UTERArctic grayling fishing in Montana freshwater
In Montana freshwater, Arctic grayling peak April and June–September and are around April–October, spawning in April, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: Big Hole River grayling spawn — native fish, catch-and-release; summer heat closures happen.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Arctic grayling in Montana freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilSpawningBig Hole River grayling spawn — native fish, catch-and-release; summer heat closures happen.
- MayAround
- JunePeak
- JulyPeakMountain lakes with stocked grayling.
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberAround
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish Arctic grayling near Madison River, Missouri River (Craig), Bighorn River
Blue-ribbon trout rivers — the Madison, the Missouri, the Bighorn, the Yellowstone — native grayling in the Big Hole, Flathead's lake trout, and the plains reservoirs' walleye and paddlefish.
What to use for Arctic grayling
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 36–64°F water, best at 45–58°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch Arctic grayling in Montana freshwater?
Peak season is April and June–September, with fish spawning in April (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Arctic grayling are in Montana freshwater April–October. April: Big Hole River grayling spawn — native fish, catch-and-release; summer heat closures happen.
Where do Arctic grayling hold in Montana freshwater?
Look on creek / stream, river, lake — around Madison River, Missouri River (Craig), Bighorn River, Big Hole River, Yellowstone River, Flathead Lake.
What is the best bait for Arctic grayling in Montana freshwater?
Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for Arctic grayling in Montana freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (Montana FWP) and change — read the current rule at https://fwp.mt.gov/fish/regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
Fish Scouter scores Arctic grayling for this hour on this water, draws every reef, wreck and access point near you, and keeps your spots. $9.99 a month, 14 days free.
Start 14 free daysMore
All about Arctic grayling · Montana fresh water, the whole year