UTERPaddlefish fishing in Montana freshwater
In Montana freshwater, paddlefish are on May–June, spawning in May–June, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. May: Yellowstone River at Intake — snagging opens mid-May.
Not in Montana freshwater this month.
Paddlefish in Montana freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MaySpawningYellowstone River at Intake — snagging opens mid-May.
- JuneSpawningMissouri below Fort Peck.
- JulyNot here
- AugustNot here
- SeptemberNot here
- OctoberNot here
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish paddlefish 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 paddlefish
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 45–75°F water, best at 50–65°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch paddlefish in Montana freshwater?
Peak season is May–June, with fish spawning in May–June (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Paddlefish are in Montana freshwater May–June. May: Yellowstone River at Intake — snagging opens mid-May.
Where do paddlefish hold in Montana freshwater?
Look on river, reservoir — around Madison River, Missouri River (Craig), Bighorn River, Big Hole River, Yellowstone River, Flathead Lake.
What is the best bait for paddlefish 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 paddlefish 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 paddlefish 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 paddlefish · Montana fresh water, the whole year