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- Trout fishing in Montana
Types of Trout in Montana
Trout fishing spots in Montana
Best baits and lures for Trout in Montana
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Regulations for Trout in Montana
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 Rainbow trout as of July 16th, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.
Rainbow trout
Seasons
Open
Bag limit
5
Aggregate
5
Restrictions & requirements
Location regulation notes
The Central Fishing District includes all waters in Montana east of the Continental Divide, (including the Belly and St Mary's River drainages) and west of the following described boundary: Interstate 15 from the Montana- Canada border south to its junction with Hwy 2 at Shelby, then east on Hwy 2 to Chester, then south on Hwy 223 to State Route 80 at Fort Benton, then southeasterly along State Route 80 to its junction with State Route 81, then easterly on State Route 81 to its junction with U.S. Hwy 191, then northeasterly along U.S. Hwy 191 to its junction with State Route 19, then south on State Route 19 to its junction with U.S. Hwy 87 at Grassrange, then south on U.S. Hwy 87 to its junction with U.S. Hwy 12 at Roundup, then west on U.S. Hwy 12 to its junction with State Route 3 at Lavina, then south on State Route 3 to its junction with Interstate 90 at Billings, then easterly and southerly on Interstate 90 to the first crossing of the Little Bighorn River, then southerly along the west bank of the Little Bighorn River to the Montana-Wyoming border.Note: Roadways that are used as boundaries between the Central and Eastern Fishing Districts are interpreted to be in the Central Fishing District. For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations, Central Region
Each angler may take all of the limits indicated unless otherwise noted in the Central District Exceptions. For species not listed, there are no limits on the number of fish that may be taken or possessed. For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations, Central 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
Each angler may take all of the limits indicated unless otherwise noted in the Central District Exceptions. For species not listed, there are no limits on the number of fish that may be taken or possessed. For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations, Central 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
ABSAROKA-BEARTOOTH WILDERNESS LAKES
- Combined trout: 10 daily and in possession.
ANTELOPE BUTTE LAKE aka Ostle Reservoir (Teton County)
- Open May 15 at 12:00 noon through Nov. 30.
ARMSTRONG SPRING CREEK
- Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial lures only.
AROD LAKES aka Eyraud Lakes
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
- Spearing: open for northern pike and non-game fish through the ice only.
AXOLOTL LAKES
- Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
BADGER CREEK DRAINAGE (near Heart Butte)
Downstream from confluence of North Badger and South Badger creeks within National Forest- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, none over 12 inches.
BEAVER CREEK (tributary to Canyon Ferry Reservoir)
Mouth to US Highway 12- Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
BEAVER CREEK (tributary to Missouri River below Hauser Dam)
- Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
BEAVERHEAD RIVER
Entire river- Rainbow trout: Catch-and-release only.
- Brown trout: 5 fish daily and in possession. All fish must be less than 18"; except for Clark Canyon Dam to High Bridge FAS and Barretts Diversion to the mouth, see special regulations below.
- Open third Saturday in May through Sept. 30
- Catch-and-release for brown trout.
- Artificial lures and single-pointed hooks only. 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 float fishing by nonresidents and float outfitting on each Saturday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
- Closed to float fishing by nonresidents and float outfitting on each
- Open April 1 through Sept. 30.
- Brown trout: Catch-and-release only.
- Closed to float outfitting from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
BIG HOLE RIVER
Fishing RegulationsEntire river- Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
- Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession, no size restriction.
- Open April 1 through Sept. 30. • Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial lures only.
- Open April 1 through Sept. 30. • Catch-and-release only.
- All float users are limited to a total of 2 launches at or near each official access site each day. See Big Hole River map for official access sites
- Closed to float outfitting from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
- Closed to float outfitting on each Tuesday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
- Closed to float outfitting on each Thursday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
- Closed to float outfitting on each Wednesday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
- Closed to float fishing by nonresidents and float outfitting on each Saturday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day. Divide Bridge to Melrose Bridge (Salmon Fly FAS)
- Closed to float fishing by nonresidents and float outfitting on each Sunday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
- Closed to float outfitting on each Monday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
- Closed to float outfitting on each Friday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
BIG SHEEP CREEK (Beaverhead River drainage)
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
BIGHORN LAKE
- Bass: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
- Shovelnose sturgeon: 2 daily and in possession.
- Sauger/walleye: 6 daily (only 3 may be sauger) and 12 in possession (only 3 may be sauger).
- Channel catfish: 6 daily and in possession.
- Burbot (ling): 3 daily and in possession.
- Hook and Line: 2 lines with 2 hooks per line on open water and 6 lines with 1 hook per line through the ice.
- Anglers obtaining live bait fish in Montana may use them only in the Montana portion of the lake.
BIGHORN RIVER
Entire river- A State of Montana Fishing License is required for all anglers to fish on the Bighorn River within the boundaries of the Crow Reservation. A tribal permit is not required. Afterbay Dam to cable 600 feet downstream and downstream from Bighorn FAS
- May use live non-game bait fish (as identified in Standard District Regulations).
- Artificial lures only.
BLACKTAIL DEER CREEK (Beaverhead River drainage)
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
BLACKTAIL MEADOWS POND (Dillon)
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger only. One rod per child.
BOULDER RIVER (tributary to Jeerson River, near Cardwell)
Mouth upstream to the bridge on Boulder Cut-O Road (mile 14.4)- Open Jan. 1 through Sept. 30.
BYNUM RESERVOIR
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice.
CANYON FERRY RESERVOIR
- Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 brown trout daily and in possession any size.
- Walleye: 10 daily, only 1 over 15 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit.
- Yellow perch: 10 daily and in possession.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Spearing: open for northern pike through the ice.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
- Closed (as posted) March 1 through June 14.
CHESSMAN RESERVOIR (Tenmile Creek drainage, near Helena)
- Closed to fishing (City of Helena water supply).
CLARK CANYON RESERVOIR
- Burbot (Ling): 3 over 23 inches daily and in possession.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession.
