Fishing Charters in Montana
Browse fishing charters in Montana that can help you catch smelt.
Bozeman Fishing Outfitters
Bozeman, Montana
Our team of Bozeman fly fishing guides at Bozeman Fishing Outfitters offers trips on the Madison, Yellowstone, Missouri, & more.
Fly Fishing Montana Montana Trout Guides Fly Fishing Bozeman Montana
Belgrade, Montana
Montana Trout Guides offering fly fishing trips in the greater Bozeman Montana area. We also offer guided trips on the Yellowstone River, Gallatin River, Missouri River, Jefferson and Ruby Rivers
6X Outfitters
Bozeman, Montana
Aleutian Rivers Angling
Livingston, Montana
Alaska Fishing the Hoodoo River for King Salmon, Silver Salmon, and Steelhead
Greater Yellowstone Outfitters
Bozeman, Montana
Fishing Lodge in Montana, guided fly fishing trips, Montana fishing outfitter and guides, best trout fishing in Montana
Fishing With Larry
Columbus, Montana
Fishing with Larry's International Travel 404 Page. Our apologies, you have reached this page in error.
Montana Fishing Company
Missoula, Montana
Montana Fishing Company is your trusted source for the best in guided Montana fly fishing trips from the Bitterroot river to the Madison river & much more!
Rob Olsons Fishing With Rob
Livingston, Montana
Blue Ribbon Guide Service
Dillon, Montana
Explore fly-fishing guide Southwestern with Blue Ribbon Guide Services in southwest Montana. Book now.
Montana Adventures And Angling
Billings, Montana
Montana fly fishing trips with one of the regions most well respected and sought after guide services. Come with us to find that BIG FISH!
Smith River Expeditions
White Sulphur Springs, Montana
Montana River Anglers
Whitefish, Montana
Montana River Anglers is your preferred Montana trout fishing guides and outfitter for fly fishing on the Flathead river, near Glacier National Park, and from Whitefish to Missoula.
Best Time to Catch Smelt
Peak season: May. Also good: April, June, November. Right now in February, activity is poor.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Smelt
Smelt fishing around Bozeman, Montana, is an unconventional pursuit, as the region isn't typically associated with these anadromous fish. While not a primary target, it's theoretically possible that landlocked populations exist in some of the larger, deeper reservoirs in the area, having been introduced as forage for other game fish. If you're interested in exploring this possibility, your best bet is to focus on reservoirs like Canyon Ferry or Hebgen Lake. Contacting the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) office in Bozeman is highly recommended to inquire about any documented smelt populations or stocking history. If smelt are present, they'll likely be in deeper waters during the day, moving shallower at night to feed. Small jigs or ice fishing lures presented vertically could be effective. Be aware that if smelt are present, they are likely a sensitive part of the ecosystem, and adhering to all regulations regarding catch limits and responsible fishing practices is paramount. This would be exploratory fishing at its finest!
How to Catch Smelt
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Smelt in Bozeman.
Smelt Fishing Regulations in Montana
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
No limit
Size Limit
No size limit
License Required
Fishing license
Smelt may only be taken by hook and line. Check specific water body regulations for closures or restrictions.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Montana state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Montana
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of license do I need to fish for smelt near Bozeman?
You'll need a valid Montana fishing license to fish for smelt.
Is there a limit on the size of smelt I can keep in Montana?
No, there is no size limit for smelt.
How many smelt can I keep when fishing near Bozeman?
There is no bag limit for smelt in Montana, so you can keep as many as you catch.
Is there a specific season for smelt fishing in Montana?
No, smelt fishing is open year-round in Montana.
More Smelt Fishing in Montana
Other Species to Fish in Bozeman
Ready to Catch Smelt in Bozeman?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.