Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
The 3.1-million-acre Custer Gallatin National Forest offers an incredible variety of fishing opportunities. We offer thousands of miles of fishable streams and rivers and are also home to hundreds of high mountain lakes and reservoirs. This vast diversity of aquatic habitats allows for an incredible array of recreational fishing opportunities. Whether you like to fly-fish a small tributary stream, try your hand at the fish in a rugged high-alpine lake, or icefish in a reservoir accessible by vehicle, the Custer Gallatin offers many different angling experiences.
This amazing landscape also offers many types of hunting opportunities for hunters of all ages and experience levels.
All hunting, fishing, and trapping is regulated under state law (and may be subject to National Forest closures and prohibitions as well). Visit South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for licensing and regulations.
Lake and Pond Fishing
State laws apply to fishing in all national forests and grasslands. For Montana fishing laws and regulation information visit:
- FishMT - Your One-Stop-Shop for Fishing Regulations and Information in Montana (Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks)
- Aquatic Invasive Species Information and Regulations
- Montana Fish Stocking Program
For South Dakota fishing laws and regulation information visit:
- Fishing in South Dakota (South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks)
- Aquatic Invasive Species Information and Regulations (SD Least Wanted)
- Fish Stockings in the Last 7 Days
Ice Fishing
State laws apply to fishing in all national forests and grasslands. For Montana fishing laws and regulation information visit:
- FishMT - Your One-Stop-Shop for Fishing Regulations and Information in Montana (Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks)
- Aquatic Invasive Species Information and Regulations
- Montana Fish Stocking Program
For South Dakota fishing laws and regulation information visit:
- Fishing in South Dakota (South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks)
- Aquatic Invasive Species Information and Regulations (SD Least Wanted)
- Fish Stockings in the Last 7 Days
River and Stream Fishing
State laws apply to fishing in all national forests and grasslands. For Montana fishing laws and regulation information visit:
- FishMT - Your One-Stop-Shop for Fishing Regulations and Information in Montana (Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks)
- Aquatic Invasive Species Information and Regulations
- Montana Fish Stocking Program
For South Dakota fishing laws and regulation information visit:
- Fishing in South Dakota (South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks)
- Aquatic Invasive Species Information and Regulations (SD Least Wanted)
- Fish Stockings in the Last 7 Days
Hunting
- Hunting activities are regulated by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MT FWP) and South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks (SD GFP). Follow the state laws and regulations pertaining to hunting, including seasons, dates, and licensing. For licenses, regulations, and detailed game unit information, visit:
- Hunt in Montana (MT FWP)
- Hunting in South Dakota (SD GFP)
- While the Forest Service does not sell hunting licenses, a license is required to hunt in various states. Visit the corresponding state’s wildlife website for more hunting information.
Archery
- Hunting activities, including bow hunting are regulated by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MT FWP) and South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks (SD GFP). Follow the state laws and regulations pertaining to hunting, including seasons, dates, and licensing. For licenses, regulations, and detailed game unit information, visit:
- Hunt in Montana (MT FWP)
- Hunting in South Dakota (SD GFP)
- While the Forest Service does not sell hunting licenses, a license is required to hunt in various states. Visit the corresponding state’s wildlife website for more hunting information.
Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities
Aspen Campground
Baker's Hole Campground
Basin Campground
Bear Creek Campground
Beaver Creek Campground
Big Beaver Campground
Blackmore Camp
Blacks Pond Campground
Cabin Creek Campground
Cascade Campground