CLARK CANYON RESERVOIR UN-NAMED SPRING (S. END OF THE RESERVOIR)
- Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
CLARKS FORK YELLOWSTONE RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
Mainstem downstream from the bridge at Bridger- Hook and Line: 2 lines with 2 hooks per line all year.
CONFEDERATE GULCH (tributary to Canyon Ferry Reservoir)
Mouth to Highway 284- Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
COTTONWOOD CREEK (10 miles SW of Martinsdale)
- Combined trout: limit includes 2 cutthroat trout daily and in possession.
CRYSTAL LAKE (FergusCounty)
- March 1 through Aug. 31 – Central District Standard Daily and Possession limits.
- Sept. 1 through Feb. 28 – Trout: no limit.
CULVER POND (Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge)
- Closed to angling from Nov. 30 to April 15.
- Artificial lures only.
CUT BANK CREEK
- Open entire year downstream of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation boundary in T33N, R6W, S2.
DEADMANS BASIN RESERVOIR
- Combined trout: 10 daily and in possession.
- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 35 daily and 70 in possession.
DEARBORN RIVER
- Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 12 inches.
DEEP CREEK (tributary to Missouri River, near Townsend)
Mouth to North Fork of Deep Creek- Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
DICKENS LAKE (Sun River Wildlife Management Area)
- Open May 15 at 12:00 noon through Nov. 30.
DIVERSION LAKE (Sun River drainage)
- Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
- Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession.
DRY CREEK (tributary to Missouri River, near Townsend)
Mouth to Flynn Lane- Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
DUCK CREEK (tributary to Hebgen Reservoir)
- Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
EAST FORK HYALITE CREEK
Above Hyalite Reservoir including East Fork Hyalite Creek and WestFork Hyalite Creek- Open July 15 through Nov. 30.
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
EAST FORK RESERVOIR (near Lewistown)
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice.
- Spearing: open for non-game fish and northern pike through the ice and by persons swimming or submerged.
EAST GALLATIN RIVER
- Northern pike: no limit.
ELK LAKE (Beaverhead County)
- The Narrows Creek spawning channel is closed to angling.
- Catch-and-release for lake trout and arctic grayling.
ELK SPRINGS CREEK (Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge)
- Open entire year except May 1 through June 14.
- Artificial lures only.
ELKS CLUB POND (Lewistown)
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger only. One rod per child.
ENNIS RESERVOIR aka Ennis Lake
- Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
EYRAUD LAKES aka Arod Lakes
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through ice only.
- Spearing: open for northern pike and non-game fish through the ice only.
FAIRGROUNDS POND (Helena)
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger only.
FERGUSON LAKE (Big Hole drainage)
- Combined trout: 2 daily and in possession.
GALLATIN RIVER
Entire river- Northern pike: no limit.
- Closed to fishing from boats/vessels.
- Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
GHENY POND (near Twin Bridges)
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger only. One rod per child.
GIANT SPRINGS (near Great Falls)
- Closed entire year where enclosed by concrete walks and masonry work.
GIBSON RESERVOIR
Gibson Dam upstream to the point where the North and South forks of the Sun River meet, regardless of reservoir level- Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession. Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
GOOSE LAKE (Madison County)
- Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
GRAYLING CREEK (tributary to Hebgen Reservoir)
- Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
HARRISON LAKE AND TRIBUTARIES
Willow Creek arm, as posted- Open third Saturday in May through the end of February.
- Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
HAUSER RESERVOIR
Including Canyon Ferry Dam tailwater and Lake Helena- Combined trout and kokanee salmon: 5 trout and kokanee salmon daily and in combination and 10 trout and kokanee salmon in possession in any combination.
- Walleye: 10 daily, only 1 over 15 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit.
- Yellow perch: 10 daily and in possession July 1 through March 31; 1 daily and in possession, 14 inch minimum, April 1 through June 30.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 brown trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
HAYMAKER CREEK
- Cutthroat trout: 2 daily and in possession.
HELENA VALLEY REGULATING RESERVOIR
Including irrigation canal in the area from the discharge outlet to 400 yards downstream- Manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric motors only.
- During ice cover: no fires, all-terrain vehicles, o highway vehicles, snowmobiles, or any other vehicles allowed on the ice. Powered ice augers are permitted.
- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Sept. 1 through Oct. 31; 35 daily and 70 in possession.
HELLROARING CREEK (Yellowstone River drainage)
- Cutthroat trout: 3 daily and in possession, only one over 14 inches.
HELLS CANYON CREEK (Jeerson River drainage)
- Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
- Catch-and-release for rainbow trout.
HIDDEN LAKE aka Our Lake (Teton County)
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession.
HIDDEN LAKE AND TRIBUTARIES (Madison County)
- Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
HOLTER RESERVOIR
Up to American Bar Gulch (approximately 4.6 miles downstream from Hauser Dam)- Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 brown trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Walleye: 5 daily, only 1 over 25 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit.
- Combined trout and kokanee salmon: 5 rainbow trout and kokanee salmon daily in any combination and 10 rainbow trout and kokanee salmon in possession in any combination.
- Yellow perch: 25 daily and 50 in possession.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
HYALITE CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES
Above Hyalite Reservoir including East Fork Hyalite Creek and West Fork Hyalite Creek- Open July 15 through Nov. 30.
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
HYALITE RESERVOIR
- Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
INDIAN ROAD POND (Townsend)
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger, holders of a "Resident Person 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.
JEFFERSON RIVER
Entire river- Northern pike: no limit.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 18 inches and only 1 may be a rainbow trout. Hells Canyon Creek and Willow Springs Creek
- Seasonal spawning closure at tributary mouths: Closed to fishing 100 yards upstream and downstream from the creek mouths from April 1 through April 30 and from Sept. 30 through Nov. 30. LAKE ELWELL aka Tiber Reservoir
- Cisco and whitefish: all fish must be released immediately or killed and counted as part of your limit. It is unlawful to possess live cisco or whitefish for any reason.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
- Spearing: open for non-game fish, northern pike, walleye, and burbot (ling) through the ice and by persons swimming or submerged.
