The Best Fishing Spots in

Northwest Montana

Photo Courtesy of thebobfactor.com

Northern Montana and the Idaho panhandle  contain some of the best trout and fly fishing opportunities in the world. Local Montanans have reeled in some record-shattering fish here in the past, and while we can’t promise you’ll haul in a 33 pound Rainbow Trout like one lucky fellow in 1993, it continues to be a reservoir of fishing fun for people who yearn for the water’s edge.


In this guide, we’d like to cover some of the popular fishing spots near the Kootenai National Forest so you can have a game plan for where you’d like to fish.The Kootenai River is our favorite and we have included links to some of the local fly fishing guides.

What kind of fish will I catch here?

Obviously, Montana and Idaho are both landlocked, so while you'd think you'd only catch freshwater fish here, you have an opportunity for salmon fishing at the end of the spawning cycle. The most common fish you can catch are:


  • Salmon
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Bull Trout
  • Brook Trout
  • Mountain Whitefish
  • Bluegill
  • Largemouth Bass
  • Cutthroat Trout
man-holding-trout

What fishing license should I get?

Our location in Northwest Montana means that fishing in both Idaho and Montana are close and convenient! If you are using a guide, check with them to see what licenses they recommend.


Our location by the Kootenai offers great wading and shoreline fishing, and there are local guides that do wonderful float trips or provide special access to fishing areas that are not reachable by foot, such as the canyon area below the Kootenai Falls. In fact, our neighbors are Kootenai River Outfitters, one of the local fishing experts and we highly recommend them for float trips!


Whether you get an Idaho one depends on how long you plan to fish there and where you want to fish – the Moyie River also offers unique fishing spots, and it’s just across the border in Idaho. Did we mention that is only 10 miles away? We love to connect visitors with guides and resources, so feel free to give us a call as you plan your vacation!


If you are using a guide, check with them about the specific licenses you need.

Fishing Spots in Northwestern Montana

If you’re looking for some of the most convenient places to fish, stick to the Montana side of things, it’s just out the back door of our bed and breakfast so you can spend more time on the lake and less time on the road.

Add your title here

This is the text area for this paragraph. To change it, simply click and start typing. Once you've added your content, you  can customize its design by using different colors, fonts, font sizes and bullets. Just highlight the words you want to design and choose from the various options in the text editing bar.

This is the text area for this paragraph. To change it, simply click and start typing. After adding your content, you can customize it.

Photo Courtesy of bobfactor.com

Kootenai River Fishing

As the largest river that flows through the forest, Kootenai River stands as the best place to go fly fishing near our bed & breakfast. The best time to fish here is from June - November, and while you can stick to the shore, there are multiple boat access points that you can take advantage of.


You don’t even need to fish off the main river if you don’t want to, as there are dozens of creeks, rivers, and other run-offs from the Kootenai River for you to angle from. If you want to ensure peace and quiet on your fishing experience, this could be the place to do it.

montana-river

Lake Koocanusa

If you follow the Kootenai River east, then north, you’ll come to the large Lake Koocanusa. This impressive lake is one of the most convenient ways you can lake fish in our corner of Montana. Numerous boat ramps are strewn along the coastlines to make getting your watercraft to sail all the easier.


Plenty of picnic areas, dams, and other natural wonders are located on this no-wake lake.



people-fishing-from-the-dock

Add your title here

This is the text area for this paragraph. To change it, simply click and start typing. Once you've added your content, you  can customize its design by using different colors, fonts, font sizes and bullets. Just highlight the words you want to design and choose from the various options in the text editing bar.

This is the text area for this paragraph. To change it, simply click and start typing. After adding your content, you can customize it.

Yaak River Valley

Running along Highway 2, is the Yaak River and the valley that it rests in. This beautiful, isolated stream is the perfect place for fly fisherman.


The hikes in the valley are relaxing and offer the perfect way to start your fishing journey for the day. If nothing else, the beautiful evergreen views and sounds of rushing water are something to behold.

man-fishing-on-montana-river

Bull Lake

For guests who need an impressive backdrop to fish to, Bull Lake offers one of the most magical fishing experiences in the state.


As you flick your rod at the water to attract trout and salmon, you’ll be able to gaze at the royal mountains located just south of Troy, MT.



hand-holding-fishing-pole

Fishing Spots in Northern Idaho

If you’d rather get out and explore more of the fishing opportunities, cross the border to Idaho for some quality fishing spots. Just make sure you grab an Idaho fishing license!

Add your title here

This is the text area for this paragraph. To change it, simply click and start typing. Once you've added your content, you  can customize its design by using different colors, fonts, font sizes and bullets. Just highlight the words you want to design and choose from the various options in the text editing bar.

This is the text area for this paragraph. To change it, simply click and start typing. After adding your content, you can customize it.

Kaniksu National Forest

There are so many different fishing spots in Idaho’s panhandle! There are small lakes perfect for a familial getaway, large ones that are ideal for intense fishing excursions, and ice fishing for northern newcomers and seasoned snowy trawlers.

Lake Pend Oreille

Among the fishing opportunities in Idaho available to you, Lake Pend is one of the largest lakes in this part of Idaho, and works for shore fishers and charter fishing alike. It makes for a great day trip as it's only an hour and thirty minutes away.

man-holding-a-fishing-pole

We hope that we’ve helped you plan the perfect fishing trip. If you’re looking for other things to do in the area, check out our travel guide.