Brown Trout

The streams around Joliet, Montana offer a more intimate brown trout fishing experience than some of the larger, more famous rivers in the state. The Stillwater River and its tributaries hold decent populations of brown trout. While you won't find as many trophy-sized browns here as in some other Montana waters, the appeal lies in the scenery and the challenge of fishing these smaller streams. Early mornings and late evenings in the summer are prime times, as are the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Try swinging streamers through likely holding water. Be aware of water temperatures in summer as the Stillwater can get warm, stressing the fish. Be sure to check Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks regulations for specific stream closures or restrictions. Access can be tricky in some areas due to private land, so research access points carefully before heading out. A float tube can be helpful for covering more water on the Stillwater.