Catfish Fishing Regulations in Montana: What Every Angler Needs to Know
July 31, 2026
Montana is not the first state that comes to mind for catfishing, but that reputation is changing fast. The lower Yellowstone River, the Missouri River corridor, and the Milk River all hold healthy channel catfish populations that reward anglers who know where to look — and who follow the rules.
Before you rig up a rod and head to the riverbank, you need a clear picture of what Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) requires. This guide walks you through the catfish species present in the state, season dates, bag and size limits, legal gear, license costs, and the best spots to target whiskerfish across Big Sky Country.
Important Note: Montana’s current fishing regulations are valid March 1, 2025, through the end of February 2026, as adopted by the Fish and Wildlife Commission on November 12, 2024. Always verify the latest rules at fwp.mt.gov before each trip, since emergency closures and water-specific exceptions can change mid-season.
Catfish Species Found in Montana
Montana is home to four members of the catfish family, but only the channel cat and the tiny stonecat are native species. Black and yellow bullheads are introduced. For practical purposes, the three species you are most likely to encounter while fishing are channel catfish, bullheads, and — in certain waters — flathead catfish.
The channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) is by far the most sought-after of the group. Channel catfish is native to Montana and is considered the largest and most important catfish to recreational anglers. They reproduce during spring or early summer, and the biggest channel catfish captured in Montana weighed over 30 pounds, though those weighing 2–4 pounds are better for eating.
Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), known for their impressive size and flat head, are another prized species in Montana. They prefer slow-moving waters with cover and are highly regarded by anglers. Flatheads are present in select reservoirs and river stretches but are far less common than channel cats.
Bullhead catfish (Ameiurus spp.), characterized by their rounded bodies and distinctive barbels, also inhabit Montana’s waters. Both black and yellow bullhead species have been introduced and turn up incidentally in many warmwater fisheries, particularly in the eastern part of the state. They receive little targeted angling pressure but will readily take bait meant for channel cats.
Pro Tip: The stonecat is a small, native catfish found in fast-flowing rocky streams. It is not a target species and is rarely encountered by anglers, but it is protected under state law like any other game fish.
Catfish Season Dates in Montana
Montana is divided into three fishing districts: Western, Central, and Eastern. The open season for catfish depends on which district the water you are fishing falls within, and catfish — as a warmwater species — generally benefit from the most liberal season structures.
- Western District: Rivers and streams are generally open from the third Saturday in May through November 30. Lakes and reservoirs are open all year.
- Central and Eastern Districts: Rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs are typically open year-round, unless specified otherwise.
Because catfish are concentrated in the Central and Eastern Districts — particularly along the Yellowstone, Missouri, and Milk River corridors — most Montana catfishers enjoy a year-round open season. The best time to fish for catfish in Montana is during the warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall. Catfish are more active and feed more aggressively during this period, making them easier to catch.
FWP may implement short-term fishing restrictions or closures due to conditions like drought, high water temperatures, or low stream flows. Check the FWP website or call your regional office before heading out during hot, dry summers.
Daily Bag Limits for Catfish in Montana
Montana’s catfish bag limit is one of the more straightforward rules in the regulations booklet. Channel catfish carry a daily limit of 6 fish, and that same number applies to possession. This limit applies statewide across the standard district regulations, though water-specific exceptions can always modify it.
| Species | Daily Limit | Possession Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Catfish | 6 | 6 | Statewide standard; check water-specific exceptions |
| Flathead Catfish | No statewide limit listed | No statewide limit listed | Verify at fwp.mt.gov for specific waters |
| Bullhead Catfish | No statewide limit listed | No statewide limit listed | Verify at fwp.mt.gov for specific waters |
For species not listed in the district regulations, there are no limits on the number of fish that may be taken or possessed. That said, you should always confirm this for the specific water you plan to fish, since district exception pages can impose limits on otherwise unlimited species.
The daily limit is the number of fish that may be legally taken during a calendar day. A fish when landed and not immediately released becomes part of the bag limit of the person originally hooking the fish, even if the fish is donated to another person. If you receive fish from another angler, those fish also become part of your daily limit.
Pro Tip: If you plan to clean and fillet your catch streamside, remember that two fillets count as one fish toward your possession limit. Keep that math in mind before you start cleaning fish at the ramp.
