANCHARD LAKE (near Whitefish)
Bass: 1 daily and in possession, must be over 22 inches.BOOTJACK LAKE (near Whitefish)
- Combined trout: 1 daily and in possession, 22 inch minimum.
- Artificial lures only.
BUFFALOHEAD POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 5 trout daily, 10 in possession.
BULL LAKE (near Troy)
- Northern pike: no limit.
CABINET GORGE RESERVOIR
- (See Clark Fork River Mouth of Thompson River to Idaho Border)
CEDAR CREEK (tributary to Clark Fork River)
- Artificial lures only, including within a 100-yard radius of the mouth.
CHAMBERLAIN CREEK (tributary to Blackfoot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
CIBID LAKE
- Combined trout: 4 under 12 inches and only 1 over 22 inches daily and in possession.
CLARK FORK RIVER
Upstream from Perkins Lane Bridge, near Warm Springs- Open entire year.
- Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial lures only.
- Closed to fishing from boats/vessels.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 14 inches long.
- Artificial lures only within a 100-yard radius of the mouths of Rattlesnake Creek, Petty Creek, Fish Creek, Cedar Creek, Dry Creek, Trout Creek and St. Regis River.
- Extended season for northern pike and whitefish and catch-and-release for trout open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May.
- Artificial lures and/or maggots only.
- All other live/dead bait prohibited.
- Open entire year.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Open entire year.
- Combined trout: standard lake daily and possession limits apply.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Bass: 5 daily and in possession; except June 15 through July 15 only 1
- Hook and Line: 2 lines with up to 2 hooks per line all year.
CLEARWATER RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES (lakes not included, see exceptions for individual lakes elsewhere)
Clearwater River upstream from the Salmon Lake inlet and all tributaries of the Clearwater River except the West Fork and Marshall Creek- Closed to fishing from Rainey Lake fish barrier downstream for 100 yards.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Northern pike: no limit, open to spearing.
- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon from Lake Alva outlet to Lake Inez inlet and from Lake Inez outlet to Seeley Lake inlet from Sept.
- Open entire year.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches.
- Northern pike: no limit, open to spearing.
COAL CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (tributary to North Fork Flathead River)
- Closed entire year.
COPPER CREEK (tributary to Blackfoot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
- Artificial lures only, including within a 100-yard radius of the mouth.
COPPER MOUNTAIN PARK POND (in Butte)
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger and senior citizens 62 years of age or older.
- One rod per angler.
- One trout daily and in possession.
COTTONWOOD CREEK (tributary to Blackfoot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
DALY CREEK (tributary to Skalkaho Creek)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
DRY CREEK (tributary to Clark Fork River)
- Artificial lures only within 100-yard radius of the mouth.
DRY BRIDGE POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age and younger may take 1 trout daily and in possession.
DUNHAM CREEK (tributary to Monture Creek, Blackfoot drainage)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
- Artificial lures only.
EAST FORK BITTERROOT RIVER DOWNSTREAM FROM STAR FALLS
- Catch-and-release for rainbow trout and cutthroat trout.
- Brown trout: 3 daily and in possession.
- Extended season for northern pike and whitefish and catch-and-release for trout open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May with aquatic insects,
EAST FORK RESERVOIR
- Cutthroat trout: 2 daily and in possession, only 1 over 14 inches.
ECHO LAKE (near Anaconda)
- Open third Saturday in May through March 31.
- Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession, includes brook trout.
ELK CREEK (tributary to Swan River)
- Closed entire year.
EMILY SPRINGS (tributary to Georgetown Lake)
- Closed entire year.
EUREKA POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age and younger may take 1 trout daily and in possession.
FISH CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (Clark Fork River drainage)
Entire drainage- Artificial lures only, including within a 100-yard radius of the mouth.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14
FISHTRAP CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (Thompson River drainage)
Excluding Fish Trap Lake- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, none over 10 inches.
- Artificial lures only.
FLATHEAD LAKE
Flathead Lake north of Flathead Indian Reservation boundary- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Lake trout: 100 daily and in possession, only 1 over 36 inches, and all fish 30 to 36 inches must be released.
- Lake whitefish: 100 daily and in possession.