LAKE FRANCES
- Closed entire year around the water supply outlet as posted.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
- Spearing: open for non-game fish, northern pike, walleye, and burbot (ling) through the ice.
LAKE HELENA
- Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 brown trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Yellow perch: 10 daily and in possession July 1 through March 31; 1 daily and in possession, 14 inch minimum, April 1 through June 30.
- Walleye: 10 daily, only 1 over 15 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit.
- Combined trout and kokanee salmon: 5 trout and kokanee salmon daily and in any combination and 10 trout and kokanee salmon in possession in any combination.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
LAKE SUTHERLIN
Including inlet areas on state land- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 35 daily and 70 in possession.
LITTLE PRICKLY PEAR CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (tributary to Missouri River)
Mouth to Big Sheep Creek- Open third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
LYMAN CREEK (near Bozeman)
From the City water supply intake to a point 1,000 feet upstream- Closed entire year as posted.
MADISON RIVER
Yellowstone National Park boundary to Hebgen Reservoir- Catch-and-release for rainbow trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 rainbow trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Artificial lures only.
- Closed to fishing from boats/vessels.
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Artificial lures only.
- Catch-and-release for rainbow trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 rainbow trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Artificial lures only with barbless, single-pointed hooks. 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.
- Catch-and-release for rainbow trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 rainbow trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Artificial lures only with barbless, single-pointed hooks. 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 fishing from boats/vessels.
- Northern pike: no limit.
MAGPIE CREEK (tributary to Canyon Ferry Reservoir)
- Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
MARIAS RIVER
- Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession, only 1 over 18 inches.
- Mountain whitefish: 35 daily and in possession.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 2 lines with up to 2 hooks per line all year.
MIDVALE CREEK (Blackfeet Reservation)
- Closed entire year from intake of Glacier Park Hotel Company water supply to the park boundary.
MISSOURI RIVER
Confluence of Madison and Jeerson Rivers to Holter Dam- Northern pike: no limit.
- Northern pike: no limit. Spearing allowed through the ice only.
- Localized spawning areas closed as posted from March 1 through June 15.
- Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 brown trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Walleye: 10 daily, only 1 over 15 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 brown trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Yellow perch: 10 daily and in possession.
- Walleye: 10 daily, only 1 over 15 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit.
- Northern pike: no limit. Spearing allowed through the ice only.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
- Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 brown trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Combined trout and kokanee salmon: 5 trout and kokanee salmon daily and in combination and 10 trout and kokanee salmon in possession in any combination.
- Yellow perch: 10 daily and in possession, July 1 through March 31; 1 daily and in possession, 14 inch minimum, April 1 through June 30.
- Walleye: 10 daily, only 1 over 15 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
- Combined trout: standard river/stream limits apply, except catch-and-release for brown trout.
- Walleye: 5 daily, only 1 over 25 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 brown trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Walleye: 5 daily, only 1 over 25 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit.
- Combined trout and kokanee salmon: 5 rainbow trout and kokanee salmon daily in any combination and 10 rainbow trout and kokanee salmon in possession in any combination.
- Yellow perch: 25 daily and 50 in possession.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 18 inches, and only 1 may be a brown trout.
- Walleye: 20 daily and 40 in possession.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Walleye: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Smallmouth bass: 10 daily and in possession.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 6 hooks per line all year.
NELSON SPRING CREEK
- Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial lures only.
NEWLAN CREEK RESERVOIR
(Including a 400-yard reach of inlet stream from the mouth up to a concrete water weir, and a 120-yard reach from the dam outlet down to Secondary Highway 259 culvert crossing.)- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Oct. 1 through Dec. 31; 35 daily and 70 in possession.
NORTH FORK SUN RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
Upstream from the point where the North and South Forks of the Sun River meet, regardless of reservoir level- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 12 inches, all may be cutthroat trout.
NORTH FORK TETON RIVER DRAINAGE (near Choteau)
Within the National Forest- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
NORTH WILLOW CREEK (near Harrison)
Highway 287 Bridge to Harrison Reservoir- Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
NORWEGIAN CREEK (near Harrison)
Highway 287 Bridge to Harrison Reservoir- Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
O'BRIEN CREEK (near Neihart)
Above intake to the Neihart public water supply- Closed entire year.
ODELL CREEK (Red Rock River drainage)
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
OSTLE RESERVOIR aka Antelope Butte Lake (Teton County)
- Open May 15 at 12:00 noon through Nov. 30.
OTTER LAKE (Madison County)
- Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
- Combined trout: 1 rainbow trout daily and in possession.
OUR LAKE aka Hidden Lake (Teton County)
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession.
PARSONS SLOUGH
Downstream from Loomont Lane- Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
PISHKUN RESERVOIR
- Spearing: open for northern pike through the ice only.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Sept. 1 through Dec. 31; 35 daily and 70 in possession.
RAT LAKE (Gallatin River drainage)
- The unnamed tributary to the lake, inlet and outlet, is closed all year.
RATTLESNAKE CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (near Dillon, Beaverhead County)
- Closed entire year from city water supply intake to a point 1,000 feet
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
RED ROCK CREEK (Beaverhead River drainage)
- Open entire year except May 1 through June 14.
- Artificial lures only.
RED ROCK RIVER
Lima Dam to Clark Canyon Reservoir and all Un-named Spring Tributaries• Open third Saturday in May through Nov.- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 18 inches.
ROCK CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (tributary to Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River)
- West Fork Rock Creek is closed to fishing from the Red Lodge water intake to 1,000 feet upstream.
ROCK CREEK RESERVOIRS (Robb-Ledford Game Range)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
RUBY RIVER
Upstream from Ruby Reservoir- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
- Catch-and-release for rainbow trout.
- Closed entire year just below Ruby Dam (that portion of the Ruby River from its confluence with the Ruby Dam outlet channel upstream to the dam, including the outlet channel).
- Catch-and-release for brown trout.
- Open April 1 through Sept. 30.
- Brown trout: 1 daily and in possession, must be less than 18".
