Anglers from around the world come to Montana to fish for Trout! Our state is home to several wild species of trout but home to only a few “Natives”. Wild trout naturally reproduces in our waters but are originally the result of stocked fish. Native trout evolved in Big Sky Country.
Montana trout are symbols of healthy waters and ecosystems. Like a canary in a coal mine, trout signal the quality of cold waters.
West slope Cutthroat Trout are Montana’s state, Native fish.The distinct red marks beneath their jaws are why they are named. It was said that competing Native Indian tribes marked these fish so they could identify who owned the trout. They were once abundant in over half of Montana’s water
Competition from introduced speciehybridization, habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution have decreased their populations. Restoration of this species is ongoing.
Yellowstone Cutthroat trout were also dominant in the treasure state. This trout is at home in Yellowstone Park but threatened by the introduced Lake trout. This species of trout is also declining in population.
Bull Trout are actually a Char. Most of these protected trout are found in NW Montana. They prefer cold, deep, clear water. As Montana waters have warmed up over the decades, these fragile fish have declined in size and location.
Artic Grayling are also native Montanans. Though not trout, they are often caught in the same habitats. Known for their oversized dorsal fins, these small, mouthed fish are at home in Big Sky waters. Restoration is ongoing and has had minimal success.
Montana Native trout are keystones to our state’s heritage.All anglers have a responsibility to protect these species and their ecosystems for the benefit of all wildlife. Currently Montana trout waters are under siege from overfishing and changing habitats. Protecting our Native fish legacy is essential.
Handle all released trout carefully so that they can ensure future, healthy, and abundant populations.
Montana Grant
