UTERRainbow trout fishing in Montana freshwater
In Montana freshwater, rainbow trout peak March–April and June–October and are around year-round, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: Salmonfly hatch on the Madison and the Big Hole.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Rainbow trout in Montana freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchPeak
- AprilPeak
- MayAround
- JunePeakSalmonfly hatch on the Madison and the Big Hole.
- JulyPeakMissouri below Holter and the Bighorn — summer dries.
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish rainbow 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 rainbow 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.
- Wax wormsOne or two on a tiny ice jig or a #10 hook for bluegill, perch and crappie, under the ice or a float.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 36–70°F water, best at 48–62°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch rainbow trout in Montana freshwater?
Peak season is March–April and June–October. Rainbow trout are here year-round. June: Salmonfly hatch on the Madison and the Big Hole.
Where do rainbow trout hold in Montana freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir, pond / pit — around Madison River, Missouri River (Craig), Bighorn River, Big Hole River, Yellowstone River, Flathead Lake.
What is the best bait for rainbow trout in Montana freshwater?
Live bait: nightcrawlers, salmon eggs (roe), wax worms. 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 rainbow 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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