Bull trout are icons of wild places and remind us why we love Montana. But to thrive they need colder water than other trout and that can be hard to find, especially in summer and in late August when they begin spawning.
Anglers can help by taking precautions not to target bull trout this time of year and by avoiding areas and angling techniques that might lead to an accidental catch. Remember, it’s illegal to intentionally fish for bull trout in most of Montana. Bull trout are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
It’s not uncommon for bull trout to congregate where conditions are comfortable for them, like pools in a river where spring water can help keep temperatures down, or the mouths of tributary creeks where water is cooler. And while it might be tempting to cast a line to a group of large trout, angling can add additional stress or even mortality that some populations can’t tolerate.
“If you do catch a bull trout, land and release the fish quickly and keep it in the water as much as possible,” said Region 2 Fish Manager Pat Saffel. “We’re relying on the judgment and practices of our anglers to help conserve this iconic species in Montana. Negative impacts to bull trout from anglers could lead to additional angling restrictions or even closures in some places.”
This summer FWP released a new bull trout identification test that can help anglers learn to distinguish them from other species, like brook trout.
Bull trout are often in the same places as other trout, so if you are fishing and see or even catch a bull trout incidentally you should consider leaving the area or changing your fishing tactics to reduce your chances of catching a bull trout. Dry flies are less likely to catch bull trout than lures, flies, streamers or bait that are submerged.
Bull trout are found in the Clark Fork and Flathead drainages of western Montana. But their habitat is declining due to warming temperatures. Adults can tolerate water up to 65 degrees, but young bull trout can’t survive temperatures above 60 degrees and prefer a chilly 50 to 55 degrees. Give bull trout their space in the cool, clear water.
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