Catfish Fishing in Montana

There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. They can be found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

Catfish Fishing Lakes In Montana

Unlike southern states, catfish are not in the vast majority of fishing waters here in Montana. You can still catch catfish in MT, you're simply limited to the number of options. The major lakes with healthy populations of channel catfish include Bighorn Lake, lathead Lake, Fort Peck Lake and Nelson Lake. Some of the rivers, ponds and smaller lakes may also have catfish, but not in great numbers.

The Montana state record channel catfish was caught out of Castle Rock Lake.

Most catfish are considered bottom feeders to one extent or another. They will generally eat anything that can get in their mouth. Their strongest sense is smell which they use to locate potential food sources. Capitalizing on this sense is the primary weapon in your search for these creatures. Aggressive catfish have been caught on most types of fast moving bass lures so don't under estimate their ability to catch live bait.

Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus

Catfish Bait

Catfish Organizations & Resources

Catfish Conservation Group
U.S. Catfish Anglers Tournaments
Planet Catfish

Learning to Fish for Catfish In Montana

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Check out catfish information in other areas using the list of states to the left.

All About Fishing for Catfish in Montana.

58 lbs - 0 oz

27 lbs - 3 oz

65 - 90 Degrees

Prefers slightly stained to murky water with mild current and sand or rock bottom.