Boulder River

Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 16
Species: 8

The Boulder River in Jefferson County flows from the continental divide in the Deerlodge National Forest, coursing east and southeast through the mountains past the town of Boulder before joining the Jefferson River near Cardwell. This lower section of the Boulder River, particularly the final 10 miles from Cold Springs to the confluence with the Jefferson, supports a quality wild trout fishery managed for natural reproduction. The river's water quantity and quality improve significantly where Cold Springs enters, approximately 10 miles upstream from the Jefferson confluence. This reach serves dual purposes as both a productive resident fishery and a crucial spawning corridor for large numbers of brown trout that migrate upstream from the Jefferson River during fall months.

Montana licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Boulder River and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

Cutthroat Trout

Oncorhynchus clarkii

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Mountain Whitefish

Prosopium williamsoni

White Sucker

Catostomus commersonii

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Boulder River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Town of Boulder access

Access Point

County Road access

Access Point

Barrick-Golden Sunlight Mine access

Access Point

White Bridge Road access

Access Point

Boulder Creek Cutoff Road access

Access Point

County Road access

Access Point

Cattle Dr Rd Fishing Access Site

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Boulder River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Montana licenses and regulations

Montana Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Montana Fishing License

All anglers 12 and over must possess a license.

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Montana Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Montana Stream Access Laws

Under the Montana Stream Access Law, the public may use rivers and streams for recreational purposes up to the ordinary high water marks. Although the law gives recreationists the right to use rivers and streams for water-related recreation, it does not give them the right to enter private lands bordering those streams or to cross private lands to gain access to streams without landowner permission. Montana's stream access law ensures public access to surface waters by public bridge or county road right-of-way. The width of a public bridge or public road right-of-way easement is the same as the public highway to which it is attached.

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Take Boulder River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Boulder River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Boulder River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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