UTERLake trout fishing in Montana freshwater
In Montana freshwater, lake trout peak January–March and May–June and October and are around year-round, spawning in October, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. May: Flathead Lake — the biggest lake trout fishery in the West.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Lake trout in Montana freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeak
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchPeak
- AprilAround
- MayPeakFlathead Lake — the biggest lake trout fishery in the West.
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberSpawning
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish lake 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 lake trout
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 34–60°F water, best at 44–54°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch lake trout in Montana freshwater?
Peak season is January–March and May–June and October, with fish spawning in October (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Lake trout are here year-round. May: Flathead Lake — the biggest lake trout fishery in the West.
Where do lake trout hold in Montana freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir — around Madison River, Missouri River (Craig), Bighorn River, Big Hole River, Yellowstone River, Flathead Lake.
What is the best bait for lake trout in Montana freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners). Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. 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 lake 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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