Top Fishing spots

Fishing Spots in NW Montana: Your Guide to Prime Fishing Locations, Tackle Recommendations, and Fly Fishing Destinations

NW Montana is a fly fisher’s dream, offering clear waters, wild rivers, and a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, westslope cutthroat trout, and trophy-sized steelhead. Whether you’re casting a fly rod in peaceful mountain streams or navigating the wild rivers of the region, you’ll find ample opportunities to enjoy the beauty and thrill of fly fishing. Here’s a guide to the top fishing spots in NW Montana, including great fly fishing locations and tackle recommendations to help you reel in your next catch.

Top Fly Fishing Locations and Tackle Recommendations

1. Flathead River
The Flathead River is a popular fly fishing destination, offering a variety of water types—from fast-moving riffles to slow pools. It’s home to rainbow trout, westslope cutthroat trout, and the occasional bull trout. Fly anglers can expect excellent fishing throughout the river’s stretch.

• Tackle Recommendation:
  • Fly Fishing: Use nymph patterns like prince nymphs or golden stoneflies in the faster-moving sections, and streamers like woolly buggers for the deeper, slower pools. A 9-foot, 5-weight rod with floating line is ideal for casting in most sections of the river.

2. Whitefish Lake
Though better known for boat and shore fishing, Whitefish Lake also offers fly fishing opportunities. It’s perfect for those who want to catch lake trout, rainbow trout, and perch in calm waters with beautiful mountain views.

• Tackle Recommendation:
  • Fly Fishing: For lake trout, use sinking line with large streamers or woolly buggers that mimic baitfish. For rainbow trout, try dry flies like elk hair caddis or mayflies in the warmer months, or nymphs during cooler conditions. A 9-foot, 6-weight rod will work well for both lake and river fishing here.

3. Swan River
The Swan River is a hidden gem for fly fishing enthusiasts, flowing from Swan Lake to Flathead Lake. It offers excellent opportunities for catching native westslope cutthroat trout and smallmouth bass. With its clear waters and diverse habitats, the Swan River is a peaceful place to fly fish.

• Tackle Recommendation:
  • Fly Fishing: Try dry flies like parachute Adams or elk hair caddis during hatch seasons. For nymphing, use small beadhead nymphs or stonefly patterns in the river’s deeper runs. A 9-foot, 4-weight rod with floating line is great for targeting trout in this river.

4. Lake McDonald (Glacier National Park)
Lake McDonald offers a pristine fly fishing experience within the stunning Glacier National Park. It’s known for its cutthroat trout and lake trout. The clear waters of the lake, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, create an ideal environment for casting a fly.

• Tackle Recommendation:
  • Fly Fishing: Use sinking lines with larger streamers for lake trout. For cutthroat trout, cast dry flies like caddis or hoppers during warmer months, or go for nymphs such as prince nymphs or copper johns for deeper water. A 9-foot, 5-weight rod with floating line is perfect for cutthroat, while a sinking line setup is ideal for lake trout.

5. Kootenai River
The Kootenai River is a favorite destination for experienced fly fishermen. Its rugged landscape and powerful currents make it an exciting river for targeting trophy fish, including steelhead trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout. Fly fishing here provides both a challenge and an opportunity for impressive catches.

• Tackle Recommendation:
  • Fly Fishing: Use larger streamers like zonkers and sculpin patterns to target steelhead in the fast-moving sections of the river. For rainbow and brown trout, nymph patterns such as rubber-legged stoneflies or pheasant tail nymphs work well in the deeper pools. A 9-foot, 6-weight rod with sinking or intermediate lines is ideal for these conditions.

6. Tally Lake
Tally Lake is a scenic, quiet spot surrounded by dense forest, offering excellent fly fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout. The lake’s clear waters and peaceful setting make it a great choice for anglers looking for a more serene experience.

• Tackle Recommendation:
  • Fly Fishing: For rainbow and cutthroat trout, try dry flies like elk hair caddis or hoppers during the summer months. For deeper fishing, use nymphs such as hare’s ear or pheasant tail patterns. A 9-foot, 4-weight rod with floating line is perfect for this smaller, calmer lake.

Other Notable Fly Fishing Spots in NW Montana

• The Stillwater River: Known for its clear waters and wild trout, the Stillwater River is a prime spot for fly fishing. It’s particularly great for catching brown and rainbow trout.
• The Blackfoot River: Famous for its challenging waters, the Blackfoot River is ideal for experienced fly anglers. It’s known for its large rainbow and cutthroat trout, along with a variety of insect hatches.
• The Marias River: This river offers a more remote fly fishing experience, with plenty of cutthroat and rainbow trout. It’s best accessed by boat, providing a peaceful and isolated experience.

Fly Fishing Tips for NW Montana

• Best Time to Fish: The spring and fall months are typically the best times for fly fishing in NW Montana, as insect hatches peak during these times, and the fish are more active. Summer months are great for dry fly fishing, but the waters can get crowded.
• Fly Selection: Match your flies to the local hatch. Look for hatches of mayflies, caddis, and stoneflies in warmer months, and nymph patterns for deeper, cooler waters.
• Casting Techniques: When fishing in rivers and streams, focus on presenting your fly naturally, especially in slower pools and riffles. In lakes, you may need to cast further, particularly when fishing for lake trout.
• Water Conditions: Many of the rivers in NW Montana can get fast and murky after heavy rains, so it’s a good idea to check the water conditions before heading out.

Essential Gear for Fly Fishing in NW Montana

• Fly Rod & Reel: For most rivers and lakes, a 9-foot rod in the 4-6 weight range works well. For bigger rivers like the Kootenai, you may want a 6-weight or even a 7-weight rod to handle the larger fish and strong currents.
• Fly Box: Be sure to pack a variety of flies, including dry flies (caddis, mayflies), nymphs (pheasant tails, prince nymphs), and streamers (zonkers, woolly buggers).
• Waders: If you’re fishing from shore or wading in a river, high-quality waders will keep you dry and comfortable, especially when fishing in colder waters.
• Fishing License: Don’t forget to obtain your Montana fishing license and make sure to familiarize yourself with local regulations, especially concerning catch limits and fishing seasons.

Respecting Nature While Fly Fishing

As with all outdoor activities, it’s crucial to respect the environment while fly fishing. Follow local regulations, practice catch-and-release where applicable, and always clean up after yourself to help preserve these pristine fishing locations for future generations.

With its pristine rivers, crystal-clear lakes, and an abundance of fish species, NW Montana is a fly fisher’s paradise. Whether you’re casting in peaceful mountain streams or chasing trophy fish in rugged rivers, the region offers diverse opportunities for an unforgettable fly fishing adventure. So grab your gear, head to one of these top fly fishing destinations, and experience the best that Montana has to offer.