RUBY RIVER RESERVOIR
Tributaries (Garden, Peterson, Barton Gulch, and Davey creeks).- Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
SAGE CREEK (Pryor Mountains)
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
SAWTOOTH LAKE (Beaverhead River drainage)
- Combined trout: 1 golden trout daily and in possession.
SCOTT RESERVOIR
- Closed to fishing (City of Helena water supply).
SHEEP CREEK (tributary to Missouri River south of Cascade)
- Open third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
SHIELDS RIVER
Entire River- Smallmouth bass: All smallmouth bass caught must be killed immediately, kept and the entire fish presented to FWP. Anglers who catch smallmouth bass in the Shields River are required to report the catch to FWP within 24 hours (406-577-7900). 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 present the whole smallmouth bass to a FWP office within 10 days of capture (frozen is allowed) during regular business hours. Edible portions of the fish are returned to the angler upon request.SILVER CREEK aka D2 Ditch (tributary to Prickly Pear Creek)
- Open third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
SLOUGH CREEK (Yellowstone River drainage)
- Cutthroat trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 14 inches.
SMITH RIVER
NOTE: Floating on the Smith River between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge is strictly limited. Mandatory registration, floater's fee and other regulations apply. A drawing for launch dates is held in February with remaining launches filled on a first-come basis. Contact the Great Falls FWP office at 406-454-5840 for more information.Sheep Creek from bridge upstream of Moose Creek to the mouth, Rock Creek from bridge at Lingshire Road to the mouth, Tenderfoot Creek from falls just upstream of Daisy Creek to the mouth, and Hound Creek from Upper Millegan Road bridge to the mouth.- Open third Saturday in May to Nov. 30.
- Combined trout: 3 under 13 inches daily and in possession and only 1 over 22 inches daily and in possession.
- Artificial lures only, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may use bait.
SODA BUTTE CREEK (Yellowstone River drainage)
- Cutthroat trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 14 inches.
SOUTH FORK MADISON RIVER (tributary to Hebgen Reservoir)
- Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
SOUTH FORK SUN RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
Upstream from the point where the North and South Forks of the Sun River meet, regardless of reservoir level- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession only 1 over 12 inches.
SOUTH FORK TETON RIVER (near Choteau)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
SOUTH FORK TWO MEDICINE RIVER DRAINAGE
Within National Forest- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, none over 12 inches.
SOUTH WILLOW CREEK (near Harrison)
Highway 287 Bridge to Harrison Reservoir- Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
SPLIT ROCK LAKE
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
- Spearing: open for northern pike through the ice only.
SPRING MEADOW LAKE
- Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession.
- Bass: 3 daily and in possession, none over 10 inches.
- No spear fishing or bow fishing allowed.
SUNNY SLOPE CANAL
Downstream from Pishkun Reservoir- Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
- Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession.
SWAZEE LAKE (Sun River Wildlife Management Area)
- Open May 15 at 12:00 noon through Nov. 30.
TIBER RESERVOIR aka Lake Elwell
- Cisco and whitefish: all fish must be released immediately or killed and counted as part of your limit. It is unlawful to possess live cisco or whitefish for any reason.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
- Spearing: open for non-game fish, northern pike, walleye, and burbot (ling) through the ice and by persons swimming or submerged.
TROUT CREEK (Tributary to Missouri River)
- Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
TUNNEL LAKE (Teton County)
- Combined trout: includes 1 arctic grayling.
TWIN LAKES (Big Hole River drainage)
- Catch-and-release for lake trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession.
VIGILANTE POND (near Virginia City)
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger only. One rod per child.
WADE LAKE (Madison County)
- Spawning channel and channel inlet closed as posted.
WARM SPRINGS CREEK (tributary to Missouri River, near Townsend)
- Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
WEST FORK HYALITE CREEK
Above Hyalite Reservoir including East Fork Hyalite Creek and West Fork Hyalite Creek- Open July 15 through Nov. 30.
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
WEST FORK MADISON RIVER
- Catch-and-release for rainbow trout.
WEST FORK ROCK CREEK
Red Lodge water intake to 1,000 feet upstream- Closed entire year.
WIDGEON POND (Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge)
- Closed to angling from Nov. 30 to April 15.
- Artificial lures only.
WILLOW CREEK (Meagher County, near White Sulpur Springs)
White Sulphur Springs water intake to its source- Closed entire year.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR (near Augusta)
- 5 trout daily, only 1 over 20 inches.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR AND TRIBUTARIES (near Harrison)
Willow Creek arm, as posted- Open third Saturday in May through the end of February.
- Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
WILLOW SPRINGS CREEK (tributary to Jeerson River)
- Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
- Catch-and-release for rainbow trout.
YELLOWSTONE RIVER
Yellowstone National Park Boundary to Pine Creek Bridge- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Smallmouth bass: All smallmouth bass caught must be killed immediately, kept and the entire fish presented to FWP. Anglers who catch smallmouth bass in the Yellowstone River above Springdale Bridge FAS are required to report the catch to FWP within 24 hours (406)577-7900. 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 present the whole smallmouth bass to a FWP office within 10 days of capture (frozen is allowed) during regular business hours. Edible portions of the fish are returned to angler upon request.
- Smallmouth bass: 10 daily and in possession.
- Hook and Line: 2 lines with 2 hooks per line all year.
Additional information
Special Combined Bag and Length Limits:
Lakes/Reservoirs: 5 daily and 10 in possession, includes cutthroat trout.
Rivers/Streams: 5 daily and in possession, only 1 over 18 inches, only 1 can be a cutthroat trout. All arctic grayling must be released immediately.
