UTERCutthroat trout fishing in Montana freshwater
In Montana freshwater, cutthroat trout peak May–October and are around year-round, spawning in May–June, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. July: Westslope cutts on the Blackfoot and the North Fork Flathead.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Cutthroat trout in Montana freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilAround
- MaySpawning
- JuneSpawning
- JulyPeakWestslope cutts on the Blackfoot and the North Fork Flathead.
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish cutthroat trout 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 cutthroat trout
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Salmon eggs (roe)A dime-sized spawn sac tied in mesh, or single eggs on a #10 to #6 egg hook, drifted along the bottom for steelhead, trout and salmon. Check the state's rule — bait is banned on many trout and salmon waters.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 36–68°F water, best at 46–60°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch cutthroat trout in Montana freshwater?
Peak season is May–October, with fish spawning in May–June (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Cutthroat trout are here year-round. July: Westslope cutts on the Blackfoot and the North Fork Flathead.
Where do cutthroat trout hold in Montana freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir — around Madison River, Missouri River (Craig), Bighorn River, Big Hole River, Yellowstone River, Flathead Lake.
What is the best bait for cutthroat trout in Montana freshwater?
Live bait: nightcrawlers, salmon eggs (roe). Nightcrawlers: Whole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water. 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 cutthroat trout 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.
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