Help Protect Montana Natives—Fish That Is

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Montana’s native fish populations are one of the state’s “treasures.” Westslope cutthroat trout, Yellowstone cutthroat trout, the threatened bull trout, and artic grayling are considered “species of special concern” by the state due to population declines, reduced distribution, the shrinking of traditional habitats and other factors. In most waters these native species cannot be harvested, and anglers may not intentionally fish for bull trout except for certain times of the year in a few waters in northwestern Montana.

Cutthroat trout are often mistaken for rainbow trout. Anglers can identify the cutthroat trout by turning the fish over and looking under the jaw. If the trout has a red or orange stripe under the jaw it is a cutthroat trout.   Cutthroat trout must be released immediately on many Montana waters.  

Check the fishing district regulations to learn where you can fish for cutthroat trout. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Park’s fishing regulations booklet has guidelines on successful catch and release techniques, as well as detailed fishing regulations.

It is unlawful to intentionally fish for bull trout in any waters except Swan Lake, Hungry Horse Reservoir, Lake Koocanusa and the South Forth of the Flathead River, all in northwestern Montana.

Hungry Horse, Koocanusa Reservoir and the South Fork of the Flathead are open for a regulated and experimental bull-trout angling season. When fishing for bull trout on these three waters, each angler must carry with them a valid bull trout catch card for the water being fished. The cards are free of charge, but must be applied for at the FWP Kalispell regional office or online at www.fwp.state.mt.us . For details, see the 2004 FWP fishing regulations.

  Bull trout are frequently mistaken for brook trout or lake trout.   The FWP fishing regulations booklet provides color, high-resolution photos to help anglers distinguish bull trout.  

A bull trout, like a brook trout, has white on the front or leading edge of the lower fins. To identify bull trout, check the dorsal or top fin to be sure it is a clear olive color with no black spots or dark wavy lines.   Remember, no black on the upper fin—put it back.

Anglers can learn more about identifying bull trout by going to FWP’s home page at www.fwp.state.mt.us under Fishing and clicking on Education.