Nowhere else on Earth that is better known for its superb fly fishing than Montana. Montana boasts many fly fishing rivers that are quite simply a cut above the rest and an outing to one of these rivers is definitely bring some trophy sized trout and create some memories that will last a lifetime.

The biggest problem is though, with so many great fly fishing rivers to choose from in Montana, how do you know which ones are the best? While you really can’t go wrong in Montana when it comes to fly fishing there are three rivers in particular that are known by fly fishermen everywhere and are consistently receiving rave reviews by those who are looking for players and those who simply enjoy to catch and release. These three magnificent Montana rivers are as follows:

1. The Flathead River: The Flathead River in Northwestern Montana is the first river that those in the know will bring up every time. Trout fishing in the South Fork of the Flathead is outstanding for two main reasons. The first is the fact that Montana officials have set limits to the fish that can be kept and many fly fishermen therefore struggle to find trout that are small enough to keep. The second reason for the great fly fishing is the fact that the river is somewhat remote and sometimes getting to that perfect spot is a job in itself. However, the fish are not as pressured as they are in other rivers and therefore are very susceptible to many different types of flies.

2. Clark Fork River: The Clark Fork River is located in Western Montana and is, in one word, exciting when it comes to fly fishing. Because the river is very long running at over 300 miles, the lower parts hold great habitats for fish to thrive in and thus provide a great place for fishermen to fish. Fly fishing and regular fishing will be greatly rewarded when a visit to the Clark Fork River is enjoyed.

3. Yellowstone River: The Yellowstone River is in Southwest Montana and originates of course in Yellowstone National Park. Because the Yellowstone River stretches such a big portion of Montana’s landscape fly fishermen never really struggle with catching trout, but rather where they will begin and which trout they will count towards their limit. Add in the unbelievably beautiful scenery that surrounds the Yellowstone River and it is a true can’t miss combination.

While there are many other rivers in the state of Montana that will produce many strikes to your fly fishing rig, these three will provide fish time and time again. All three also offer a good variety of fishing guides who can be hired by you or your group to ensure that you are led to the perfect trout hot spot. Just as other states are known for certain activities, when it comes to great fly fishing, there is nothing that compares to the wonderful rivers of Montana.

When you think of trout fishing, you automatically think of the state of Montana. Montana and ‘trout fishing’ fit together like Ohio State and losing national championships. The bottom line is that trout fishing and Montana have become almost synonymous. Montana has hundreds of thousands of miles of river and streams for trout fishing, including some of the most famous blue ribbon trout waters in the United States. Trophy trout are a common occurrence in Montana waters. It’s a true story that the state of Montana is truly a trout angler’s paradise.

All of the main varieties of trout can be found in Montana from Billings to Missoula, and north to Kalispell. Trout are planted by the Montana fish wildlife & parks, and the number of ‘native’ trout is unmatched anywhere in the country. If you’re a flea flicker, Montana has what you’re looking for and if you’re a bait fisherman, Montana can accommodate you as well. Paying attention to local regulations is key, because as usual the flea flickers seem to get preferential treatment.

There are entirely too many great trout waters within the state of Montana to list, but some of the most popular are the Big Horn and Gallatin rivers. If you have to visit only one are within the state for trout fishing, the town of Bozeman would be your best bet. Bozeman has more than four blue ribbon trout waters within easy access, and more guides available than you can imagine. You can’t swing a dead cat in the Bozeman area, without hitting a fly fishing guide.

The scenery that Montana has to offer while fishing, especially from Bozeman west is as good as can be found anywhere on earth. This adds to the allure of Montana trout fishing and in some of the more remote area’s a bear attack is never out of the question, which adds to the excitement factor as well. That’s right, you don’t have to go to Alaska to “feel the excitement” of fishing in the same area’s that grizzly bears reside. If you use your basic fishing skills, like always fishing when the trout are the most active by paying attention to the weather & moon, it will do nothing but help you when trout fishing in Montana. The principles are all the same, it’s simply that in Montana the trout are bigger and more prevalent.