For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations, Central Region
Edibility
Excellent
Synonyms
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Location specific information
The Central Fishing District includes all waters in Montana east of the Continental Divide, (including the Belly and St Mary's River drainages) and west of the following described boundary: Interstate 15 from the Montana- Canada border south to its junction with Hwy 2 at Shelby, then east on Hwy 2 to Chester, then south on Hwy 223 to State Route 80 at Fort Benton, then southeasterly along State Route 80 to its junction with State Route 81, then easterly on State Route 81 to its junction with U.S. Hwy 191, then northeasterly along U.S. Hwy 191 to its junction with State Route 19, then south on State Route 19 to its junction with U.S. Hwy 87 at Grassrange, then south on U.S. Hwy 87 to its junction with U.S. Hwy 12 at Roundup, then west on U.S. Hwy 12 to its junction with State Route 3 at Lavina, then south on State Route 3 to its junction with Interstate 90 at Billings, then easterly and southerly on Interstate 90 to the first crossing of the Little Bighorn River, then southerly along the west bank of the Little Bighorn River to the Montana-Wyoming border.Note: Roadways that are used as boundaries between the Central and Eastern Fishing Districts are interpreted to be in the Central Fishing District. For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations, Central Region
Each angler may take all of the limits indicated unless otherwise noted in the Central District Exceptions. For species not listed, there are no limits on the number of fish that may be taken or possessed. For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations, Central 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
Each angler may take all of the limits indicated unless otherwise noted in the Central District Exceptions. For species not listed, there are no limits on the number of fish that may be taken or possessed. For more information please see Montana Fishing Regulations, Central 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
ABSAROKA-BEARTOOTH WILDERNESS LAKES
- Combined trout: 10 daily and in possession.
ANTELOPE BUTTE LAKE aka Ostle Reservoir (Teton County)
- Open May 15 at 12:00 noon through Nov. 30.
ARMSTRONG SPRING CREEK
- Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial lures only.
AROD LAKES aka Eyraud Lakes
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
- Spearing: open for northern pike and non-game fish through the ice only.
AXOLOTL LAKES
- Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
BADGER CREEK DRAINAGE (near Heart Butte)
Downstream from confluence of North Badger and South Badger creeks within National Forest- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, none over 12 inches.
BEAVER CREEK (tributary to Canyon Ferry Reservoir)
Mouth to US Highway 12- Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
BEAVER CREEK (tributary to Missouri River below Hauser Dam)
- Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
BEAVERHEAD RIVER
Entire river- Rainbow trout: Catch-and-release only.
- Brown trout: 5 fish daily and in possession. All fish must be less than 18"; except for Clark Canyon Dam to High Bridge FAS and Barretts Diversion to the mouth, see special regulations below.
- Open third Saturday in May through Sept. 30
- Catch-and-release for brown trout.
- Artificial lures and single-pointed hooks only. 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 float fishing by nonresidents and float outfitting on each Saturday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
- Closed to float fishing by nonresidents and float outfitting on each
- Open April 1 through Sept. 30.
- Brown trout: Catch-and-release only.
- Closed to float outfitting from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
BIG HOLE RIVER
Fishing RegulationsEntire river- Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
- Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession, no size restriction.
- Open April 1 through Sept. 30. • Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial lures only.
- Open April 1 through Sept. 30. • Catch-and-release only.
- All float users are limited to a total of 2 launches at or near each official access site each day. See Big Hole River map for official access sites
- Closed to float outfitting from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
- Closed to float outfitting on each Tuesday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
- Closed to float outfitting on each Thursday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
- Closed to float outfitting on each Wednesday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
- Closed to float fishing by nonresidents and float outfitting on each Saturday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day. Divide Bridge to Melrose Bridge (Salmon Fly FAS)
- Closed to float fishing by nonresidents and float outfitting on each Sunday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
- Closed to float outfitting on each Monday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
- Closed to float outfitting on each Friday from the third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
BIG SHEEP CREEK (Beaverhead River drainage)
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
BIGHORN LAKE
- Bass: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
- Shovelnose sturgeon: 2 daily and in possession.
- Sauger/walleye: 6 daily (only 3 may be sauger) and 12 in possession (only 3 may be sauger).
- Channel catfish: 6 daily and in possession.
- Burbot (ling): 3 daily and in possession.
- Hook and Line: 2 lines with 2 hooks per line on open water and 6 lines with 1 hook per line through the ice.
- Anglers obtaining live bait fish in Montana may use them only in the Montana portion of the lake.
BIGHORN RIVER
Entire river- A State of Montana Fishing License is required for all anglers to fish on the Bighorn River within the boundaries of the Crow Reservation. A tribal permit is not required. Afterbay Dam to cable 600 feet downstream and downstream from Bighorn FAS
- May use live non-game bait fish (as identified in Standard District Regulations).
- Artificial lures only.
BLACKTAIL DEER CREEK (Beaverhead River drainage)
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
BLACKTAIL MEADOWS POND (Dillon)
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger only. One rod per child.
BOULDER RIVER (tributary to Jeerson River, near Cardwell)
Mouth upstream to the bridge on Boulder Cut-O Road (mile 14.4)- Open Jan. 1 through Sept. 30.
BYNUM RESERVOIR
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice.
CANYON FERRY RESERVOIR
- Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 brown trout daily and in possession any size.
- Walleye: 10 daily, only 1 over 15 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit.
- Yellow perch: 10 daily and in possession.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Spearing: open for northern pike through the ice.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
- Closed (as posted) March 1 through June 14.
CHESSMAN RESERVOIR (Tenmile Creek drainage, near Helena)
- Closed to fishing (City of Helena water supply).
CLARK CANYON RESERVOIR
- Burbot (Ling): 3 over 23 inches daily and in possession.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession.
CLARK CANYON RESERVOIR UN-NAMED SPRING (S. END OF THE RESERVOIR)
- Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
CLARKS FORK YELLOWSTONE RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
Mainstem downstream from the bridge at Bridger- Hook and Line: 2 lines with 2 hooks per line all year.
CONFEDERATE GULCH (tributary to Canyon Ferry Reservoir)
Mouth to Highway 284- Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
COTTONWOOD CREEK (10 miles SW of Martinsdale)
- Combined trout: limit includes 2 cutthroat trout daily and in possession.
CRYSTAL LAKE (FergusCounty)
- March 1 through Aug. 31 – Central District Standard Daily and Possession limits.
- Sept. 1 through Feb. 28 – Trout: no limit.
