Montana Trout Fishing - Species

For the fishing enthusiast, Montana provides world class opportunities. Montana is home to alot of different species of fish, but by far the most famous of these is the trout. People from all parts of the world visit the area to experience the beautiful elegance of fly fishing on Montana's pristine creeks, rivers or lakes.

Montana's trout species include Rainbow, Brown, Brook, Lake, Bull, and Cutthroat Trout. The native species are Cutthroat, Rainbow, Bull and Lake Trout. Trout species feed on aquatic insects, like the larval stages of mayflies and dragonflies, and freshwater crutaceans like scuds. They also eat insects that live on land, like grasshoppers and ants. Large adult trout can even be piscivorous, fish eating.

Trout spawn to reproduce themselves. Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout spawn in the spring. The fish start beefing up on food in early spring and then begin laying eggs in late spring. Brown, Bull, Lake and Brook Trout all spawn in the fall. Trout will actually search out a tributary or a smaller stream or creek that will serve as a good spawning area.

The young trout are vunerable when they hatch because of their small size and the potential of being eaten is great. In an effort to survive, the fingerlings will continue residing in their native waters of the small tributary, seeking cover in shallow areas until they are large enough to defend themselves in larger waters. Trout grow in relation to their environment. Therefore, a trout living in a river with good mineral content that supports lots of aquatic organisms will grow much faster than a trout living in an alpine lake where the winter last much longer.

Several variables are important for the growth of trout. Water quality is the most important, a stream free of pollution and other environmental impacts will support lots of large healthy and vibrant fish, while a polluted stream can hardly support any healthy trout. This is the same for the aquatic life present in these waters. You are what you eat and a scud fed trout will be a large trout. These freshwater crustaceans are plentiful and are rich in nutrients. If a trout is feeding on grasshoppers and stone flies, the fish are going to be healthy and fat, especially if the hatch is strong and the number of insects are plentiful.

Montana is a very popular destination for trout fishing. The most desirable trout are Rainbow and Brown Trout. Rainbows put up a great fight, especially the larger ones. When they strick the fly, the race is on. They immediately start running and that is the fun in fly fishing, the hunt and the chase. The Browns are usually the largest in size for all trout. Many trophy browns have been caught in Montana.

Over the years, trout have been placed in danger due to dams and other habitat alterations, the introduction of non-native fish, disease, and over fishing. Research and management programs have been created to work soley for the protection of this once thriving trout population. Today, we see certain species in danger, scarce in most of their native ranges. Everyone must do their part. The cooperation of fishermen and industry in complying with special regulations are imperative to preserve the intergrity of the Montana trout.