When Do Montana’s Rivers Open for Fishing … and Other Montana Fishing Season Information

Fishing the Beartooth Mountains for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout

Wondering about the Montana fishing season? Here you go. And here’s a Yellowstone cutthroat trout from a high-elevation lake deep in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains. Montana Whiskey Co. gets out there!

Western District General Fishing Season

  • Rivers and streams open the third Saturday in May through November 30. Check the regulations for exceptions to standard regulations.  This is usually the Montana fishing season question Montana’s wonder about … at the least the ones that aren’t total fish nuts.
  • Lakes and reservoirs are open the entire year. Check the regulations for exceptions.

Central District and Eastern District General Fishing Season

It’s all open all year.

All waters, lakes/reservoirs and rivers/streams, are “open entire year unless otherwise specified in the district exceptions to standard regulations.” –Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks fishing regulations. (Hit the link for the .pdf files of the fishing regulations.)

Old Pointer wonders: Do you always fish in camo pants?

Old Pointer is Montana Whiskey Co.'s old hunting dog. Give him a scratch at our Montana distillery.

Ok, ready to go fishing? Get your Montana fishing license …

Here’s everything you need to know about getting a Montana fishing license.

And here’s when you don’t need a Montana fishing license. Good luck!