Fishing in Montana is at the top of most anglers’ bucket lists. Cast your line on Flathead Lake or in the Paradise Valley — some of the best destinations for anglers in Big Sky Country. While waiting for a trout to bite, catch a glimpse of the scenic mountains around you, or of Montana wildlife. Many of the Big Sky Country’s streams and rivers boast some of the finest trout fishing in the U.S. and perhaps the world. Anyone aged 12 and older needs a fishing license to fish in Montana legally.
Fishing Spots in Montana
Here are some of the best fishing spots in Montana. You’ll find plenty of trout fishing in the state, along with a variety of other fish to catch.
Beaverhead River
Beaverhead River flows 69 miles from Clark Canyon Reservoir in Dillon to its meeting point with the Big Hole River at Twin Bridges. It’s near the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The river is deep, swift, and challenging to fish. The best fishing is from a boat, and it’s renowned for brown trout and mountain whitefish.
You can camp all up and down the river.
Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River teems with an abundance. of trout. This 692-mile-long river near communities such as Livingston is the longest undammed waterway in the contiguous United States. The river has its source in Yellowstone National Park and meanders north out of Wyoming into Montana as one of the world’s best blue-ribbon fisheries. Rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout make up the majority of the fish at this spot.
The KOA Livingston/Paradise Valley is on the Yellowstone River. It has full hookups, laundry facilities, a pool, bike rentals, and more. The Yellowstone River RV Resort & Campground is in the Billings area and has full hookups, laundry, showers, a pool, a playground, and much more.
Big Hole River
A renowned and picturesque trout river, the Big Hole meanders 150 miles through southern Montana. With its gentle banks framed by snowy peaks and sharp cliffs, the Big Hole is a must-visit destination for anglers. It creates the Jefferson River where it meets with the Beaverhead River near Twin Bridges. Upstream, the Big Hole runs through canyons and meadows, offering both float and wade fishing opportunities for brown, cutthroat, brook, and rainbow trout.
Hebgen Lake
If you are looking for where to fish for trout in Montana, Hebgen Lake near West Yellowstone in the Gallatin National Forest is the perfect destination for you. It offers an ideal summer and winter habitat for many big brown and rainbow trout that migrate from this river to the Madison River in Yellowstone National Park. Although it’s challenging to wade and walk along the shoreline, there are numerous access points where you can launch a boat.
Missouri River
The longest river in North America, the Missouri River, also called the “Mo,” is a must-visit location during your RV fishing trip in Montana. The Missouri River offers trophy trout fishing, particularly for browns that migrate from the lake in October. Most anglers prefer fishing the 35-mile-long stretch near Holter Dam. Walleye, sauger, smallmouth bass, carp, sunfish, catfish, and largemouth bass are all among the species you might catch here.
Madison River
The Madison River offers 183 miles of water that teems with trout, including brown, cutthroat, rainbow, and brook. Its confluence with the Gallatin and Jefferson rivers near Three Forks creates the Missouri River. Various sections of this river provide different scenery, hatches, and habitats requiring various fishing techniques, making it feel like a different spot from one location to another.
Hyalite Reservoir
If you want to try your luck at catching wild, indigenous fish, Hyalite Reservoir is the best place for you. Located just 19 miles south of Bozeman, this 206-acre reservoir teems with arctic grayling and cutthroat trout. However, it’s catch-and-release only, so don’t get attached to the fish you land. It’s a perfect place for an overnight trip and picnic with Hood Creek and Chisholm Campgrounds situated on the eastern shore.
Bighorn River
Located near Fort Smith, the Bighorn is one of the state’s most popular tailwater waterways. Here, you can catch a lot of rainbows and browns. The fish here like small flies such as sowbugs, scuds, and small mayfly patterns. It becomes too big to wade across in early summer and spring, so angling from a float tube or boat is usually best.
Where to Fish in Montana
Bozeman is one of Montana’s best destinations for outdoor activities. The city has excellent cuisine, vibrant culture, and access to internationally renowned fly-fishing. Within a one-hour drive, you can get to some of the finest trout fisheries in the western part of the country. Explore the countless spring creeks, still-water fisheries, and unnamed streams, and you will not have a shortage of opportunities for discovery and exploration. Whether you are a seasoned or beginner angler, Bozeman has something for you.
To find exclusive fishing spots, we highly recommend using Landtrust! This recreation access network connects you to landowners and their unique private properties. Find and book exclusive experiences and locations for your next RV fishing trip. With over 30 outdoor experiences like fishing, hunting, and foraging, Landtrust makes it easy to make the most out of your next RV trip.
Camping and Fishing in Montana
Before you head out on your RV fishing trip in Montana, ensure you pack the right gear so that you can get the most out of your angling experience. Montana weather can change rapidly from a chilly morning to a sunny afternoon, so ensure that you have the proper clothing. You’ll want polarized sunglasses, a rain shell jacket, a hat, lightweight shirts and pants, and a small backpack, no matter the season. Of course, you need to carry fishing equipment, including lines, hooks, and bait, that will suit the type of fish you anticipate catching. Don’t forget your fishing license. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about fishing.
With an RV rental, your fishing trip will be more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home on board your RV. Plan your perfect fishing getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
