Bass Fishing Books

trout fishing in Montana – A Perfect Day

Montana is blessed with water, gin-clear cold water. Fed by glaciers, winter snow pack and deep mountain springs, Montana's pristine cool waters are a perfect habitat for trout. Rainbow, Lake, Cutthroat, Brown and Brook Trout thrive for the enjoyment of bears and anglers.

Trout depend on cold water to survive. Our waters are cold, trout flourish in Montana. Brook Trout are easiest to catch, but the most sensitive to the water temperature, their population begins to decrease in waters that exceed 68 degrees F., Montana's other species of trout are comfortable with slightly warmer temps. Many fishermen believe that the conservative Brown Trout hardest to catch.

Montana boasts literally thousands of miles of streams and rivers and a generous abundance of lakes. Here in Mineral County, we have 53 alpine lakes, however, you only can run to three, while the rest is trail access only. Nearby Glacier County has 116 lakes. The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, north and east of Yellowstone Park has 400 trout lakes. There are blue ribbon water everywhere, most of it teeming with one or more species of trout.

Top of Triple Divide Peak, where continental Shares intersect, lies within Glacier National Park (named after the glacial rivers of ice that crafted its majestic landscape). TD Peak marks the point that gives Montana the honor of being the only geographic region in the world whose mighty rivers form parts of three major water sheds; Hudson Bay, The Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

In Mineral County, some of Montana's best fishing holes to find. The city of Saint Regis marks the confluence of the St. Regis and Clark Fork River. Here, anglers frequently rewarded with award-winning catches, fish measuring up to 20 inches are commonplace. Overall fishing on Clark Fork is excellent, the river has over a thousand fish per mile in many areas. Some of the toughest and strongest trout found anywhere in these waters. The Clark Fork River is considered one of the most productive rivers in the western United States.

The Clark Fork River runs from its source in Silver Bow Mountains near Anaconda, Montana and migrate north and west of more than 275 miles through arid flat land, mountains and valleys. When the Clark Fork crosses into Idaho, it is the largest river in Montana, carrying an average of 22,000 cubic feet of water per second.

A glorious fall day, honking geese south, cool crisp morning air, a dusting of snow on Bitte Roots and trout rising on the river, it becomes no better than this!

Rainbow Trout
(Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Montana's number one game fish, Rainbow Trout is a highly prized favorite among trout anglers and fly fishers. Starting in 1989, hundreds of millions of rainbow trout has been imported from hatchery stock for habitat throughout the state. Rainbow Trout have been set up in streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and reservoirs. In recent years policy has changed and now Rainbow Trout are mainly imported only in lakes and reservoirs.

Fish biologist believe that the only Rainbow Trout, actually resident in Montana, are those found in the Kootenai River drainage.

In connective tissue water systems to allow trout to migrate will Hatchling remain in small creeks or rivers until they reach 6 to 8 inches and then will venture into the larger rivers and lakes where they are gaining weight and size before he turned back to spawn. A £ 33 beauty has the state as a whole; £ 10 catches common in most of Montana's alpine lakes.

Treasured for its gameness, beauty and solid pink meat, Rainbow Trout is an important and valued part of Montana's eco-system.

Brook Trout
(Salvelinus fontinalis)

Brook Trout is abundant in mountain streams with gravel bottoms. A good place to try their luck in overhang of trees that provide protection from preying birds and a little shade. Brook trout feed on other small fish, molluscs, crustaceans and insects. Almost any bait or lure that mimics their food source will land a "Brookie".

A half dozen "Brookie", dusted with flour and fried in butter over an open campfire is nice tasty. Add some fried potatoes, flip a few eggs and you have a Mountain Morning Breakfast "Fit for a king."

Brown Trout
(Salmo trutta)

For many an angler, the volatile Brown Trout difficult to catch. The Brown Trout is a much more conservative than other species. Its shy habits help ensure long life in streams where other trout are fished out.

Brown Trout search areas with plenty of coverage. During the log jams, cuts in bank imminent tree cover, or rock outcroppings are their favorite hang-outs. As they grow larger, Brown Trout become even more cautious. They will often feed at night when darkness offers protection. Although a challenge to catch, the Brown Trout's succulent taste is a reward for patience.

Brown Trout usually feed on small minnows, crustaceans, worms and insects. Netting a Brown Trout require skill, perseverance and a little bit of luck.

Lake Trout
(Salvelinus namaycush)

By far the largest of all trout species, Lake Trout prefer deep, cold lakes. Sometimes also called the Salmon Trout, Makinaw or Great Lakes Trout, they live on a source of meat available in their habitat. Eel, smelt and a number of minnows are all a part of Lake Trout diet.

Because of their preference for the icy cold waters, the flesh from Lake Trout rich and flaky, tender and very tasteful.

In early spring, fly fishermen working in shallow lake report success with dry flies. As the weather warms, Lake Trout move deeper. Retreat the colder waters of summer and autumn fishing requires trolling with heavy tackle.

Cutthroat Trout
(Salmo clarki)

Icy mountain streams that last final run down the Pacific is the preferred habitat of Cutthroat Trout. They feed on minnows, worms, crustaceans and some insects. In fast flowing water or rapids, fly fishing is the preferred method. Brown Trout can also be done with larvae, worms or lures.

Most Cutthroat fish remain in freshwater during their lifetime. These trout populations are known as non-migratory, resident stream or river. Some Cutthroat make their home in the Pacific, returning to freshwater to feed and spawn in autumn, returning to the sea in the early part of spring. Those who spend most of their time at sea can weigh up to 20 pounds. The trout that remain in fresh water may only get up to 2 pounds.

In 1977 Blackspotted Cutthroat was named the state fish of Montana.

About the Author

Marlene Affeld has a passion for the environment and all things natural. A seasoned traveler, Marlene enjoys sharing her experiences with others. Visit Marlene’s site at
Nandu Green
for Eco-Friendly living options.

Fishing the Yellowstone River with the Royal Wulff Fly

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