Bull Trout Regulations Montana
The Bull Trout is a voracious feeder and grows to very large sizes.
Bull trout regulations montana. All other waters in Montana are closed to intentional fishing for bull trout. Complete fishing regulations for Montana. When fishing for bull trout each angler must have in possession a valid Bull Trout Catch Card for the specific water heshe is fishing.
Bull trout range throughout the Columbia River and Snake River basins extending east to headwater streams in Montana and Idaho into Canada and in the Klamath River basin of south-central Oregon. 19022016 According to FWP Fishing regulations the active or intentional fishing for bull trout can only occur in the main stem South Fork Flathead River and only in the possession of a bull trout catch card. Montana fishing regulations state that anglers cannot even intentionally fish for bull trout in waters other than Swan Lake.
Anglers may select only one of the following areas. The bull trout is a threatened species and can reach 40 inches long. The South Fork of the Flathead River is one of the few places in the Lower 48 where it is legal to target bull trout.
Bull trout have exacting habitat demands requiring water temperatures generally below 55 F 13 C clean gravel beds deep pools complex cover such as snags and cut banks and large systems of interconnected waterways to accommodate spawning migrations. The Bull trout is native to Montana and is a fall spawner. Swan South Fork Flathead Kootenai Flathead and Blackfoot have responded well to more restrictive angling regulations or closures Tom Weaver personal communication and initial conservation efforts in Montana focused on such measures.
Any caught incidentally must be. No bull trout may be retained. 21022016 This is the only waterway that you can legally fish for bull trout in the State of Montana and the regulations are clear on this point.
A Lake Koocanusa or B Hungry Horse Reservoir and South Fork Flathead River. All other waters are closed to intentional angling for bull trout year around. Bull trout are also protected in other states where they live.