Size and Length Limits for Catfish in Montana
Montana does not impose a statewide minimum size limit on channel catfish under the current 2025–2026 regulations. This is consistent with how many plains and prairie states manage channel cat populations — relying on bag limits rather than size restrictions to control harvest pressure.
That said, voluntary conservation practices are strongly encouraged by the angling community. Studies conducted on several of Montana’s rivers concluded that a 28-inch fish would be around 14 years old. Releasing large, mature fish helps sustain the trophy fishery that makes waters like the lower Yellowstone and the Milk River so productive.
All fish in possession must be visibly identifiable to species. Unless size limits apply, fish may be cleaned prior to transport, so long as the entire skin remains attached to the fish or fillet for identification. If you are fishing waters where size limits do apply to other species, keep your catfish identifiable until you are off the water.
Important Note: Water-specific size limits can be added by FWP at any time through the district exception pages. Always check the exception tables for the specific river or reservoir you plan to fish — do not rely solely on the statewide standard.
Legal Methods for Catching Catfish in Montana
Montana allows a range of fishing methods for catfish, but the rules vary by district and by whether you are fishing open water or through the ice. Understanding what gear is legal — and what is not — keeps you compliant and on the water.
Hook and Line: On open water, anglers may use 2 lines with 2 hooks per line. Through the ice, up to 6 lines with 1 hook per line are permitted. This is the standard setup most catfishers use — bottom rigs, slip sinkers, and circle hooks are all fair game under this framework.
Bait Rules by District: In the Western District, no live fish may be used as bait. Other live bait such as worms, leeches, and insects are permitted in waters not restricted to artificial lures. In the Central and Eastern Districts, the use of live fish for bait is permitted only in specific, designated bodies of water. Since most catfish waters are in the Central and Eastern Districts, check the district exception pages to confirm whether live bait fish are allowed on your target river or reservoir.
Prohibited Methods: The use of explosives, poisons, or electrical devices for fishing is illegal. Fishing with nets, traps, or seines is restricted and mostly limited to commercial use with permits. Noodling — the technique of catching fish by hand — is unlawful in Montana.
Spearing and Bowfishing: Spearing and bowfishing are permitted for certain species in specific waters. Catfish are not typically a target species for spearing under current district regulations, but bowfishing for rough fish in certain warmwater stretches is practiced. Confirm with the district exception pages before attempting either method for catfish.
Popular and effective bait choices for Montana channel cats include cut bait such as pieces of fish or shrimp, chicken liver, nightcrawlers, and commercially available stinkbaits. For gear, a medium-heavy to heavy action rod paired with a sturdy spinning or baitcasting reel is recommended. Use a strong monofilament or braided fishing line in the 20–30 lb test range to handle larger fish.
If you enjoy fishing Montana’s trout waters as well, review the fly fishing regulations in Montana for the additional gear restrictions that apply to designated fly-fishing-only sections.
Fishing License Requirements for Catfish in Montana
Before casting a line in Montana’s waters, it is essential to have the proper licenses. Most anglers will need a Conservation License, a Fishing License, and an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Pass. A valid fishing license is required for all types of fishing on state waters.
As of the 2025–2026 season, license fees are as follows:
| Angler Category | Fishing License | Conservation License | AIS Prevention Pass | Total (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Adult (18–61) | $21.00 | $8.00 | $2.00 | $31.00 |
| Non-Resident Adult (16+) | $100.00 | $10.00 | $7.50 | $117.50 |
| Non-Resident (5-Day) | $56.00 | Included | Included | $56.00 |
| Non-Resident (1-Day) | $14.00 | Included | Included | $14.00 |
| Youth (11 and under) | Free | — | — | Free |
No license is required for children 11 and under. Resident youth aged 12–17 and non-resident youth aged 12–15 have reduced fees. There are different fee structures for youth (12–17), seniors (62+), and disabled residents. Check the FWP website for the full breakdown of these discounted categories.
The Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass is also required for all individuals who fish in Montana. This pass supports the state’s ongoing effort to keep invasive mussels out of Montana’s waters — a program that protects the very warmwater fisheries where catfish thrive.
