Montana Fishing: Top And Best Trout Streams
by
Gene Macri

I could start a riot with the top and best trout streams in Montana but here it goes. This is not to imply that there aren't other that deserve to be on the list but here's what I consider the best at this time:

Note this  list is not in any particular order!

• 1) Big Horn

• 2) Big Hole

• 3) Madison

• 4) The Beaverhead

• 5) The Gallatin

• 6) The Missouri

• 7) The Smith River

• 8) Yellowstone River

• 9) Rock Creek

• 10) Blackfoot River

The Big Horn still has great fly hatches and is still a top fishery. I know the crowds are there but that's the price you pay. The Big Hole was always the favorite of the late Tommy Thomas, Ross Trimmer and Joe Brooks. It still furnishes great fishing. The Madison is still one of the best streams in the country especially on the insane stonefly hatches. Just make sure you have a wading staff.

The Beaverhead still has large browns although they are tough and the scenery is awesome. The many areas of the Gallatin furnish not large but plentiful fish that will often rise to a dry fly.

The Missouri River between Houlter Dam and the where the Dearborn River dumps in, is one of the best areas to fish and has some good hatches. The Smith River is one of the better kept secrets in Montana due to access points.  It may be one of the state's finest rivers and the best way to fish it is by raft or drift boat.

The Yellowstone River is a magnificent place to fish for all levels of fishermen.  It has great wild populations of trout and great fly hatches. Rock Creek is another great stream with great hatches and nice fish.  It is not on most fly angler's radar so it's favorite of many locals and guides. The Blackfoot made famous by a River Runs Through It the movie and the novella,  has some how come back to life and I believe very worthy of your attention.