Montana Waterways

Essential Information for Your Boating Adventure

This page provides essential resources and information to help you plan and enjoy your boating trips on Montana's beautiful waterways.

River Conditions & Routes

Before you head out, plan your route and check the current water conditions to ensure safe and enjoyable paddling.

Paddling Montana - A Guide to the State's Best Paddling Routes: This comprehensive guide is your key to unlocking Montana's hidden waterways. Explore detailed river descriptions, maps, access points, and difficulty levels to plan your next paddling adventure.

Montana Fishing Access Map: Interactive map that allows users to search for fishing access sites by waterbody, type, opportunity, region, and county.

USGS National Water Dashboard: Access real-time streamflow data, water levels, and other important information for rivers across Montana.

Regulations & Licensing

Be sure to familiarize yourself with Montana's boating regulations and obtain any necessary licenses or permits before hitting the water.

Montana Boating Regulations and RegistrationThis resource provides comprehensive information on boat registration, required equipment, river permits, fees, boating laws, and water closures.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP): Obtain your fishing licenses, explore the fishing access map, and learn about Montana's fishing regulations.

Hooked on Fishing? 🎣

Planning to cast a line? Check out these resources for fishing enthusiasts:

Montana Fishing Field Guide: Explore the fish that inhabit Montana waters.  Learn about where they are found, population densities, how to identify different species, and more.

Montana FWP Stocking Guide: Provides information about fish stocking, including stocking plans, data, and hatchery locations.

Montana Fishing Contests: Find information about fishing contests and tournaments happening throughout Montana.

Montana Walleye Association: Connect with fellow walleye anglers, find fishing tips, and learn about conservation efforts.

Montana Catfish Tournaments: Test your catfishing skills and compete in tournaments across Montana.

Some of Our Favorite Fly Fishing Books

Little Red Book of Fly Fishing: This pocket-sized guide distills the wisdom of expert anglers Kirk Deeter and Charlie Meyers into bite-sized tips. Perfect for both beginners and experienced fly fishers, this book offers concise advice on casting, presentation, reading the water, and selecting flies.

The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide: Considered a classic in the fly fishing world, this comprehensive guide from Orvis covers everything you need to know to become a proficient angler. From the fundamentals of casting and equipment to advanced techniques like nymphing and streamer fishing, this book is a valuable resource for anglers of all levels. 

The Bug Book - A Fly Fisher's Guide to Trout Stream Insects: Want to know what trout are really eating? This book dives deep into the world of aquatic insects, providing detailed illustrations and descriptions to help you identify mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, and more. Understanding the trout's diet is crucial for fly selection, and this book is an invaluable tool for matching the hatch and increasing your chances of success on the water. 

Enjoy exploring Montana's magnificent waterways!

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