Montana Smallmouth Fishing
This spring, I took a trip with a good fishing buddy that, in years past, I probably wouldn’t have gone on. Smallmouth bass fishing here in Montana.
I’ve focused on trout fishing for years, barely giving other species a thought. It’s hard to branch out when surrounded by some of the best trout water in the country, and most warmwater fisheries are hours from Bozeman. Chasing bass always felt a little ridiculous—kind of like driving across town to order grilled cheese at a five-star steakhouse.
However, I finally took my friend up on the invite to fish Montana smallmouth this spring—and wow. I didn’t know what to expect, but the moment that first smallie bulldozed through the current and crushed my streamer, I got it. No wonder many anglers dedicate their lives to chasing smallmouth bass.
Now, I suspected I was going to fall in love with it. Most of my fly fishing has been done on trout, though I grew up chasing bass in the local neighborhood ponds on conventional tackle. I even had a “pet” bass for a school project that I fed worms, goldfish, and mice. This love for bass remains with me to this day, and I’d love to relive a night fishing the local bass pond with my father.
I hope this article serves as a reminder—to you and to my future self—that there are other species out there to target in Montana. It’s easy to get tunnel vision in a place rich with world-class trout water, but stepping outside that familiar can open up a whole new passion within fly fishing. Whether it’s smallmouth, pike, or even carp, these “other” species offer a fresh perspective, a new kind of challenge, and a reminder that curiosity is half the fun.
Smallmouth bass are not native to Montana, though they are a popular gamefish nationwide. While Montana is not well known for its smallmouth fishing, all one has to do is ask around, and rumors emerge about the exceptional bass fishing the state offers. A bit overshadowed by the state’s world-renowned trout fishing, Montana smallmouth thrive in many fisheries, some growing to trophy sizes. They are often called “pound for pound, the best fighting game fish alive.”
In recent years, Smallmouth bass have made the news for moving into sections of the Yellowstone and Bitteroot rivers famous for their trout fishing. Many are concerned as this means trout are at risk of warmer water temperatures and more competition for food. This may be the case, but many anglers I speak to joke that smallmouth would be fun in our trout fisheries. After this trip, I see why. They are hard-fighting, aggressive, and have a beautiful bronze color. There’s not much more you can ask for in a game species.
One of the many reasons we all love fly fishing is the many rabbit holes one can go down to enjoy the sport. Bass fishing is one of them, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you see me tying up many bass bugs for future trips.
The best trips are the ones you are already planning a trip back, and this one was just that.
1 thought on “Montana Smallmouth”
Looks like fun. Do you have a favorite body water for smallmouth bass fishing?