Rainbow Trout
The rainbow trout is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, but it has been introduced to Montana. Rainbow trout thrive in cold, clear water, and Montana’s rivers and streams provide ideal habitat for them. These fish are known for their spirited fight, often displaying impressive acrobatics. Rainbow trout can grow large, with some surpassing the 25-inch mark in the Land of Giants section of the Missouri River. The Rainbow trout is one of the most recognizable fish in the state’s rivers. A broad band of pink to red along the lateral line, often accented with a soft purple sheen. The back is typically olive to blue-green, while the sides and belly lighten to silver, all covered with small black spots that extend onto the tail. This combination of color and pattern makes the rainbow both striking and easy to identify.
Brown Trout
Brown trout were first introduced to Montana in the late 1800s and have since become established throughout much of the state. They are highly sought after by fly anglers for their fighting ability and tendency to feed aggressively. Brown trout can thrive in small streams, where they may only reach a few inches in length, to large rivers and lakes, where they can grow to over 30 inches long. They have beautiful coloring that can vary depending on their environment. Browns typically have an olive-brown back with yellowish sides and a creamy or white belly, depending on their habitat and diet.
Cutthroat Trout
Cutthroat trout are a species of freshwater fish native to western North America, including Montana. Montana’s rivers hold several subspecies of cutthroat trout, including the Westslope and Yellowstone cutthroat. Cutthroat trout have a distinctive appearance, with dark spots on their back and sides and a red, orange, or pink slash mark under their lower jaw. They typically grow between 10 and 20 inches in length, but can reach up to 30 inches in some cases.
Kokanee Salmon
Kokanee salmon, also known as landlocked sockeye salmon, are a freshwater variant of the iconic Pacific salmon species. Renowned for their hard fighting and delicious taste, Kokanee are a prized catch among anglers. In Holter Reservoir, these salmon thrive in the cold, clear waters, spending their entire lives in freshwater, unlike their anadromous relatives who migrate to the ocean. Anglers prize them for their vibrant red coloration, which deepens during the spawning season. We target these fish in Holter Reservoir and the Land of Giants section of the Missouri River.
Montana Bull Trout
The Montana Bull Trout is typically found in cold, clear rivers and streams, such as the Big Blackfoot. They are known for their large size, with adults commonly reaching lengths of 20–30 inches. They have a distinctive appearance, featuring a broad head, large mouth, and spotted body. Colors that range from olive-green to blue-gray.
Montana Bull Trout are a threatened species and have limits and restrictions in place for their protection. Habitat loss and competition with non-native fish species have negatively impacted populations. Bull trout are also vulnerable to warmer water temperatures and reduced stream flows, both of which can affect their survival. Conservation efforts for Montana Bull Trout include habitat restoration, reintroduction programs, and fishing regulations designed to protect the species.
Brook Trout
Brook trout boast vibrant colors and a feisty nature, making them one of Montana’s most treasured species. Found throughout the crystal-clear waters of the state’s mountain streams and lakes, the brook trout thrives in these pristine environments. With their distinctive pattern of red dots surrounded by blue halos on an olive-green and gold background, they are truly a sight to behold. Additionally, their fins are tipped with striking white edges, adding to their unmistakable beauty. Because Montana’s rivers and creeks are fed by snowmelt, they provide the cold, clean water essential for this cold-water species to flourish. From high alpine lakes to small meadow streams and secluded ponds, brook trout can be found in a variety of habitats across the state. Altogether, these conditions create a perfect setting for one of Montana’s most iconic fish.