Montana is home to numerous lakes, each offering unique fishing opportunities. Here are some of the major fishing lakes in Montana:
Northwestern Montana
- Flathead Lake – The largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. It offers excellent fishing for lake trout, yellow perch, and whitefish.
- Whitefish Lake – Known for lake trout, whitefish, and northern pike.
- Lake McDonald (Glacier National Park) – Great for rainbow trout and bull trout.
- Hungry Horse Reservoir – Popular for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon.
- Swan Lake – Known for kokanee salmon, pike, and rainbow trout.
Southwestern Montana
- Canyon Ferry Lake – Offers rainbow trout, walleye, and yellow perch.
- Hebgen Lake – Famous for large rainbow and brown trout, particularly popular for ice fishing.
- Georgetown Lake – Excellent for rainbow trout, brook trout, and kokanee salmon.
- Clark Canyon Reservoir – Known for rainbow trout and brown trout.
- Holter Lake – Offers walleye, trout, and perch.
Central Montana
- Holter Reservoir – A popular spot for rainbow trout, walleye, and perch.
- Lake Elwell (Tiber Reservoir) – Known for walleye, northern pike, and sauger.
Eastern Montana
- Fort Peck Reservoir – One of Montana’s largest reservoirs, with diverse species like walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and catfish.
- Fresno Reservoir –
- Tongue River Reservoir – Great for crappie, walleye, and northern pike.
- Deadman’s Basin Reservoir – Offers a chance to catch rainbow trout and tiger muskie.
- Baker Lake – Known for northern pike and walleye.
South-Central Montana
- Cooney Reservoir – A popular spot for walleye, rainbow trout, and perch.
- Yellowtail Reservoir (Bighorn Lake) – Offers excellent fishing for trout, bass, and catfish.
These lakes are just a sampling of Montana’s many fishing spots. The state is also full of smaller alpine lakes, rivers, and streams that provide excellent opportunities for catching various fish species like trout, kokanee salmon, bass, and northern pike. Whether you’re into fly fishing or more traditional methods, Montana’s waterways offer something for everyone.