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Fishing in the Yaak
(Western Fishing District)


General Fishing Seasons and Hours
Fishing is allowed at all hours during open fishing seasons.
Fishing season is from March 1st to February the following year...
Rivers and Streams: Open third Saturday in May through November 30 unless otherwise specified.

Lakes and Reservoirs: Open entire year.

Western Fishing District
This includes all waters in Montana west of the Continental Divide.

Types of Fish
Know your fish!!!   Many species are “catch and release” only due to their being listed on the endangered or threatened list from the federal government.  There are stiff fines for violating this rule.  Please check with the local ranger station.

Rainbow trout
(Average Size: 8" - 16")
Rainbow Trout

Bull trout (Average Size: 16" - 22")
This is a Threatened Species listed under the Endangered Species Act.
Bull Trout

Mountain Whitefish (Average size: 6" - 12")
Mountain Whitefish
Westlope Cutthroat trout (Average Size: 6" - 12")
(Frequently mistaken for rainbow trout. Turn the fish over and look under the jaw. Does it have a red or orange stripe? If yes, the fish is a cutthroat trout. Carefully release all cutthroat trout that may not be legally harvested.)

Westlope Cutthroat Trout

Brook Trout (Average Size: 6" - 12")
Brook Trout

Lake Trout (Average Size: 14" - 20")
Lake Trout



Fishing License Information
A valid fishing license is required for all types of fishing.
To fish in Montana you will need two licenses:
Conservation License: Needed before you can buy any fishing or hunting license that FWP (Fish Wildlife & Parks) issues. Required to provide social security number in addtion to the information usually requested. A valid driver's license or a valid photo ID is required to purchase a license.

Fishing License: Allows a person to fish for and possess any fish. It is non transferable and non refundable. The license is good from March 1st to the end of February the following year.

AGE RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT
1 - 11: No license required. Must observe all limits and regulations. No license required IF accompanied by an adult who holds a valid Montana Fishing license. The combined daily and possession limit for the two (or more) anglers cannot exceed the legal limit for one licensed angler.
To catch his or her own legal limit, the youth must purchase a fishing license. See non-resident licenses (15 - 62+) years of age.
12 - 24: Conservation License only: $ 8.00
15 - 61: Conservation License ($8) + Fishing License ($5 for 2 consecutive days or $18 for season. $8.00 for season for anglers ages 15 - 17 years)
Resident Sportsman and Youth Sportsman (12 - 17 years) licenses also include a season fishing license.
Conservation License ($10) + Montana Fishing License ($15 for 2 consecutive days, $43.50 for 10 consecutive days or $60 for the season.)
Non-resident Deer A Combo or Nonresident Big Game Combo licenses also include a season fishing license.
62+ Conservation License Only - $8.00


Where to Purchase a Fishing License
You can purchase your fishing licenses at:
Yaak Merchantile (Phone: 406-295-5159)
Three Rivers Ranger District (Troy)
Stein's IGA grocery store
Booze n Bait (Troy)


Additional Resource
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks