Top 10 Exotic Fishing Destinations in Montana

There are some of the world’s best fly fishing destinations in Montana, and every river has its own beauty and fish species. From beautiful alpine lakes to blue-ribbon rivers, Montana has world-class fly fishing and breathtaking scenery.From Bighorn River to Butte, Montana, the top 10 exotic fishing destinations weave a tapestry of angling dreams, enticing both seasoned fishermen and novices alike. The state is home to many trout-filled rivers that attract fishermen from all over the nation.For those who seek more than just a tug on the line, these places will offer you the best experiences.
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Top Fishing Destinations in Montana

The Bighorn River

This river was opened to the public in 1989. Since then, it has earned a reputation for hosting different trout species, including rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and bull trout. With its high fish population per mile and excellent fishing every month, this blue-ribbon river attracts fly fishers from across the nation.

Below the Afterbay Dam and the 3-mile Access Point, the Bighorn River flows through a series of deep pools and back channels behind islands. The River is full of run-and-wade opportunities, but the best anglers go down from Afterbay to Mallard’s Landing.

This section of the river has less fishing pressure than the upper 13 miles and offers plenty of “Montana solitude.” That being said, the river bottom does contain a thick mat of aquatic moss (also known as cabbage, salad, or green goop), which can cause visibility issues.

During its active growth season, this moss can be a significant inconvenience and a severe concern for anglers who choose to wade the river.

Top places to visit for fishing in Montana

The Clark Fork River

The Deer Lodge River, one of Montana's big fly-fishing rivers, starts from Rock Creek near Lake Pend Oreille. As it flows, the river gathers water from smaller mountain streams and has a large area where it collects water. This creates a significant and fast river in some sections and slow and deep in others. For this reason, the river offers many opportunities to anglers.

It is also known for offering some of the best "match the hatch" dry fly fishing in Montana. The river is home to various trout species, including our native West Slope cutthroat trout and the sought-after rainbow trout.
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The Missouri River

The Missouri River is a top fly fishing destination in Montana. This wild waterway is known for its pristine wilderness and trout population. It is also home to several popular fly fishing destinations, such as Helena and Bozeman.

The Madison River near the Missouri is another destination that attracts anglers worldwide. This 183-mile stretch of river offers a wide variety of scenery and hatches. It is also an excellent spot for beginners and experts alike.

This is one of Montana's best places to fish for large trout. It also hosts the annual Big Sky Trout Tournament every October, the largest fly fishing event in the state.
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Hebgen Lake

Montana offers plenty of opportunities to fly fish in its rivers and spring creeks, but the state also has its fair share of top-flight still waters. Hebgen Lake is no exception.

This massive reservoir of the Madison River, built in 1914 by Hebgen Dam, is renowned for its trophy trout fishing. Hebgen is also a recreational hotspot, with a boating season from late May until early October. During the summer, many fly fishing trips visit this lake, and campers can stay in the many cabins that dot the shorelines or at one of the dozens of campgrounds.

Hebgen is only a few miles north of West Yellowstone, the western entrance to YNP, and provides a perfect vacation spot just outside the park.
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Dillon, Montana

Dillon is a trout-lover's paradise in a sweeping valley on the edges of the mountains. It is home to blue-ribbon fly fishing and a downtown that preserves its Old West heritage. Wild areas surround the town and are a gateway to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.

The Beaverhead River is a great place to fish for trophy trout, located within Dillon. This river is a classic example of a fast-flowing riverbed filled with boulders, creating small pockets of water and riffles. It's a paradise for anglers, with plentiful rainbow and brown trout eagerly taking dry flies.
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Clark Canyon Reservoir

Another option for fly fishing is the Clark Canyon Reservoir. This reservoir is one of the popular boating and Montana Fly Fishing Rivers, especially during the summer. The reservoir's expansive waters provide ample space for boating and fishing, attracting recreational boaters and serious anglers alike.

Whether casting from the shore or drifting in a boat, anglers can enjoy the tranquility of the reservoir while trying their luck at catching trophy-sized trout. It is surrounded by stunning scenery and the location of Camp Fortunate, a critical Lewis and Clark trail site. It is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the region's history.
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Butte Montana

This is the historic mining city of Butte, located in Southwest Montana, between Glacier and Yellowstone National Park. Today, visitors to Butte can explore the city's rich history by wandering through its well-maintained Victorian uptown business district and admiring its grand mansions.

The town’s rich mining heritage is reflected in its art, culture, and festivals, and its iconic architecture is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Navigating Butte is simple, thanks to two Interstates and picturesque state highways extending in all directions from the city, along with local spots and roads branching off in various directions.

Nearby recreational opportunities include trout fishing, world-class golf, hiking, soaking in commercial hot springs, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting, and snowmobiling. This is the perfect off-the-beaten-path destination for group travel and an excellent base for exploring the surrounding mountain ranges, scenic natural attractions, and Western experiences.
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Gallatin River

This is one the most famous rivers because of its abundance of trout, particularly rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout, all because of the cold and deep waters. The river is easily accessible from various points along Highway 191, parallel to significant stretches of the Gallatin. This accessibility makes it convenient for anglers to access different river sections.
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Yellowstone River

If you are looking for a peaceful place to fly fish, the Yellowstone River will be your favorite fishing destination in Montana. The river is one of the longest undammed rivers in the contiguous United States, stretching over 670 miles. Its vast size allows anglers to explore different sections and habitats.

Like the Gallatin River, the Yellowstone River is home to a healthy population of trout, including rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and native Yellowstone cutthroat trout. These trout thrive in the river's cold, clear waters, offering anglers opportunities for successful fishing.
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Smith River

Smith River is a popular fishing destination in Montana. It is known as the most significant salmon fish, which can weigh up to 50 pounds, while the average large size of this fish is only 18 - 25 pounds. The largest recorded king salmon from the Smith River weighed an impressive 86 pounds. Steelhead fishing during the winter is also highly anticipated, with the Smith River boasting some of California's largest steelhead, including a record-breaking 27-pound catch.
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Conclusion

Are you ready to experience the thrill of world-class fly fishing amidst Montana's breathtaking landscapes? Look no further than Frontier Anglers, your trusted guide for the best fly fishing trips. We provide Fishing Guides on different rivers in Montana, including Cherokee - Holston River, Douglas - French Broad River, Norris - Clinch River, Little River, Pigeon River, and Caney Fork River. Contact Us Now!

Top 10 Exotic Fishing Destinations You Must Experience