Trout Species
MONTANA – WORLD FAMOUS FOR TROUT FISHING!
Montana is famous for its fly fishing, so much so that every year people from
all over the world come to fish Montana for its trout. Indeed, most of Montana's
Blue Ribbon rivers and lakes hold so many varied species of trout in such
breathtakingly beautiful surroundings that movies like "A River Runs Through It"
and "Lonesome Dove II" have been shot in this state. more info
Other Related Listings: (add your listing)
Country West Ranch & Land - We Know Fishing
Experts in high-quality recreational properties for fishing, hunting, ranches & equestrian. Licensed in MT, WY, ID and CO for excellent selection and choices of properties.
(406) 586-9334
Fly Fishing a Creek
© Vertical Media
"Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it."
- NORMAN MACLEAN, A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT, 1976
Although Montana's state treasure is by far its different species of trout,
cutthroat, rainbow, bull, and lake trout are the state's native trout. These
species were discovered living in Montana's waters. European settlers introduced
other species of trout, including golden, brown and brook.
Further, while trout scientifically refers to a species of fish that come from
Eurasia, more commonly it is used to describe two other groups of fish,
salmonids and char.
TROUT SPECIES
True Trout
Brown
Salmonid
Cutthroat, Golden, Rainbow
Char
Brook, Bull, Lake
Annual fishing logs of 848 avid fishermen who fish in Montana informed Montana
Fish, Wildlife and Parks that the five most commonly caught fish during spring
and summer were rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, yellow perch and
kokanee salmon.
In winter, the top five most commonly caught fish were rainbow trout, brown
trout, yellow perch, kokanee salmon, and mountain whitefish.
"Here comes the trout that must be caught with tickling."
- WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, TWELFTH NIGHT
Fisherman on River
© Vertical Media
SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN
Initially there was a diverse native fish population in pre-settlement Montana,
but over the years a number of fish species have been placed in jeopardy.
Westslope cutthroat trout, Yellowstone cutthroat trout, bull trout, and the
Artic grayling are considered "species of special concern" by the state of
Montana. This is due to dams, a decline in traditional habitats, reduced
distribution, the introduction of non-native fish, disease, and over fishing.
While research and management programs are now being developed to save and
enhance these critical populations, the cooperation of fishermen in complying
with special regulations governing Montana's native fish will be vital to the
species' survival.
"I am not against golf, since I cannot but suspect it keeps armies of the
unworthy from discovering trout."
- PAUL O'NEIL
To protect Montana's superb trout fishing, fishermen ought to be aware of which
trout are endangered and how to identify them. For example, cutthroat trout can
often be mistaken for rainbow trout. Fishing enthusiasts can differentiate
between the two by flipping the fish over and looking under the jaw. If the
trout has a red or orange stripe under the jaw, then it is a cutthroat trout.
Many Montana waters require that the cutthroat trout be released immediately.
Also, it is unlawful to fish for bull trout except in specifically designated
waterways. A bull trout can easily be mistaken for brook trout or lake trout.
Like a brook trout, a bull trout has white on the front or leading edge of the
lower fins. To identify a bull trout, check that the dorsal or top fin is a
clear olive color with no black spots or dark wavy lines.
"It is only the inexperienced and thoughtless who find pleasure in killing fish
for the mere sake of killing them. No sportsman does this."
- W.C. PRIME, 1888
For the sake of maintaining legendary trout fishing local and visiting fishermen
should check their fishing district regulations to learn where they can fish for
which species.
With that done, grab your fishing gear and head for the water. Because it's
always great fishing in Montana!
Big Sky, MT Weather
Currently Outside 57FMostly cloudy. Refreshingly cool. |
