Rainbow trout from the Clark Fork River
Wapiti Waters photo (Jack Mauer)

Fly fishing is a popular past-time for Montana residents and visitors. In the summer as more people get out and the weather heats up, there are a few things to remember.

• Read up on the regulations for specific locations
• Learn to identify local fish species and identifying marks
• Use barbless hooks, preferably single
• Avoid fishing in hot weather and high water temperatures
• Practicing quick release techniques

Most of Montana's best-known fish are not native to Montana, but were introduced by newcomers as sport fish. These exotic fish include rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, largemouth bass, and walleye. According to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks of the 85 species present in Montana waters, 56 species of native fish still inhabit Montana. Some of these are facing a long and difficult fight for survival. Montana's native fish adapted to a life in mountain and prairie streams over thousands of years, surviving wild spring floods, summer droughts, and long, cold winters. The cycle of life has changed for Montana's native fish. Construction of dwellings, towns and dams and farmland irrigation practices are some of the ways humans have diminished and changed habitat. Planned and unplanned introductions of non-native fish have added new challenges to their struggle for survival in Montana waters. Many Montanans are rallying to learn more about and protect their precious native fish.

There are two notable fish that should not be targeted as game fish. One is the fluvial Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus), a Species of Concern. The adfluvial populations are common in the western half of Montana but the fluvial life form is reduced to a single, native population in the Big Hole River in southwest Montana. The second is the bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), a Montana Species of Concern and was listed as "threatened" by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1998. Bull trout are found in the Clark Fork and Flathead drainages. It is fairly likely for anglers to see them on the Blackfoot River.

Below is a table of contents for current articles and photos of popular game fish species in Montana by Merle Ann Loman on Examiner.com.

Popular game fish species in Montana

Photo by Merle Ann Loman	About rainbow trout in Montana Exotic species (introduced) The rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is a species of salmonid. It is found over much of Montana and is native in the United States and Asia in... Keep Reading »
Photo by Merle Ann Loman	About brown trout in Montana Exotic species (introduced) Fall brings cooler temperatures that cue brilliant foliage, migrating geese and spawning brown trout. Brown trout (Salmo trutta) is an exotic... Keep Reading »
Photo by Merle Ann Loman	About brook trout in Montana Exotic species (introduced) The brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) is not really a trout. Though commonly called a trout, the brook trout is actually a char, along with lake... Keep Reading »
Photo by Merle Ann Loman	About cutthroat trout in Montana Native fish, species of concern (release quickly) The cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) is a species of salmonid and is native to western North America. It is the Montana state fish. There are... Keep Reading »
Photo by Merle Ann Loman	Fishing for northern pike on the Bitterroot River in Montana Native fish Northern Pike (Esox lucius) is native to Montana only in the Saskatchewan River drainage on the east side of Glacier Park. However, widespread introduction, both legal and illegal, now makes the northern pike a common gamefish statewide except for southwest Montana. Keep Reading »

• More articles about fish and insect hatches in Montana
  

  
  

Click the links below for articles about western Montana rivers:

• Bitterroot River | Big Hole River | Blackfoot River | Clark Fork River | Missouri River
• Montana Fly Fishing Blog - entries about western Montana rivers, fishing, hatches and more

Merle’s SmugMug photo site – More fishing and river photos in higher resolution

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