CULVER POND (Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge)
- Closed to angling from Nov. 30 to April 15.
- Artificial lures only.
CUT BANK CREEK
- Open entire year downstream of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation boundary in T33N, R6W, S2.
DEADMANS BASIN RESERVOIR
- Combined trout: 10 daily and in possession.
- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 35 daily and 70 in possession.
DEARBORN RIVER
- Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 12 inches.
DEEP CREEK (tributary to Missouri River, near Townsend)
Mouth to North Fork of Deep Creek- Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
DICKENS LAKE (Sun River Wildlife Management Area)
- Open May 15 at 12:00 noon through Nov. 30.
DIVERSION LAKE (Sun River drainage)
- Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
- Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession.
DRY CREEK (tributary to Missouri River, near Townsend)
Mouth to Flynn Lane- Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
DUCK CREEK (tributary to Hebgen Reservoir)
- Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
EAST FORK HYALITE CREEK
Above Hyalite Reservoir including East Fork Hyalite Creek and WestFork Hyalite Creek- Open July 15 through Nov. 30.
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
EAST FORK RESERVOIR (near Lewistown)
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice.
- Spearing: open for non-game fish and northern pike through the ice and by persons swimming or submerged.
EAST GALLATIN RIVER
- Northern pike: no limit.
ELK LAKE (Beaverhead County)
- The Narrows Creek spawning channel is closed to angling.
- Catch-and-release for lake trout and arctic grayling.
ELK SPRINGS CREEK (Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge)
- Open entire year except May 1 through June 14.
- Artificial lures only.
ELKS CLUB POND (Lewistown)
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger only. One rod per child.
ENNIS RESERVOIR aka Ennis Lake
- Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
EYRAUD LAKES aka Arod Lakes
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through ice only.
- Spearing: open for northern pike and non-game fish through the ice only.
FAIRGROUNDS POND (Helena)
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger only.
FERGUSON LAKE (Big Hole drainage)
- Combined trout: 2 daily and in possession.
GALLATIN RIVER
Entire river- Northern pike: no limit.
- Closed to fishing from boats/vessels.
- Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
GHENY POND (near Twin Bridges)
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger only. One rod per child.
GIANT SPRINGS (near Great Falls)
- Closed entire year where enclosed by concrete walks and masonry work.
GIBSON RESERVOIR
Gibson Dam upstream to the point where the North and South forks of the Sun River meet, regardless of reservoir level- Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession. Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
GOOSE LAKE (Madison County)
- Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
GRAYLING CREEK (tributary to Hebgen Reservoir)
- Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
HARRISON LAKE AND TRIBUTARIES
Willow Creek arm, as posted- Open third Saturday in May through the end of February.
- Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
HAUSER RESERVOIR
Including Canyon Ferry Dam tailwater and Lake Helena- Combined trout and kokanee salmon: 5 trout and kokanee salmon daily and in combination and 10 trout and kokanee salmon in possession in any combination.
- Walleye: 10 daily, only 1 over 15 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit.
- Yellow perch: 10 daily and in possession July 1 through March 31; 1 daily and in possession, 14 inch minimum, April 1 through June 30.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 brown trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
HAYMAKER CREEK
- Cutthroat trout: 2 daily and in possession.
HELENA VALLEY REGULATING RESERVOIR
Including irrigation canal in the area from the discharge outlet to 400 yards downstream- Manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric motors only.
- During ice cover: no fires, all-terrain vehicles, o highway vehicles, snowmobiles, or any other vehicles allowed on the ice. Powered ice augers are permitted.
- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Sept. 1 through Oct. 31; 35 daily and 70 in possession.
HELLROARING CREEK (Yellowstone River drainage)
- Cutthroat trout: 3 daily and in possession, only one over 14 inches.
HELLS CANYON CREEK (Jeerson River drainage)
- Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
- Catch-and-release for rainbow trout.
HIDDEN LAKE aka Our Lake (Teton County)
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession.
HIDDEN LAKE AND TRIBUTARIES (Madison County)
- Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
HOLTER RESERVOIR
Up to American Bar Gulch (approximately 4.6 miles downstream from Hauser Dam)- Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 brown trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Walleye: 5 daily, only 1 over 25 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit.
- Combined trout and kokanee salmon: 5 rainbow trout and kokanee salmon daily in any combination and 10 rainbow trout and kokanee salmon in possession in any combination.
- Yellow perch: 25 daily and 50 in possession.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
HYALITE CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES
Above Hyalite Reservoir including East Fork Hyalite Creek and West Fork Hyalite Creek- Open July 15 through Nov. 30.
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
HYALITE RESERVOIR
- Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
INDIAN ROAD POND (Townsend)
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger, holders of a "Resident Person 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.
JEFFERSON RIVER
Entire river- Northern pike: no limit.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 18 inches and only 1 may be a rainbow trout. Hells Canyon Creek and Willow Springs Creek
- Seasonal spawning closure at tributary mouths: Closed to fishing 100 yards upstream and downstream from the creek mouths from April 1 through April 30 and from Sept. 30 through Nov. 30. LAKE ELWELL aka Tiber Reservoir
- Cisco and whitefish: all fish must be released immediately or killed and counted as part of your limit. It is unlawful to possess live cisco or whitefish for any reason.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
- Spearing: open for non-game fish, northern pike, walleye, and burbot (ling) through the ice and by persons swimming or submerged.
LAKE FRANCES
- Closed entire year around the water supply outlet as posted.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
- Spearing: open for non-game fish, northern pike, walleye, and burbot (ling) through the ice.
LAKE HELENA
- Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 brown trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Yellow perch: 10 daily and in possession July 1 through March 31; 1 daily and in possession, 14 inch minimum, April 1 through June 30.
- Walleye: 10 daily, only 1 over 15 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit.
- Combined trout and kokanee salmon: 5 trout and kokanee salmon daily and in any combination and 10 trout and kokanee salmon in possession in any combination.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
LAKE SUTHERLIN
Including inlet areas on state land- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 35 daily and 70 in possession.
