Freestone trout fishing is second to none. Primarily in western Montana, freestone streams full of self-sustaining trout populations are around every corner.  The waters team with browns, rainbows, brookies, whitefish, and of course the native species which include cutthroat, bull trout, and in select rivers even grayling. The fact that these are real fish, without minnowhood surrounded by cement walls, fed pellets instead of bugs, makes them somehow more satisfying to catch. Not to mention, never knowing what flavor or trout will come to the net adds a little spice. 

There are a number of tailwaters throughout Montana.  When cabin fever is bringing you down, and your home river or creek is covered by solid water, you can always count on a tailwater to provide plenty of liquid water to play with.  Low water temperatures tend to leave fish sluggish, and air temperatures may freeze your line in the guides every few casts, but there's always a fish or two that will provide therapy.  These are the fish that have the longest growing seasons, copious amounts of food, and have embraced out nation's obesity epidemic.  Every year, people catch fish that reach into the double digits (and we're not talking inches) in several of these fisheries.  These fish can be played with for most of the year, from streamer fishing for spawners near the dam in spring and fall; to long, light tippet and size #20 dries in the flat water in August.

Natural lakes and reservoirs are scattered liberally throughout Montana. Many lakes and reservoirs  have self-sustaining rainbow trout population, though they may be stocked periodically.  A number of the alpine waters are home to native cutts, but stocked brookies, grayling, and even goldens can be found.  Flathead Lake harbors some of the best trophy lake fishing in the lower 48.  Most of the larger reservoirs are better fished with boats and conventional trolling or jigging, but occasionally some of these hawgs will move up in the shallows where a stealthy shore angler can have banner days.  In the winter, these waters typically ice up and the deeper, less accessible spots can be reached by everyone.

For the warm water angler, there are opportunities statewide.  Many of the waters formerly known as outstanding trout fisheries, had little known, or have new populations of small and largemouth bass, walleye, pike, and various sunfish and perch.  With the popularity of trout fishing in the last decade, many of these fisheries are largely untapped.  The central and eastern portions of Montana are mecca for large specimens of all these fish.  Many of the smaller rivers and lakes harbor all of these species as well as catfish, sturgeon, and even the prehistoric paddlefish in the Missouri River.  The possibility of landing a wallhanger is present in nearly every trip; in recent years, walleye in the range of fifteen pounds have been caught.

Regardless of fishing preference, there is something for everyone in Montana.  There are talented and experienced guides statewide that can facilitate great fishing, but the do-it-yourselfer can excel as well.  There are limitless challenges, from hiking twenty miles into the peaks to catch gorgeous cutthroat trout, or catching trophy browns and 'bows on flies smaller than a mosquito's beak.   There are also plenty of spots where the family can drive up, set out the lawn chairs and tent, and expect to be successful and have a good time.  With the diversity of scenery, species, and types of fishing, one could fish Montana for a lifetime and never get bored.