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Fishing in Western Montana + Glacier National Park

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Fishing Cast a Line in Western Montana

Cast a Line in Western Montana

Note: As of July 1, 2023, Conservation Licenses are required for everyone age 12 and older to access most state lands, including wildlife management areas, fishing access sites and wildlife habitat protection areas. This requirement does not include state parks. Please recreate responsibly. Learn more here.

To put it bluntly, our fishing is incredible. Western Montana has some of the most pristine, undisturbed waters nature has to offer. Our rivers, lakes and blue-ribbon trout streams provide competitive fishing for the serious angler and easily accessible options for the casual fisherman. And no matter where you choose to cast your line, you can be assured our riffles, runs, pools and seams are set among some of the wildest and most beautiful country in North America.

For starters, fly-fish the Blackfoot River—made famous by Norman Maclean’s “A River Runs Through It”—as it winds west before joining the Clark Fork River. The Clark Fork runs through the heart of downtown Missoula. Simply grab a rod and head down to the river’s edge. Or try the fishable waters of the Middle Fork of the Flathead as it makes its way through deep, quiet canyons with Glacier National Park peaks in the background. And if you're looking to fish in an even quieter part of the region, head to Lincoln County and cast your line in the Kootenai River.

In addition to world-class fly-fishing, we also have some of the most experienced, professional and friendly fishing guides and outfitters around, ready to take you to their favorite fishing hole, help you land your trophy trout and make your excursion as enjoyable as possible.

For more information on Outfitters and Guides, visit montanaoutfitters.org.

For more information on Montana fishing regulations and how to apply for a fishing license, visit Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Download the MyFWP app, a simple, easy way to store and display your fishing license when you’re on the water.

Spring Seven: Western Montana’s Must-Do List

Dive into the season with our exclusive "Spring Seven" list—a treasure trove of must-do experiences that prove spring in Montana is the perfect time to visit.

River Map

Use our River Map to find lakes, rivers and reservoirs in Western Montana as well as fishing access sites, including directions, amenities and more.


More Information


Techniques and Tackle

Float Fishing

Motorboats


Seasons

Fishing Etiquette

Montana's Trespass Law


Stream Access

Tagged Fish

Releasing Fish


Aquatic Invasive Species

Do's & Don'ts

Noxious Weeds

Recreate Responsibly Plan Ahead, Play it Safe, and Leave No Trace.

Featured Listings

Angler's Roost in Western Montana.

Angler's Roost

815 U.S. Highway 93 S.
Hamilton, MT 59840

Glacier Park Rafting in Western Montana.

Glacier Park Rafting

12127 U.S. Highway 2 E., Suite A
West Glacier, MT 59936

Great Northern Fly Fishing Guides in Western Montana.

Great Northern Fly Fishing Guides

12127 U.S. Highway 2 E., Suite A
West Glacier, MT 59936

Rich Ranch in Western Montana.

Rich Ranch

939 Cottonwood Lakes Road
Seeley Lake, Montana 59868

Wild River Adventures in Western Montana.

Wild River Adventures

11900 U.S. Highway 2 E.
West Glacier, MT 59936

Other Listings

Alberton Orchards

  • 1022 Sawmill Gulch Road Alberton, MT 59820
  • 406.380.3308
  • Visit Website

Bagley Guide Service

Bear Creek Guest Ranch

  • 15750 U.S. Highway 2 Essex, MT 59916
  • 406.226.4489
  • Visit Website

Big Sky Fishing Charters

Cheff Ranch & Legacy Outfitters LLC

  • 30888 Eagle Pass Trail Charlo, MT 59824
  • 406.644.2557
  • Visit Website

Clark Fork Trout

  • 715 State Highway 135 St. Regis, MT 59866
  • 406.382.0161
  • Visit Website

Glacier Tourbase

Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop

Koocanusa Resort and Marina

  • 23911 State Highway 37 Libby, MT 59923
  • 406.293.7474
  • Visit Website

Kootenai River Fishing Charters LLC

Kootenai River Outfitters

  • Corner of U.S. Highway 2 and State Highway 56 Troy, MT 59935
  • 406.295.9444
  • Visit Website

Mills Wilderness Adventures of MT

Montana's Duck Lake Lodge

Shoo Fly Fishing Co.

  • 1010 E. Missoula Ave. Troy, MT 59935
  • 406.295.8405
  • Visit Website

Silver Bow Outfitters

State of Mind Fishing Charters LLC

  • Flathead + Whitefish Lakes Kalispell, MT 59901
  • 406.360.5411
  • Visit Website

The Meadows on Rock Creek

  • 100 Hideaway Trail Philipsburg, MT 59858
  • 406.564.2883
  • Visit Website

Whispering Pines

News from Glacier National Park Currently, 12 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road are open for travel.

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