If you had to fish in just one place in Montana, where would it be? This is a tough question. Many decisions would be made because of the style of fishing that you prefer.
If you are a Catch and Release fly fisherman, you would make the Upper Madison River your home.
An ice fisherman might consider Georgetown Lake their last best place. You can catch huge rainbows and Brook trout in this lake, which is usually the first to freeze up. Kokanee salmon are also a desired catch.
Trollers might consider Canyon Ferry or the Flathead the go to destination.
Snaggers that enjoy paddlefish would be along the lower Missouri River.
For warm water species, Tongue Reservoir is tough to beat. Crappie, bass, and other species are abundant.
Walleye guys would debate about the best place for a fish. Holter and Fort Peck are in the running along with Tiber, Nelson reservoirs. A couple of these reservoirs are where the last two state records came from for walleye/
Lake trout are a Flathead Lake and Fort Peck destination. There are also whitefish and other fun fish to catch in Flathead Lake
Cat fishermen are looking at dam outflows along the Missouri River or along the lower Yellowstone River.
The best place in Montana needs to have the biggest fish and the most diversity. The fishing needs to be less crowded and offers options for year-round fishing. This means one Last Best Place.
Fort Peck Reservoir offers the most of everything a sportsman desires. You can hook up salmon, walleye. Pike, trout, and many other wonderful species. Each species and season mean a different challenge. The chance for a state record is possible. The reservoir is huge and not crowded.
The Captain from the Montana Outdoor Radio Show loves fishing in this wonderful watershed. He has worn out a couple boats and plenty of tackle challenging this fishing Hot Spot. His species bucket list is huge and long.
Fishing anywhere is just fun!
Montana Grant
