Planning a Montana fishing trip but unsure whether to fish rivers or lakes? Both offer incredible experiences, but they're quite different. Here's what you need to know to choose the right adventure for your group.
River Fishing: The Classic Montana Experience
Montana's legendary rivers like the Flathead, Blackfoot, and Clark Fork offer the quintessential fly fishing experience. Wading through pristine waters with the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop is what many anglers dream about.
What You'll Catch
Rivers hold rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brown trout, and bull trout. Fish typically range from 12-18 inches, with trophy browns over 20 inches possible in the right conditions.
Fishing Style
River fishing is active and engaging. You'll wade through different runs and pools, reading the water to find where trout are holding. Techniques include dry fly fishing during hatches, nymphing in deeper water, and streamer fishing for aggressive fish.
Best For
- Anglers who want the classic fly fishing experience
- Those who enjoy wading and/or drift boat, and moving through different water
- Dry fly enthusiasts who love matching the hatch
- Photographers seeking scenic backdrops
- Groups comfortable with moderate physical activity
Season
Best from June through October. Spring runoff (May-early June) can make rivers unfishable. Fall offers excellent fishing with fewer crowds.
Lake Fishing: Trophy Opportunities
Flathead Lake and Montana's mountain lakes offer a completely different experience focused on trophy fish and comfortable fishing from a boat.
What You'll Catch
Lake trout are the main attraction on Flathead Lake, with fish regularly exceeding 20 pounds and trophy fish over 40 pounds possible. Mountain lakes hold cutthroat trout, while Flathead Lake also has yellow perch and whitefish.
Fishing Style
Lake fishing is done from our comfortable, heated boats using downriggers and specialized lake fishing techniques. It's more relaxed than river fishing, with less physical demand. You'll cover water by boat rather than on foot.
Best For
- Anglers targeting trophy-sized fish
- Groups with varying physical abilities
- Those who prefer fishing from a boat
- Winter fishing enthusiasts (lakes fish well year-round)
- Families with children or older anglers
- Anyone who wants a more relaxed fishing experience
Season
Year-round fishing available. Winter (January-March) is actually prime time for trophy lake trout on Flathead Lake.
Making Your Decision
Choose River Fishing If:
- You want the traditional Montana fly fishing experience
- You're visiting during summer months (June-September)
- You enjoy active, drift boat and/or wade fishing
- Catching multiple fish is more important than trophy size
- You want to fish during a hatch with dry flies
Choose Lake Fishing If:
- You're targeting trophy fish over 20 pounds
- You're visiting during winter or early spring
- You prefer a more comfortable, boat-based experience
- Your group has varying physical abilities
- You want year-round fishing opportunities
Why Not Both?
Many of our clients book both experiences during their Montana visit. A river trip one day and a lake charter the next gives you the full spectrum of what Montana fishing offers. You'll experience different techniques, target different species, and maximize your chances of landing your dream fish.
Explore our guided fishing trips to see all available options, or contact us to create a custom multi-day package combining river and lake fishing.
Book Your Montana Fishing Adventure
Whether you choose rivers, lakes, or both, Riverstone Outfitters provides expert guides, quality equipment, and local knowledge to ensure an unforgettable experience. We fish year-round and can recommend the best option based on your visit dates, experience level, and fishing goals.
Contact us today to plan your perfect Montana fishing trip.