- Yellow perch: no limit, only 10 daily over 10 inches. No possession limit.
- NOTE: A Flathead Indian Reservation Tribal Permit is required to fish on the southern portion of the lake. Check Tribal Fishing regulations for the south portion of the lake.
FLATHEAD RIVER
Mainstem Flathead and tributaries, from confluence of North and Middle Forks to Highway 2 Bridge upstream to Teakettle FAS- Single-pointed hooks only. No treble or double hooks. Anglers may remove treble or double hooks from the lure and replace them with a single hook, or the shanks may be cut o the other hook points to leave a single hook. Lures with multiple hook attachments may still be used but any treble hook must be replaced by a single hook.
- Open entire year.
- No intentional fishing for bull trout.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Northern pike: Feb. 28 to third Saturday in May closed to intentional fishing for northern pike.
- Rainbow trout: 5 daily and in possession.
- Whitefish: 100 daily and in possession.
- From Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May, maggots and artificial lures only, no artificial lures can be scented (infused, saturated, or applied).
- Open entire year
FLATHEAD RIVER SLOUGHS
Brenneman, Church, Egan, Fennon, Half Moon, McWennegar, Mill, and Rose Creek- Open entire year.
- Rainbow trout: 5 daily and in possession.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Hook and Line: 2 rods and/or lines with up to 2 hooks per line; Western District bait regulations apply.
FLINT CREEK
Downstream from Georgetown Lake- Extended season for whitefish and catch-and-release for trout open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only.
FRED BURR LAKE (Granite County)
Philipsburg water supply- Closed entire year.
FRENCHTOWN POND
- Catch-and-release for bass.
GEORGETOWN LAKE
- Open third Saturday in May through March 31, except for the South and East shoreline area which is only open July 1 through March 31. South and East shoreline areas described as follows: all waters from the shore or within 100 yards of shore in the area extending from a point 200 yards west of Denton's Point Marina (along the shore, including all of Stuart Mill Bay) to a point 200 yards north from the mouth of North Fork Flint Creek.
- Combined trout, includes brook trout: 5 daily and in possession, of which only 1 may be a brook trout. Only brook trout over 16 inches can be kept.
- Kokanee salmon: no daily or possession limit
- Open July 1 through Nov. 30.
- Emily Springs: closed entire year.
- Catch-and-release for brook trout.
GERMAN GULCH
Mainstem and tributaries- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout
GOAT CREEK (tributary to Swan River)
- Closed entire year.
GOLD CREEK (tributary to Blackfoot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
- Artificial lures only, within 100-yard radius of the mouth.
GRANITE CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (Middle Fork Flathead River drainage)
- Closed entire year.
GRAVE CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (near Eureka including Clarence Creek and Blue Sky Creek)
Upstream of Highway 93 bridge- Open third Saturday in May through Aug. 15.
- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon from Sept. 15 through Nov. 30.
- Kokanee salmon: 20 daily and 40 in possession.
HANDKERCHIEF LAKE
- Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
HARDTLA CREEK (tributary to Georgetown Lake)
- Open July 1 through Nov. 30.
- Catch-and-release for brook trout.
- Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession.
HEIRONYMOUS POND
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, includes cutthroat trout and brook trout.
HERRIG CREEK (tributary to Little Bitterroot Lake)
- Closed entire year.
HOLLAND CREEK
Mouth on Holland Lake upstream to the Falls- Closed entire year.
HORSESHOE LAKE (near Ferndale)
- Catch-and-release for bass.
HORSESHOE LAKE (Thompson Chain of Lakes)
- Tiger muskie : 1 daily and in possession, must be over 40 inches. There are no northern pike in the lake.
HUNGRY HORSE RESERVOIR
Dam to Crossover Boat Ramp- Bull trout: 1 daily and in possession from the third Saturday in May through Aug. 15, maximum of 2 fish per license year. Catch-and-release the rest of the year with a Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead permit validation on Fishing License. A Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead Bull Trout Catch Card must be in possession when fishing for bull trout. See bull trout under obtain a license for application information. All bull trout must be released immediately or killed and counted as your limit when harvest is allowed. It is unlawful to possess a live bull trout for any reason.
HUNGRY HORSE RESERVOIR TRIBUTARIES
- See South Fork Flathead River Drainage regulations.
