Reel Adventures: Montana’s Top 5 Trout Town Treasures

Montana, known as “The Treasure State,” is a paradise for anglers, especially those chasing the elusive trout. With pristine rivers, alpine lakes, and scenic fishing towns, Montana offers some of the best fishing experiences in the country. If you’re planning a fishing trip to Big Sky Country, here are five trout fishing spots you shouldn’t miss:

Missoula – The Clark Fork River

Best for: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Westslope Cutthroat

Nestled in the heart of western Montana, Missoula offers some of the state’s best trout fishing, especially along the Clark Fork River. With its easy access points right in the city and picturesque surroundings, the Clark Fork is perfect for both novice and experienced anglers. You’ll find a healthy mix of brown and rainbow trout, as well as the rare Westslope cutthroat.

Access: The Clark Fork River runs right through Missoula, and you can access various sections from the downtown area. Whether you prefer wading or floating, there are plenty of spots to choose from.

Best Time to Fish: The best fishing months are from June to October, when the river’s flows are more manageable, and the trout are most active.

An angler in a blue plaid shirt holds a large brown trout just above the surface of a clear river. The fish, vibrant with golden hues and speckled with black spots, appears healthy and robust as it is cradled gently in the fisherman's hands, reflecting a successful and ethical catch-and-release fishing moment

Bozeman – The Gallatin River

Best for: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Mountain Whitefish

Bozeman is another popular Montana town for fishing, and the Gallatin River is its hidden gem. This wild and scenic river offers great fishing right near the town, with deep pools and fast-moving runs filled with rainbow and brown trout. The Gallatin is especially known for its accessibility and beautiful surroundings.

Access: The river is easily accessible from Bozeman via Highway 191. There are numerous public access points along the river, and you can choose between wading or floating, with many guided trips available for beginners.

Best Time to Fish: The best time to fish the Gallatin is spring and early summer (April-June), as the river is most productive during these months before the summer flows pick up.

Close-up of a fisherman's hands, clad in a green sleeve, gently holding a brown trout over a wooden net in the river. The trout's body is speckled with black and red spots, contrasting beautifully with its golden-yellow undertones as it's being carefully released back into the shimmering water

Ennis – The Madison River

Best for: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Mountain Whitefish

Ennis is a small town known as the gateway to the famous Madison River. Known for its large population of brown and rainbow trout, the Madison is a mecca for anglers. The river is ideal for both fly fishing and traditional fishing methods, and its scenic beauty makes it one of the top destinations in Montana.

Access: You can easily access the Madison River from the town of Ennis by taking Highway 287. Whether you want to wade along the banks or drift in a boat, there are plenty of access points along this river, including well-known locations like the famous “Three Dollar Bridge.”

Best Time to Fish: The best time to fish here is during the spring and fall months, with the prime season running from April through November. During these months, the trout are most active and hungry, especially after the spring runoff.

Trout grabbed in the river

Livingston – The Yellowstone River

Best for: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Cutthroat Trout

Livingston, a charming small town, sits right next to the Yellowstone River, one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the country. This iconic river provides fantastic fishing opportunities for brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. Its combination of easy access, vibrant fish populations, and breathtaking views makes it a must-visit destination.

Access: There are many access points along the river from Livingston. Public fishing access sites can be found along Highway 89, where you can wade or float depending on the section of the river. There are also a variety of guides who offer float trips down the river.

Best Time to Fish: Early summer (June-July) and fall (September-October) are considered the best times for trout fishing on the Yellowstone River. The fish are plentiful and the weather is ideal during these months.

A close-up view of a fisherman’s hands holding a freshly caught rainbow trout over a stream. The trout is dotted with pinkish-red spots along its shimmering silver body, contrasting against the angler's black wristband and red fishing gear.

Big Timber – The Boulder River

Best for: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brook Trout

Located in southern Montana, Big Timber is the gateway to one of the state’s best-kept secrets—The Boulder River. This beautiful river is known for its abundance of brown, rainbow, and brook trout. It’s the perfect spot for anglers who love a more remote fishing experience.

Access: The Boulder River can be accessed via Highway 191, with various public access points along the river. The river is best fished by wading, although you can also fish from a boat in some sections.

Best Time to Fish: Spring (April-June) is prime time for trout fishing on the Boulder River. During this season, the fish are hungry after winter, and the weather is mild enough to enjoy the stunning views while casting your line.

Conclusion

Montana’s top trout towns offer a variety of experiences, from scenic rivers near bustling towns like Missoula and Bozeman to quiet, remote spots like Big Timber. Whether you’re chasing big browns in the Madison River or casting your line in the cool waters of the Boulder River, Montana has a trout town treasure waiting for you. So, pack your rods, head to one of these gems, and experience a reel adventure like no other!