Species / Cutthroat Trout / Montana
Trout & Salmon
Cutthroat Trout Fishing in Montana
The native trout of the interior and coastal West, with Yellowstone, westslope, Lahontan, greenback, and coastal subspecies. Cutthroat rise readily to dry flies in summer.
Best Months: Jun to Sep
Plan by Month
Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Cutthroat Trout
3 picks for October.
Parachute Adams #12-20
FlyDry Fly
Shop This FlyPat's Rubber Legs #4-10
FlyNymph
Shop This FlyWoolly Bugger #2-10
FlyStreamer
Shop This Fly
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Rod & Reel
Cutthroat Trout Setup
Cutthroat Trout
Fly 9 ft 5 wt rod, floating line, 9 ft 4X leader. Big foam dries and hoppers in summer.
Spin / Cast 6.5 ft light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 4 to 6 lb line.
Montana
Where to Catch Cutthroat Trout
Rivers & Streams · Montana
Blackfoot River
The river of A River Runs Through It, with native westslope cutthroat.
Rainbow Trout · Brown Trout · Cutthroat Trout
Rivers & Streams · Montana
Clark Fork River
A big western Montana river through Missoula with strong dry fly fishing.
Rainbow Trout · Brown Trout · Cutthroat Trout
Rivers & Streams · Montana
Yellowstone River
Longest free-flowing river in the lower 48. Paradise Valley floats, big dries, and native cutthroat upstream.
Yellowstone cutthroat · Brown trout · Rainbow trout
Montana
Shops to Stock Up
Bass Pro Shops
Billings, Montana
The fishing department carries conventional tackle, bait, fly-fishing gear and ice-fishing equipment.
Recommended
Gear for Cutthroat Trout
Fly Rods
Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod
A smooth, moderate-action rod that is forgiving for new casters and protects light tippet.
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Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit
A complete rod, reel, and line outfit that covers most trout water and small-stream bass.
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Redington Behemoth Fly Reel
A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.
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RIO Gold Fly Line
A trout line that casts dries delicately and turns over nymph rigs.
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Scientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line
A smooth-shooting, all-around freshwater line.
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RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet
Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.
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RIO Tapered Trout Leaders
Nine foot tapered leaders in 3X to 6X for dries and nymphs.
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Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.
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Simms Freestone Wading Boots
Supportive boots with good grip on slick rock.
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Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.
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Trout Fly Assortment
A starter mix of proven dries and nymphs for Western and Eastern trout water.
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