The Best Fishing In Montana

From gorgeous alpine lakes, blue-ribbon rivers, and small spring creeks, Montana has the most diverse array of trout waters. We have thousands of miles of water to navigate by drift boat, not to mention the countless small tributaries accessed by foot. Montana offers a wide variety of trout and other freshwater fish. Fishermen of all levels, from beginner to an avid angler, will appreciate the numerous and diverse waterways of Montana.

The Ultimate Fishing Experience

It’s not just the awe-inspiring views or the thousands of miles of navigable waters that make the perfect fishing conditions. Recreational fishing is deeply rooted in the culture of Montana. People travel from all over the world to enjoy our public lands. Get out of the boat, hike along the shores, and witness some of the most pristine mountain views in the lower forty-eight states.

Maybe you are new to fly fishing. Or perhaps you have never fished a day in your life. Montana Fishing Guides is here to help. We started this business to share this sport and the vast beauty of Montana with everyone. No matter your skill level, if you are wanting to experience the best fishing in Montana, call and talk to us today. We are here to help you plan the fishing adventure of your dreams.

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Montana Fishing

Montana Trout Fishing

If you are not from Montana, you may not have the experience to know what bugs the fish are eating or where the fish live in the river. With so many different bugs and so many different types of fish water, where would you start? Montana Fishing Guides has the experience and knowledge to teach you entomology and show you where the fish live. Bugs and fish behave differently depending on the Montana trout fishing season. if you are not a local, how are you to know what bugs trout are eating or what flies they will eat? Seasons, weather patterns, bug hatches, time of day all influence trout feeding behavior.

Don’t feel overwhelmed by the amount of information needed. Montana Fishing Guides is here to help. It is our passion to not only put you on fish but to help you land them. Not to mention, Montana’s fishing season is governed by fluctuating weather patterns. The mountain snowcaps form and hold tons of ice above waiting for the thaw when the run-off muddies the river and streams. Montana Fishing Guides is familiar with the weather patterns of Montana. We know how to ensure safety and how to navigate the unpredictable waters.

If you are planning a Montana trout fishing trip, don’t question how to gather all the information needed. Leave it to local professional guides, like Montana Fishing Guides, to the success of your Montana guided fly fishing vacation.

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Montana River Fishing

Imagine for a moment that you have waded waist-deep from the bank and for miles in either direction all you can see are pristine mountain views with the clear, crisp river cutting through it. Imagine that you are all alone except for a skilled, trustworthy guide.

Did you know on the Kenai River in Alaska, people line up along the banks in droves to participate in what has been described as “combat fishing,” because people get hurt by all the flying hooks? Who wants to weave and maneuver around crowds of people while fishing? That’s unheard of in Montana.

Montana is known for its peaceful, wildlands. No noise and light pollution. No traffic and a busy atmosphere. Just you, your guide, and the fish you are stalking.

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Best Places To Fish In Montana

Let’s review some of the best cities and towns to visit while you fish in Montana.

Whitefish

Whitefish should be at the top of any angler’s list of desired locations! The small mountain town is in perfect proximity to numerous freshwater lakes, rivers, and tributaries. Whitefish has a variety of fine dining, art and music, and many choices of lodging. Not to mention, an Amtrak train station allows people from all over the country to visit without depending on a car. If you want world-class fishing with great accommodations, Whitefish is the place to be.

Whitefish

Kalispell

If you want to successfully fish in Kalispell you must work with a local guide because there are so many rivers, lakes, small ponds, and tributaries. Montana Fishing Guides can help you find the best location to meet your needs. Kalispell is a quiet Mountain town with fewer amenities and fewer people, which makes it the perfect destination for anglers who want to explore off the beaten path.

Kalispell

Missoula

If you would like to balance your trip with great fishing and nightlife, Missoula is a hopping place to be. Missoula not only has access to some of the best rivers in Western Montana, but it also has fun bars, fine dining, and live music.

Missoula

Craig & Wolfcreek

Craig and Wolfcreek were designed by anglers for anglers, and their main focus is providing comfortable river access on the Missouri River.

Craig
Great Falls

Great Falls is the third-largest city in Montana with nearly sixty thousand residents, located on the northern Great Plains. There are several waterfalls from the Missouri River in and around Great Falls. Anyone with the desire to explore Montana should add Great Falls to their bucket list.

Great Falls
Helena

Helena is the capital of Montana and was settled during Montana’s gold rush. There are multiple lakes of all sizes, gulches, and access to the Missouri River.

Helena
Dillon

If you enjoy small, quiet, historic towns, Dillon Montana is the destination vacation you are seeking. It’s nestled in the Beaverhead Valley, with the blue-ribbon Beaverhead River and Big Hole River.

Butte

Situated next to the continental divide, Butte Montana is an ideal place for your fly fishing dreams. The old mining town is brimming with antiquity and provides many opportunities to learn about Montana’s history.

Best Rivers To Fish In Montana

Montana has more freshwater fishing opportunities than any other state in the continental states. Lakes, ponds, small streams, and hundreds of miles of river access.

Flathead River

The north fork of the Flathead River was deemed the wildest river in the continental states. It originates in the Canadian Rockies, just north of Glacier National Park. The Main Stem of the Flathead River is home to the Native Westslope Cutthroat Trout that love to eat dry flies. Big skies and dry flies are the heart and soul of the Flathead River.

Flathead River
Blackfoot River

For some of the best Montana fishing, many look to the Blackfoot River. Its slow and deep waters are perfect for Westslope Cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout. Fishing the ponderosa pine-lined banks and tall canyons of the Blackfoot River is truly spectacular. Montana Fishing Guides can help you design a picture-perfect Blackfoot River adventure.

Blackfoot River
Clark Fork River

Measured by volume, the Clark Fork River is the biggest river in Montana. It runs adjacent to three different mountain ranges and forms the Montana and Idaho border. A Day on the Clark Fork rarely disappoints. Who doesn’t like big rainbows and cutthroat trout that eat dry flies in the middle of the river?

Clark Fork River
Missouri River

The Missouri River is arguably the most productive river in the country. Lights out nymphing and headhunting the banks for big Browns on dry flies is what the Missouri River is all about. It starts at the confluence of the Gallatin, Jefferson and Maddison rivers, near Three Forks Montana. Cutting through the Rocky Mountain Range, there are many geological sites and breathtaking rock formations. The Missouri River is often considered one of the most productive rivers to fish in Montana.

Missouri River
Upper Missouri River

If you want to see the spectacular Gates of the Mountains on the Upper Missouri River, we strongly suggest you hire an experienced guide. The river runs slow and is best reached by modified jet boats. The Upper Missouri River is home to giant rainbow trout and brown trout. This three-mile stretch of river below Hauser Dam is called Land of the Giants for a reason.

Upper Missouri River