Guide To Great Trout Fishing Locations In Montana

All about fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, brook, brown, golden and lake trout in local lakes and streams.

Trout Waters

With its clean cold water, Montana is a prime haven for trout. They grow big and healthy in all types of waters throughout the state. Virtually all rivers and streams in MT contain one or more species of trout and they are found in private ponds and small lakes as well. Most trout species can be taken while ice fishing. Most of the major lakes in the state sport a healthy population of trout. These lakes include Ashley Lake, Bull Lake, Canyon Ferry Lake, Clark Canyon Reservoir, Deadmans Basin Reservoir, Earthquake Lake, Flathead Lake, Fort Peck Lake, Fresno Reservoir, Georgetown Lake, Gibson Reservoir, Hauser Lake, Hebgen Lake, Holter Reservoir, Hungry Horse Reservoir, Lake Elwell, Lake Frances, Lake Helena, Lake Koocanusa, Lower Saint Mary Lake, McDonald Lake, Noxon Reservoir, Placid Lake, Seeley Lake, Swan Lake, Tiber Reservoir, Whitefish Lake and Willow Creek Reservoir.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Select the best trout lures and baits

Trout spinners, crankbaits and jerkbaits work well for shallow, reasonably active fish. Salmon eggs, worms and prepared baits will work at virtually all depths.

Montana State Record Trout

The state record rainbow trout was caught from the Kootenai River.

The state record cutthroat trout was taken out of Red Eagle Lake.

The state record brook trout was taken from Lower Two Medicine Lake.

The state record brown trout came from Wade Lake.

The state record lake trout was caught in Flathead Lake.

The state record golden trout was caught in Cave Lake.

Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks has a program for stocking trout and other fish. Visit their website to get details on trout stocking in Montana.

Watch trout fishing videos to see trout anglers in action.

Additional trout fishing information

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Browns are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts.

Trout Conservation
Trout Unlimited

Trout locations and info, by state.