How to Fish in Glacier Park

Glacier is home to native cutthroat trout.

Glacier National Park is located in northern Montana. The park shares a border with Canada, and the protected wilderness area extends past the border, connecting with Waterton National Park. The region is full of rivers and lakes with some being completely barren and others being loaded with trout. Cutthroat trout and bull trout and the two primary species, but fishing for bull trout is illegal as they are a protected species. You can access fishing waters from the few roads available, but hiking into the back country accounts for a majority of the opportunities.

Things You'll Need

• Trail book
• Topographical map
• Attractor flies and lures

Instructions

1. Purchase a park guide book with trail maps. Also purchase topographical maps of the park. Determine which trails you are capable of hiking and which waters you will have the ability to access.

2. Check the park regulations for waters that are closed. The regulations are always subject to change, and several lakes and streams will be closed to protect native bull trout and cutthroat populations.

3. Do not use lead in the park. Lead weight is prohibited in the park. Only fish with one rod and never collect bait in the park. The park recommends artificial flies and lures and catch and release is required in the majority of the lakes and streams.

4. Focus fishing efforts during the summer months. The waters in Glacier are very cold and the trout will be most active during the summer.

5. Use attractor flies and colorful lures. The fish in the back country see very little pressure and they will respond to general flies and lures.

Tips & Warnings

• The cutthroat trout can be caught on dry flies in the park throughout the summer. Dry fly fishing provides visual action and it is the most common method of fishing in Glacier National Park.

• Follow the regulations and recommended guidelines while fishing in the park. Always respect the boundaries and practice leave no trace guidelines to help preserve the park.

References

• Big Sky Fishing: Backcountry Lakes of Glacier National Park
• National Park Service: Glacier Fishing
• Glacier National Park: Fishing