LITTLE PRICKLY PEAR CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (tributary to Missouri River)
Mouth to Big Sheep Creek- Open third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
LYMAN CREEK (near Bozeman)
From the City water supply intake to a point 1,000 feet upstream- Closed entire year as posted.
MADISON RIVER
Yellowstone National Park boundary to Hebgen Reservoir- Catch-and-release for rainbow trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 rainbow trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Artificial lures only.
- Closed to fishing from boats/vessels.
- Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Artificial lures only.
- Catch-and-release for rainbow trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 rainbow trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Artificial lures only with barbless, single-pointed hooks. 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.
- Catch-and-release for rainbow trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 rainbow trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Artificial lures only with barbless, single-pointed hooks. 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 fishing from boats/vessels.
- Northern pike: no limit.
MAGPIE CREEK (tributary to Canyon Ferry Reservoir)
- Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
MARIAS RIVER
- Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession, only 1 over 18 inches.
- Mountain whitefish: 35 daily and in possession.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 2 lines with up to 2 hooks per line all year.
MIDVALE CREEK (Blackfeet Reservation)
- Closed entire year from intake of Glacier Park Hotel Company water supply to the park boundary.
MISSOURI RIVER
Confluence of Madison and Jeerson Rivers to Holter Dam- Northern pike: no limit.
- Northern pike: no limit. Spearing allowed through the ice only.
- Localized spawning areas closed as posted from March 1 through June 15.
- Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 brown trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Walleye: 10 daily, only 1 over 15 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 brown trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Yellow perch: 10 daily and in possession.
- Walleye: 10 daily, only 1 over 15 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit.
- Northern pike: no limit. Spearing allowed through the ice only.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
- Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 brown trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Combined trout and kokanee salmon: 5 trout and kokanee salmon daily and in combination and 10 trout and kokanee salmon in possession in any combination.
- Yellow perch: 10 daily and in possession, July 1 through March 31; 1 daily and in possession, 14 inch minimum, April 1 through June 30.
- Walleye: 10 daily, only 1 over 15 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
- Combined trout: standard river/stream limits apply, except catch-and-release for brown trout.
- Walleye: 5 daily, only 1 over 25 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 brown trout daily and in possession, any size.
- Walleye: 5 daily, only 1 over 25 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit.
- Combined trout and kokanee salmon: 5 rainbow trout and kokanee salmon daily in any combination and 10 rainbow trout and kokanee salmon in possession in any combination.
- Yellow perch: 25 daily and 50 in possession.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 18 inches, and only 1 may be a brown trout.
- Walleye: 20 daily and 40 in possession.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Walleye: 10 daily and 20 in possession.
- Northern pike: no limit.
- Smallmouth bass: 10 daily and in possession.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 6 hooks per line all year.
NELSON SPRING CREEK
- Catch-and-release only.
- Artificial lures only.
NEWLAN CREEK RESERVOIR
(Including a 400-yard reach of inlet stream from the mouth up to a concrete water weir, and a 120-yard reach from the dam outlet down to Secondary Highway 259 culvert crossing.)- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Oct. 1 through Dec. 31; 35 daily and 70 in possession.
NORTH FORK SUN RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
Upstream from the point where the North and South Forks of the Sun River meet, regardless of reservoir level- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 12 inches, all may be cutthroat trout.
NORTH FORK TETON RIVER DRAINAGE (near Choteau)
Within the National Forest- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
NORTH WILLOW CREEK (near Harrison)
Highway 287 Bridge to Harrison Reservoir- Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
NORWEGIAN CREEK (near Harrison)
Highway 287 Bridge to Harrison Reservoir- Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
O'BRIEN CREEK (near Neihart)
Above intake to the Neihart public water supply- Closed entire year.
ODELL CREEK (Red Rock River drainage)
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
OSTLE RESERVOIR aka Antelope Butte Lake (Teton County)
- Open May 15 at 12:00 noon through Nov. 30.
OTTER LAKE (Madison County)
- Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
- Combined trout: 1 rainbow trout daily and in possession.
OUR LAKE aka Hidden Lake (Teton County)
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession.
PARSONS SLOUGH
Downstream from Loomont Lane- Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
PISHKUN RESERVOIR
- Spearing: open for northern pike through the ice only.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
- Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Sept. 1 through Dec. 31; 35 daily and 70 in possession.
RAT LAKE (Gallatin River drainage)
- The unnamed tributary to the lake, inlet and outlet, is closed all year.
RATTLESNAKE CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (near Dillon, Beaverhead County)
- Closed entire year from city water supply intake to a point 1,000 feet
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
RED ROCK CREEK (Beaverhead River drainage)
- Open entire year except May 1 through June 14.
- Artificial lures only.
RED ROCK RIVER
Lima Dam to Clark Canyon Reservoir and all Un-named Spring Tributaries• Open third Saturday in May through Nov.- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 18 inches.
ROCK CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (tributary to Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River)
- West Fork Rock Creek is closed to fishing from the Red Lodge water intake to 1,000 feet upstream.
ROCK CREEK RESERVOIRS (Robb-Ledford Game Range)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
RUBY RIVER
Upstream from Ruby Reservoir- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
- Catch-and-release for rainbow trout.
- Closed entire year just below Ruby Dam (that portion of the Ruby River from its confluence with the Ruby Dam outlet channel upstream to the dam, including the outlet channel).
- Catch-and-release for brown trout.
- Open April 1 through Sept. 30.
- Brown trout: 1 daily and in possession, must be less than 18".
RUBY RIVER RESERVOIR
Tributaries (Garden, Peterson, Barton Gulch, and Davey creeks).- Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
SAGE CREEK (Pryor Mountains)
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
SAWTOOTH LAKE (Beaverhead River drainage)
- Combined trout: 1 golden trout daily and in possession.
SCOTT RESERVOIR
- Closed to fishing (City of Helena water supply).
