Rainbow Trout Fishing in Montana
Check regulations
Check regulations
Year-round
Overview
Montana is the fly fishing capital of the US with famous rivers accessible to wade and float fishers.
Floating rivers in drift boats is the quintessential Montana experience.
Summer hopper-dropper fishing (August-September) is some of the most exciting dry fly action anywhere.
Access is excellent through Montana's stream access law allowing wading on navigable waters.
Best Waters in Montana
- Madison River — Iconic Montana river with 50 miles of accessible trout water and excellent insect hatches.
- Missouri River (below Holter Dam) — Prolific tailwater with thousands of trout per mile and year-round fishing.
- Yellowstone River — Longest undammed river in the lower 48 with outstanding summer and fall trout fishing.
- Bighorn River — Tailwater near Hardin with massive trout counts and consistent year-round hatches.
Local Techniques & Baits
Techniques
- Dry fly fishing
- Hopper-dropper
- Nymphing
- Streamer stripping
- Drift boat fishing
Baits & Lures
- Parachute Adams
- Dave's Hopper
- Woolly Bugger
- San Juan Worm
- Prince Nymph
Seasonal Guide for Montana
SpringSpring Fishing
Runoff limits river access May-June. Pre-runoff (March-April) fishing on tailwaters is excellent with midges and BWOs.
SummerSummer Fishing
Prime season July-September. Caddis, PMDs, and hopper fishing create world-class dry fly opportunities.
FallFall Fishing
October BWO hatches and streamer fishing for aggressive pre-spawn browns. Rainbows feed aggressively before winter.
WinterWinter Fishing
Tailwaters (Missouri, Bighorn) fish year-round with midges. Dress warmly and expect uncrowded conditions.
Regulations
Regulations change frequently. Always verify current regulations with Montana Fish & Wildlife. Information shown was last updated 2025-01-01.
Specific regulations for rainbow trout in Montana are not listed in our database. Please check the official Montana regulations for current rules.