JOB CORPS PONDS (Deer Lodge County)
- see Warm Springs WMA map on page 46- Open Aug. 15 through Sept. 30.
- Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial lures only.
- Motorized boats/vessels prohibited.
KEELER CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES
- Open third Saturday in May through July 15.
KOOTENAI RIVER
Libby Dam to Idaho Border- Bull trout: As per the District Standard Regulations, the Kootenai River is closed to angling for bull trout; any bull trout caught must be released promptly, with little or no delay.
- Brown trout: No limit. All brown trout caught between Libby Dam and Kootenai Falls must be killed immediately, kept, and the entire fish FWP. Anglers who catch brown trout upstream of Kootenai Falls are required to report the catch to FWP within 24 hours (406-752-5501). Anglers may be asked to provide their full name, ALS number, phone number, date and time of capture, and location on the river. Anglers are required to the whole brown trout to a FWP oce during regular business hours and within 10 days of capture. Libby Dam to Highway 37 Bridge, near Fisher River• Open June 1 through Feb. 28.
- Rainbow trout: 1 daily and in possession, 28 inch minimum length. Highway 37 Bridge, near Fisher River, to Idaho Border
- Open entire year.
- Rainbow trout: 4 daily and in possession, includes 3 under 13 inches and only 1 over 18 inches.
- Closed to angling June 1 through Sept. 30 within 150-yards upstream and downstream of the Quartz Creek stream mouth unless posted at a
- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon from Sept. 15 through Nov. 30.
LAKE ALVA
- Kokanee salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Spearing: open for northern pike.
LAKE CREEK (near Troy)
- Open to fishing all year, except 150-yards upstream of Keeler Creek to Chase Cutoff Bridge: Closed to angling from July 15 through Oct. 31.
- Brown trout: no limit.
- Snagging: Downstream of Troy Dam open for kokanee salmon from Sept. 15 through Nov. 30.
LAKE INEZ
- Kokanee salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Spearing: open for northern pike.
LAKE KOOCANUSA
- Bull trout: Catch-and-release only (all bull trout must be released immediately). A Lake Koocanusa bull trout Catch Card must be in possession when fishing for bull trout. See bull trout under obtain a license for application information. It is unlawful to possess a live bull trout for any reason.
- Kokanee salmon: 50 daily and 100 in possession.
LAKE MARY RONAN
- Kokanee salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Spearing: open for northern pike.
LANDERS FORK (tributary to Blackfoot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
LIBBY POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger who may take 1 trout daily and in possession.
LION CREEK (tributary to Swan River)
- Closed entire year.
LITTLE BITTERROOT LAKE aka Bitterroot Lake
- Kokanee salmon: 20 daily and 40 in possession, no more than 2 daily and 4 in possession over 12 inches.
LITTLE BLACKFOOT RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
Mainstem River- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Extended whitefish season and catch-and-release for trout open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only. Tributaries
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
LODGEPOLE CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (Middle Fork Flathead River drainage)
- Closed entire year.
LONG CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (Middle Fork Flathead River drainage)
- Closed entire year.
LOST LAKE (near Eureka)
- Combined trout: 1 daily and in possession, 22-inch minimum.
- Artificial lures only.
LOWER STILLWATER LAKE
- Yellow perch: no limit, only 10 daily over 10 inches. No possession limit.
LOWER THOMPSON LAKE
- Salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
MARSHALL CREEK (tributary to West Fork Clearwater River)
- Artificial lures only.
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger, holders of a "Resident with a Disability Conservation License" and holders of a "Permit to Hunt from a Vehicle" with the proper prerequisite Fishing License. One rod per angler.
- Open April 1 through Oct. 30.
- Combined trout, including cutthroat trout: 1 fish daily and in possession.
- Crayfish: 20 daily and in possession; females with egg clusters or attached juveniles must be released.
MEDICINE LAKE AND TRIBUTARIES (near Philipsburg)
Medicine Lake- Open July 1 through April 30.
- Open July 1 through Nov. 30.