SHEEP CREEK (tributary to Missouri River south of Cascade)
- Open third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
SHIELDS RIVER
Entire River- Smallmouth bass: All smallmouth bass caught must be killed immediately, kept and the entire fish presented to FWP. Anglers who catch smallmouth bass in the Shields River are required to report the catch to FWP within 24 hours (406-577-7900). 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 present the whole smallmouth bass to a FWP office within 10 days of capture (frozen is allowed) during regular business hours. Edible portions of the fish are returned to the angler upon request.SILVER CREEK aka D2 Ditch (tributary to Prickly Pear Creek)
- Open third Saturday in May through Labor Day.
SLOUGH CREEK (Yellowstone River drainage)
- Cutthroat trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 14 inches.
SMITH RIVER
NOTE: Floating on the Smith River between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge is strictly limited. Mandatory registration, floater's fee and other regulations apply. A drawing for launch dates is held in February with remaining launches filled on a first-come basis. Contact the Great Falls FWP office at 406-454-5840 for more information.Sheep Creek from bridge upstream of Moose Creek to the mouth, Rock Creek from bridge at Lingshire Road to the mouth, Tenderfoot Creek from falls just upstream of Daisy Creek to the mouth, and Hound Creek from Upper Millegan Road bridge to the mouth.- Open third Saturday in May to Nov. 30.
- Combined trout: 3 under 13 inches daily and in possession and only 1 over 22 inches daily and in possession.
- Artificial lures only, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may use bait.
SODA BUTTE CREEK (Yellowstone River drainage)
- Cutthroat trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 14 inches.
SOUTH FORK MADISON RIVER (tributary to Hebgen Reservoir)
- Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
SOUTH FORK SUN RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES
Upstream from the point where the North and South Forks of the Sun River meet, regardless of reservoir level- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession only 1 over 12 inches.
SOUTH FORK TETON RIVER (near Choteau)
- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
SOUTH FORK TWO MEDICINE RIVER DRAINAGE
Within National Forest- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, none over 12 inches.
SOUTH WILLOW CREEK (near Harrison)
Highway 287 Bridge to Harrison Reservoir- Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
SPLIT ROCK LAKE
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
- Spearing: open for northern pike through the ice only.
SPRING MEADOW LAKE
- Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession.
- Bass: 3 daily and in possession, none over 10 inches.
- No spear fishing or bow fishing allowed.
SUNNY SLOPE CANAL
Downstream from Pishkun Reservoir- Catch-and-release for arctic grayling.
- Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession.
SWAZEE LAKE (Sun River Wildlife Management Area)
- Open May 15 at 12:00 noon through Nov. 30.
TIBER RESERVOIR aka Lake Elwell
- Cisco and whitefish: all fish must be released immediately or killed and counted as part of your limit. It is unlawful to possess live cisco or whitefish for any reason.
- Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only.
- Spearing: open for non-game fish, northern pike, walleye, and burbot (ling) through the ice and by persons swimming or submerged.
TROUT CREEK (Tributary to Missouri River)
- Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30.
TUNNEL LAKE (Teton County)
- Combined trout: includes 1 arctic grayling.
TWIN LAKES (Big Hole River drainage)
- Catch-and-release for lake trout.
- Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession.
VIGILANTE POND (near Virginia City)
- Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger only. One rod per child.
WADE LAKE (Madison County)
- Spawning channel and channel inlet closed as posted.
WARM SPRINGS CREEK (tributary to Missouri River, near Townsend)
- Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
WEST FORK HYALITE CREEK
Above Hyalite Reservoir including East Fork Hyalite Creek and West Fork Hyalite Creek- Open July 15 through Nov. 30.
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
- Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout.
WEST FORK MADISON RIVER
- Catch-and-release for rainbow trout.
WEST FORK ROCK CREEK
Red Lodge water intake to 1,000 feet upstream- Closed entire year.
WIDGEON POND (Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge)
- Closed to angling from Nov. 30 to April 15.
- Artificial lures only.
WILLOW CREEK (Meagher County, near White Sulpur Springs)
White Sulphur Springs water intake to its source- Closed entire year.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR (near Augusta)
- 5 trout daily, only 1 over 20 inches.
WILLOW CREEK RESERVOIR AND TRIBUTARIES (near Harrison)
Willow Creek arm, as posted- Open third Saturday in May through the end of February.
- Open June 15 through Nov. 30.
WILLOW SPRINGS CREEK (tributary to Jeerson River)
- Open June 15 through Sept. 30.
- Catch-and-release for rainbow trout.
YELLOWSTONE RIVER
Yellowstone National Park Boundary to Pine Creek Bridge- Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout.
- Smallmouth bass: All smallmouth bass caught must be killed immediately, kept and the entire fish presented to FWP. Anglers who catch smallmouth bass in the Yellowstone River above Springdale Bridge FAS are required to report the catch to FWP within 24 hours (406)577-7900. 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 present the whole smallmouth bass to a FWP office within 10 days of capture (frozen is allowed) during regular business hours. Edible portions of the fish are returned to angler upon request.
- Smallmouth bass: 10 daily and in possession.
- Hook and Line: 2 lines with 2 hooks per line all year.
Regulations for
46°40′46.3″N 110°00′14.3″W
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FAQ
🎣 What Trout species can you catch in Montana?
Anglers in Montana commonly catch several Trout species, including Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Brook trout, Lake char, and Cutthroat trout, according to reports from Fishbrain members.
These species can be found in many rivers and streams, lakes throughout the area. If you are targeting a specific species, you can use the to filter catches by species and see where anglers are catching them and which baits they are using.
These species can be found in many rivers and streams, lakes throughout the area. If you are targeting a specific species, you can use the to filter catches by species and see where anglers are catching them and which baits they are using.
📍 Where are the best places to catch Trout in Montana?
Trout are caught in rivers and streams, lakes throughout Montana. Popular fishing waters reported by Fishbrain members include Missouri River (MT), Yellowstone River, and Flathead Lake.
The allows anglers to see exact catch locations shared by other members, helping you discover productive fishing spots where Trout have recently been caught.
The allows anglers to see exact catch locations shared by other members, helping you discover productive fishing spots where Trout have recently been caught.