Golden Trout
Golden Trout in Montana are a non-native California species that were introduced in 1907.
There are currently about 20 golden trout populations established in high mountain lakes of western and south-central Montana, primarily in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness area.
Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita
- These fish are renowned for their spectacular coloration - bright gold lower sides with red-orange bellies and cheeks, a central lateral band that is red-orange, deep olive-green backs, and distinctive parr marks.
- They typically range 6-12 inches in Montana, though fish up to 4 pounds have been caught.
Fishing in Montana
Missouri River
Sun River
Smith River
Belt Creek
Marias River
Benton Lake
Holter Lake
Teton River
Dearborn River
Little Muddy Creek
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- These fish inhabit only mountain lakes in Montana at high elevations, also succeeding in clear, cool lakes at lower elevations.
- High mountain lakes of western and south-central Montana, primarily in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness area.
Key Locations
- High mountain lakes in the Absaroka-Beartooth region, including specific waters like Sylvan Lake near Roscoe.
Specific Spots
- Target the first 3-4 feet of the water column.
- They patrol shallow waters after ice out, feeding heavily after winter.
Golden Trout FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Golden Trout in Montana?
Micro-jigs (1/80th to 1/32nd ounce) suspended under small oval floats like Plasti-Lite or Rocket Bobbers (3.75-4.75 inches).
What flies work for Golden Trout in Montana?
Large orange scuds with flash, small Snowcone ASB Chironomids, and bright orange/red/pink chironomids in small sizes. Large orange and red flies for reaction strikes.
When is the best time to fish for Golden Trout in Montana?
Late spring through early August, with peak opportunities occurring a couple weeks after lakes ice out and continuing into early August.
How do you catch Golden Trout in Montana?
Golden Trout respond well to 'reaction strikes' - strip large orange and red flies as fast as possible through the water, as they often attack these unnatural presentations aggressively even when they don't match available food sources.
What do Golden Trout eat?
Golden trout are opportunistic feeders that survive on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, rarely taking zooplankton. They may feed at the bottom, in the water column, or at the surface depending on conditions. They can be heavily keyed into specific food items like chironomids, scuds, caddis, and daphnia.
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