General Fishing Seasons and Hours
Fishing is allowed at all hours during open fishing seasons.
Fishing season is from March 1st to February the following year... Rivers and Streams: Open third Saturday in May through November 30 unless otherwise specified.
Lakes and Reservoirs: Open entire year.
Western Fishing District
This includes all waters in Montana west of the Continental Divide.
Types of Fish Know your fish!!! Many species are “catch and release” only due to their
being listed on the endangered or threatened list from the federal government. There are stiff fines for violating this rule. Please check with the local ranger station.
Rainbow trout (Average Size: 8" - 16")
Bull trout (Average Size: 16" - 22") This is a Threatened Species listed under the Endangered Species Act.
Mountain Whitefish (Average size: 6" - 12") Westlope Cutthroat trout (Average Size: 6" - 12")
(Frequently mistaken for rainbow trout. Turn the fish over and look under the jaw. Does it have a red or orange stripe? If yes, the fish is a cutthroat trout. Carefully release all cutthroat trout that may not be legally harvested.)
Brook Trout (Average Size: 6" - 12")
Lake Trout (Average Size: 14" - 20")
Fishing License Information
A valid fishing license is required for all types of fishing.
To fish in Montana you will need two licenses: Conservation License: Needed before you can buy any fishing or hunting license that FWP (Fish Wildlife & Parks) issues. Required to provide social security number in addtion to the information usually requested. A valid driver's license or a valid photo ID is required to purchase a license.
Fishing License: Allows a person to fish for and possess any fish. It is non transferable and non refundable. The license is good from March 1st to the end of February the following year.