MIDDLE FORK FLATHEAD RIVER
Middle Fork Flathead River including headwaters to confluence with North Fork Flathead River (near Blankenship Bridge)- Single-pointed hooks only. No treble or double hooks. Anglers may remove treble or double hooks from the lure and replace them with a single hook, or the shanks may be cut o the other hook points to leave a single hook. Lures with multiple hook attachments may still be used but any treble hook must be replaced by a single hook.
- Closed to angling June 1 through Sept. 30 within a 150-yard radius of the Bear Creek stream mouth.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Rainbow trout: 5 daily and in possession.
- Extended season open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only.
MIDDLE THOMPSON LAKE
- Salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
MILL CREEK (tributary to Clark Fork River)
Downstream from the Stewart Street Bridge in Opportunity- Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial lures only.
MONTURE CREEK (tributary to Blackfoot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
- Artificial lures only, including within 100-yard radius of the mouth.
MORRELL CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (tributary to Clearwater River)
Entire drainage- Artificial lures only.
- Closed entire year.
MORRISON CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (Middle Fork Flathead River drainage)
- Closed entire year.
NEVADA CREEK (tributary to Blackfoot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
NINEPIPES POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 5 trout daily and in possession, only 1 over 14 inches. A Flathead Indian Tribal Permit is required to fish on Ninepipes Pond.
NORTH FORK BLACKFOOT RIVER (tributary to Blackfoot River)
Downstream from the North Fork Falls- Artificial lures only, including within a 100-yard radius of the mouth.
- Artificial lures only.
- Single point barbless hook lures only.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
NORTH FORK FLATHEAD RIVER
North Fork Flathead River including headwaters to confluence withMiddle Fork Flathead River (near Blankenship Bridge)NOTE: Montana/Glacier National Park boundary is the middle of the river.- Single-pointed hooks only. No treble or double hooks. Anglers may remove treble or double hooks from the lure and replace them with a single hook, or the shanks may be cut off the other hook points to leave a single hook. Lures with multiple hook attachments may still be used but any treble hook must be replaced by a single hook.
- Closed to angling June 1 through Sept. 30 within a 150-yard radius of the Big Creek stream mouth unless posted at a greater distance.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Rainbow trout: 5 daily and in possession.
- Extended season open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only.
NORTH FORK FLINT CREEK (tributary to Georgetown Lake)
- Open July 1 through Nov. 30.
- Catch-and-release for brook trout.
- Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession.
NOXON RAPIDS RESERVOIR
Birdland Bay Bridge to Noxon Rapids Dam- (See Clark Fork River Mouth of Thompson River to Idaho Border)
PETTY CREEK (tributary to Clark Fork River)
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
- Artificial lures only within 100-yard radius of the mouth.
PINE GROVE POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 trout daily and in possession.
PLACID CREEK (tributary to Placid Lake)
- Kokanee salmon: 5 daily and 10 in possession.
- Spearing: open for northern pike.
- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Oct. 15 through Dec. 31; 20 daily and 40 in possession.
PLACID LAKE
- Catch-and-release for bass.
- Kokanee salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Oct. 15 through Dec. 31; 20 daily and 40 in possession.
- Northern pike: no limit. All northern pike caught must be killed immediately, kept and the entire fish presented to FWP. Anglers who catch northern pike in Placid Lake are required to report the catch to FWP within 24 hours (406-542-5500). Anglers must provide their full name, ALS Number, phone number, date and time of capture, and location on the lake. Anglers are required to present the whole northern pike to a FWP oce within 10 days of capture during regular business hours. Edible portions of the fish may be returned to angler upon request.
QUARTZ CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES
(Kootenai River drainage including West Fork)- Open third Saturday in May through Aug. 15.
RACETRACK POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 3 combined trout, including cutthroat trout, daily and in possession.
- Artificial lures only, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may use bait.
RATTLESNAKE CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (near Missoula)
Entire Creek- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
- Artificial lures only, including within 100-yard radius of mouth.
- Closed to fishing from the mouth of Beeskove Creek to the former location of the Mountain Water Company Dam, as posted.
RIVERS EDGE POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age and younger may take 1 trout daily and in possession.
ROCK CREEK (near Missoula)
From the confluence of the Middle and West forks, near Philipsburg, to the mouth- Combined trout: 3 brown trout daily and in possession. catch-and-release for rainbow trout and cutthroat trout.