You can purchase your license online at Montana FWP’s official website or at any authorized license vendor across the state. Keep a digital copy of your license and regulations on your phone for field checks.
Curious how Montana’s requirements compare to neighboring states? See how the rules stack up in our guides to catfish fishing regulations in Colorado and catfish fishing regulations in Wyoming.
Best Catfish Fishing Spots in Montana
Catfish can be found in various water bodies across Montana, including rivers, streams, and reservoirs. Some of the most popular locations include the Yellowstone River, Missouri River, and Fort Peck Reservoir. The action is concentrated in the eastern half of the state, where warmer, slower water suits catfish biology.
Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River is Montana’s premier catfishing destination. The vast section from Huntley to the North Dakota border receives the most pressure statewide from the catfish crowd. Catfishing in this stretch is exceptional throughout the entire open-water season, and an average cat tips the scale at over 5 lbs., with fish in the 10–15 lb. range possible on any given bend in the river.
The river offers excellent catfish fishing opportunities, particularly in its lower sections near Billings and Glendive. Access points are plentiful along this stretch, making it a practical choice for both bank anglers and boaters. Night fishing near submerged structure consistently produces the best results.
Missouri River
The Missouri River, which begins in central Montana and flows eastward on a journey of thousands of miles before joining the Mississippi near St. Louis, is home to channel catfish from Missouri far upstream into Montana. The river’s diverse habitat, including deep pools and rocky sections, makes it an ideal location for both channel and flathead catfish. Anglers can find prime catfish spots near Great Falls, Helena, and Cascade.
Several middle and lower sections of the Missouri where catfish fishing is excellent don’t have major cities along the banks, so you should do some research and stock up on harder-to-find supplies before heading out.
Fort Peck Reservoir
Fort Peck Reservoir is the largest reservoir in Montana, spanning over 245,000 acres with more than 1,500 miles of shoreline. The reservoir was created in the 1930s by the construction of Fort Peck Dam on the Missouri River and offers abundant catfish fishing opportunities, with numerous access points and boat ramps available for anglers.
Nelson Reservoir has produced some past state-record channel cats, including one just ounces under 30 pounds caught in 2006. Although since eclipsed, the reservoir remains one of the better places in Montana to catch a catfish over 20 pounds and possibly over 30.
Milk River
The Milk River is around 700 miles long, with stretches flowing through both Canada and Montana before joining the Missouri River below Fort Peck Reservoir. While trout streams get much of the glory in Montana, the Milk River is on the upswing for catfish, becoming one of the premier catfishing rivers in the state.
The best catfish fishing spots on the Milk River can be found near Glasgow, Malta, and Havre. The fish here love using deep holes in the river to their advantage, so that is where you should focus your efforts for a whiskered fish.
Bighorn River
While better known as a world-class tailwater fishery for trout below the dam, the Bighorn offers some good smaller-stream fishing for channel catfish that move between the Yellowstone River and the Bighorn. The best catfish fishing spots on the Bighorn River can be found near Hardin and the Yellowtail Dam.
Powder River
The Powder River is a tributary of the Yellowstone, flowing north through the town of Broadus and joining the Yellowstone near Interstate 94 southwest of Terry. This river is a great place for catfishing because it has good numbers of fish and excellent fishing access around a few towns and adjacent roads.
Pro Tip: Catfish are known for their strong sense of smell, so using baits with a strong odor is very effective. Popular options include cut bait, chicken liver, nightcrawlers, and commercially available stinkbaits. On the Yellowstone and Missouri, fresh cut carp or goldeye is a local favorite that consistently outperforms store-bought options.
Montana’s catfish fishery is a genuine sleeper among US warmwater destinations. Whether you are working the deep bends of the lower Yellowstone or drifting the Milk River near Glasgow, the combination of good fish numbers, reasonable regulations, and wide-open access makes this state worth serious attention. Check the eRegulations Montana fishing seasons and limits page for a digital copy of the current district tables, and always verify water-specific exceptions at fwp.mt.gov before you go.
If you fish catfish in other states as well, our guides to catfish fishing regulations in North Carolina, catfish fishing regulations in Missouri, catfish fishing regulations in Texas, and catfish fishing regulations in Minnesota cover the rules you need to know across the country’s top catfishing states.