TRAVEL INFORMATION
Know Before You Go

Fishing in Western Montana + Glacier National Park

things to do outdoors

more
hide
Fishing Cast a Line in Western Montana

Cast a Line in Western Montana

To put it bluntly, our fishing is incredible. Western Montana has some of the most pristine, undisturbed waters nature has to offer. Our rivers, lakes and blue-ribbon trout streams provide competitive fishing for the serious angler and easily accessible options for the casual fisherman. And no matter where you choose to cast your line, you can be assured our riffles, runs, pools and seams are set among some of the wildest and most beautiful country in North America.

For starters, fly-fish the Blackfoot River—made famous by Norman Maclean’s “A River Runs Through It”—as it winds west before joining the Clark Fork River. The Clark Fork runs through the heart of downtown Missoula. Simply grab a rod and head down to the river’s edge. Or try the fishable waters of the Middle Fork of the Flathead as it makes its way through deep, quiet canyons with Glacier National Park peaks in the background. And if you're looking to fish in an even quieter part of the region, head to Lincoln County and cast your line in the Kootenai River.

In addition to world-class fly-fishing, we also have some of the most experienced, professional and friendly fishing guides and outfitters around, ready to take you to their favorite fishing hole, help you land your trophy trout and make your excursion as enjoyable as possible.

For more information on Outfitters and Guides, visit montanaoutfitters.org.

For more information on Montana fishing regulations and how to apply for a fishing license, visit Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Download the MyFWP app, a simple, easy way to store and display your fishing license when you’re on the water.

The Peak of Adventure

Yellowstone is more than a park. In Montana, it’s a whole country—an entire ecosystem that doesn’t stop where the park ends. Venture north of the park and find the Yellowstone adventure you had in mind.


Fishing Access Sites



View Larger Map

With rivers aplenty in Western Montana, there is truly no lack of locations to cast your line. The map lists easily accessible fishing access sites around the region.

In addition to these sites, there are many fishing locations found in national forests and wilderness areas in Glacier Country. Most of them require a short hike or a longer journey to a high alpine lake. See Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ FISHMT map for detailed information about our region’s waterbodies and their fish populations.


More Information


Techniques and Tackle

Float Fishing

Motorboats


Seasons

Fishing Etiquette

Montana's Trespass Law


Stream Access

Tagged Fish

Releasing Fish


Aquatic Invasive Species

Do's & Don'ts

Noxious Weeds

Recreate Responsibly Plan Ahead, Play it Safe, and Leave No Trace.

Featured Listings

Angler's Roost in Western Montana.

Angler's Roost

815 U.S. Highway 93 S.
Hamilton, MT 59840

Glacier Anglers in Western Montana.

Glacier Anglers

12400 U.S. Highway 2 E.
West Glacier, MT 59936

Glacier Park Rafting in Western Montana.

Glacier Park Rafting

12127 U.S. Highway 2 E., Suite A
West Glacier, MT 59936

Great Northern Fly Fishing Guides in Western Montana.

Great Northern Fly Fishing Guides

12127 U.S. Highway 2 E., Suite A
West Glacier, MT 59936

Rich Ranch in Western Montana.

Rich Ranch

939 Cottonwood Lakes Road
Seeley Lake, Montana 59868

Wild River Adventures in Western Montana.

Wild River Adventures

11900 U.S. Highway 2 E.
West Glacier, MT 59936

Other Listings

Alberton Orchards

  • 1022 Sawmill Gulch Road Alberton, MT 59820
  • 406.380.3308
  • Visit Website

Bagley Guide Service

Bear Creek Guest Ranch

  • 15750 U.S. Highway 2 Essex, MT 59916
  • 406.226.4489
  • Visit Website

Cheff Ranch & Legacy Outfitters LLC

  • 30888 Eagle Pass Trail Charlo, MT 59824
  • 406.644.2557
  • Visit Website

Clark Fork Trout

  • 715 State Highway 135 St. Regis, MT 59866
  • 406.382.0161
  • Visit Website

Kootenai River Fishing Charters LLC

Montana's Duck Lake Lodge

Shoo Fly Fishing Co.

  • 1010 E. Missoula Ave. Troy, MT 59935
  • 406.295.8405
  • Visit Website

Silver Bow Outfitters

Whispering Pines

News from Glacier National Park Currently, 3 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road are open for travel.

Connect With Glacier Country

7 Things to Do in Western Montana This Fall

Read more

How to Cool Off on a Hot Summer Day in Western Montana

Read more

Swan Lake: A Western Montana Gem

Read more

Call for expert help

1.800.338.5072

Start Planning Your Trip