Fishing in Western Montana + Glacier National Park

Float Fishing

Float fishing is an increasingly popular activity, especially on larger rivers. Please keep in mind that some rivers can be volatile in high water. Inexperienced floaters should inquire about water conditions and possible hazards before hitting the water. Our recommendation: hire a local guide to help direct your float fishing adventure.

Motorboats

Motorized boats are allowed on most lakes and on some larger rivers. All motorboats must have a valid license, while users should wear a PFD. To help prevent the spread of invasive weeds and species, boaters should be sure to inspect, clean and dry their equipment before entering a new body of water.

Seasons

In Montana, you can fish year-round. However, there are seasonal regulations and water conditions that have an impact on fishing. In general, lakes and larger rivers are open to fishing all year, while some smaller tributaries are closed in the winter.

Spring run-off causes many rivers to be high and muddy from May through late June, although anglers can still enjoy good fishing on spring creeks and some smaller streams. Fly-fishing will find most waters in prime condition from late June through October, although March and April can provide prime fishing before run-off begins.

Winter comes early and stays late in the high country, confining alpine lake fishing to the summer months. Anglers can still cast a line through winter fly-fishing or ice fishing.

Fishing Etiquette

Proper fishing etiquette is important to get the most out of the angling experience, while still preserving and protecting Montana's pristine waters for future generations. Keep in mind that boat access areas can be busy places.

Do your best to not encroach on another angler's space. There will be instances when a wading angler should yield to floaters, as there is no other channel for floaters to navigate. If possible, avoid using the streambed as a pathway, as this foot traffic can damage fragile aquatic habitat.

Do not introduce or move fish from one waterway to another. This can have a detrimental effect on native populations, as well as reducing water and habitat quality. Use only live bait fish where it is legal and safely dispose of unused bait fish.

To report fish violations, call 1.800.TIPMONT.

Montana's Trespass Law

Montana's trespass law states that a member of the public has the privilege to enter private land only with the explicit permission of the landowner or his agent, or when the landowner has failed to post a no-trespassing notice. The recreationist is responsible for finding out if private lands are posted. If lands are posted, the recreationist must obtain permission from the landowner before entering them. Montana big game hunters must always obtain permission. Recreationists are urged to obtain complete rules about this law from any Fish, Wildlife & Parks office.

Stream Access

Montana law allows the public to make recreational use of rivers and streams between the ordinary high-water marks. Anglers can wade in a stream, walk along the stream bank below the high-water mark or float fish on any waters large enough to carry a boat.

Please keep in mind that the law does not give recreationists the right to enter private lands bordering streams or to cross private lands to gain access to streams. The success of the stream access law depends on recreationists and landowners cooperating on a basis of mutual understanding and respect for private property rights.

Catching Tagged Fish

If you catch a tagged fish, please report the following information to any Fish, Wildlife & Parks office:

• The tag's number and color.
• The date the fish was caught.
• The species of the fish.
• The fish's length and weight (as close possible).
• Location of the catch (the body of water and distance from nearest landmark).
• If the fish was kept or released.
• The name and address of the angler.

Releasing Fish

When practicing catch and release fishing, please observe the following guidelines:

• Play the fish as rapidly as possible, do not play it to total exhaustion.
• Try to keep the fish in water as much as possible when handling and removing the hook.
• Remove the hook gently and do not squeeze the fish or put your fingers in its gills.
• If the fish is deeply hooked, cut the line (most fish survive with hooks left in).
• Release the fish only after it has gained its equilibrium. If necessary, gently hold the fish upright in the current facing upstream and move it slowly back and forth.
• Release the fish in quiet water close to the area where it was hooked.

Special Advisory: Aquatic Invasive Species

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are plants, animals or pathogens not native to Montana that can cause harm to our environment and economy. You are the first line of defense in preventing the spread of AIS. Learn how to keep Montana’s waters safe by practicing Clean. Drain. Dry.

Do's & Don'ts

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks urges anglers, boaters and others to follow these DO's & DON'Ts:

DO remove all mud and aquatic plants from your vehicle, boat, anchor, trailer and axles, waders, boots and fishing gear before departing the fishing access site or boat dock.
DO dry your boat and equipment between river trips.
DON'T transport fish from one body of water to another.
DON'T dispose of fish entrails, skeletal parts or other by-products in any body of water.
DON'T collect sculpins (also known as bullheads) or use sculpins as bait.

Noxious Weeds

Noxious weeds, including spotted knapweed and leafy spurge, infest millions of acres and limit recreational opportunities. They also reduce habitat for fish, wildlife and livestock and choke out native plant species. Be a good land steward and learn to identify noxious weed species and prevent their spread.

For more information, visit The Montana Weed Association.