- Artificial lures only, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may use
- Closed to fishing from boats/vessels July 1 through Nov. 30.
- Extended season for whitefish and catch-and-release for trout open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only.
SALMON LAKE
- Kokanee salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Spearing: open for northern pike.
SEELEY LAKE
- Kokanee salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
- Bass: no daily or possession limit for entire year.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Spearing: open for northern pike.
- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Oct. 15 through Dec. 31; 20 daily and 40 in possession.
SHADY LANE POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 trout daily and in possession.
SILVER LAKE (near Anaconda)
- Closed to fishing July 1 through Sept. 30 within a 50-yard radius of the mouth of Storm Lake Creek.
SILVER BOW CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES
Mainstem and Tributaries- Artificial lures only in Silver Bow Creek and German Gulch.
- Blacktail Creek is open all year from its mouth near Montana Street in
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
SILVER'S LAGOON aka McCormick Pond (Missoula)
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger, holders of a "Resident with a Disability Conservation License" and holders of a "Permit to Hunt from a Vehicle" with the proper prerequisite Fishing License. One rod per angler.
- Open April 1 through Oct. 30.
- Combined trout, including cutthroat trout: 1 fish daily and in possession.
SKALKAHO CREEK (tributary to Bitterroot River)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout, includes Daly Creek.
SKYLINE POND (in Butte)
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger. One rod per child. 1 trout daily and in possession.
SMITH LAKE (near Kalispell)
- Yellow perch: no limit, only 10 daily over 10 inches. No possession limit.
SOUTH FORK FLATHEAD RIVER
South Fork Flathead River and tributaries, including headwaters to confluence with Flathead River (does not include Hungry Horse Reservoir)- Single-pointed hooks only. No treble or double hooks. Anglers may remove treble or double hooks from the lure and replace them with a single hook, or the shanks may be cut o the other hook points to leave a single hook. Lures with multiple hook attachments may still be used but any treble hook must be replaced by a single hook.
- Bull trout: catch-and-release from the third Saturday in May through July 31. A Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead bull trout Catch Card must be in possession when fishing for bull trout. See bull trout under obtain a license for application information. All bull trout must be released promptly, with little or no delay. It is unlawful to possess a live bull trout for any reason. Angling for bull trout is not allowed in South Fork Flathead River tributaries or Big Salmon Lake. Meadow Creek Bridge to Spotted Bear foot bridge and tributaries
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Artificial lures only.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Rainbow trout: 5 daily and in possession.
- Extended season open Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial lures and/or maggots only.
SQUEEZER CREEK (tributary to Swan River)
- Closed entire year.
ST REGIS COMMUNITY PARK POND
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger; one rod per child.
- Combined trout, including cutthroat trout: 1 fish daily and in possession.
ST REGIS RIVER
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 rainbow trout over 14 inches, any size brown trout.
- Artificial lures only within 100-yard radius of the mouth.
STILLWATER RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES (Flathead River drainage)
- Open entire year from mouth of Sunday Creek to
STORM LAKE CREEK (tributary to Silver Lake near Anaconda)
- Closed to fishing July 1 through Sept. 30 from the Silver Lake diversion structure located near the stream mouth down to where the stream enters Silver Lake.
STUART MILL CREEK (tributary to Georgetown Lake)
- Open July 1 through Nov. 30.
- Catch-and-release for brook trout.
- Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession.
SWAN RIVER
- No intentional fishing for bull trout.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Closed to angling June 1 through Sept. 30 within a 300-yard radius of the Woodward Creek and Lion Creek stream mouths, unless posted at a greater distance.
- Artificial lures only.
- Open entire year.
TALLY LAKE
- Lake trout: 1 daily and in possession, must be over 42 inches.
THOMPSON FALLS RESERVOIR
- (See Clark Fork River Mouth of Thompson River to Idaho Border)
THOMPSON PARK POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger
THOMPSON RIVER
Entire river- Open to fishing entire year.
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout and rainbow trout.
- Brown trout: 3 daily and in possession, any size.
- Artificial lures only, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may use bait.
TOBACCO RIVER
- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Sept. 15 through Nov. 30.
- Kokanee salmon: 20 daily and 40 in possession.
TRAIL CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (Yakinikak, N. Fork Flathead River drainage)
- Closed entire year downstream from mouth of Thoma Creek.
TROUT CREEK (tributary to Clark Fork River)
- Artifical lures only within 100-yard radius of the mouth.
TROY POND
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 trout daily and in possession.
UPPER THOMPSON LAKE
- Kokanee salmon: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
UPSATA LAKE
- Catch-and-release for bass.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Spearing: open for northern pike.
WARM SPRINGS CREEK (near Anaconda)
Upstream of Myers Dam- Open from the third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
- Open from the third Saturday in May through Nov. 30 except for the section from Myers Dam downstream 50 yards which is closed to fishing July 1 through Sept. 30.
- Extended season: catch-and-release for trout Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May with artificial lures only.
- Open entire year on Warm Springs Wildlife Management Area (WMA). (See Warm Springs WMA for additional regulations.)
WARM SPRINGS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (WMA)
All waters- All ponds and canals open Aug. 15 through Sept. 30 including Job Corps Ponds and Ducks Unlimited Ponds.
- Catch-and-release only. (See Kid's Pond and Gravel Pit Pond for exceptions.)
- Artificial lures only. (See Kid's Pond and Gravel Pit Pond for exceptions.)
- Motorized boats/vessels prohibited.
- Open Aug. 15 through Sept. 30.
- Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial lures only.
- Motorized boats/vessels prohibited.
- Open entire year.
- Combined trout: 2 daily and in possession.
- Bait may be used.
- Open to fishing by anglers 14 years of age or younger only. One rod per child.
- Open second Friday in June at 5 p.m. through Nov. 30.
- Combined trout: 2 daily and in possession.
- Bait may be used.
- Open May 25 through Sept. 30. No trespassing on islands.
- Open May 25 through Nov. 30 to fishing from non-motorized vessels.
- Open entire year.
- Closed to fishing from boats/vessels.
WEST FORK BITTERROOT RIVER DOWNSTREAM OF PAINTED ROCKS DAM
Fishing Regulations- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout and rainbow trout.
- Brown trout: 3 daily and in possession.
- Extended season for northern pike and whitefish and catch-and-release for trout from Dec. 1 to third Saturday in May with aquatic insects, maggots and/or artificial lures only.
- Painted Rocks Dam to Applebury Forest Service Site on Fridays.
- Applebury Forest Service Site to Trapper Creek Job Corps Site on Saturdays.
- Trapper Creek Job Corps Site on to Hannon Memorial FAS on Sundays.
- Hannon Memorial FAS to Wally Crawford FAS on Mondays.
- Painted Rocks Dam to Applebury Forest Service Site on Fridays.
WEST FORK CLEARWATER RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
Entire drainage- Artificial lures only.
- Closed entire year.
WEST FORK THOMPSON RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, none over 10 inches.
- Artificial lures only.
WHALE CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (North Fork Flathead River drainage)
- Closed entire year downstream from Whale Creek Falls.
WHITEFISH LAKE
- Lake trout: 20 daily and in possession, only 1 over 36 inches. All fish 30 to 36 inches must be released.
WHITEFISH RIVER
- Open entire year from Whitefish Lake to
WILLOW CREEK (near Warm Springs)
From Stewart Street Bridge to the Warm Springs WMA- Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial lures only.
WOODWARD CREEK
- Closed entire year.
Regulations for
47°31′32.3″N 114°45′44.1″W
FAQ about Rainbow Lake fishing
Rainbow Lake is a lake located in Sanders County, Montana, United States. Its coordinates are:
47°31′32.3″N 114°45′44.1″W
.Find the best fishing spots on Rainbow Lake by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
The most common species in Rainbow Lake are:
- Northern pike - 12 members reported to have caught this fish
- Smallmouth bass - 9 members reported to have caught this fish
- Yellow perch - 6 members reported to have caught this fish
The latest Rainbow Lake fishing reports are:
- @atkinsonbrayden reported a nice Smallmouth bass.
- @jordanjolma reported a nice Northern pike.
- @M0NNZY reported a nice Pumpkinseed.
- @M0NNZY reported a nice Smallmouth bass.
- @oakley-wright reported a nice Northern pike.
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