Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Hidden away in the far northwest corner of Montana, the Kootenai National Forest supports ample opportunities for some of Montana's finest fishing, hunting, and shooting of all types. Whatever your preference, the Kootenai probably has what you are looking for. Anglers can match the hatch on some of the State's finest trout water or cast to largemouth and smallmouth bass and other warm-water game fish. Healthy deer, elk and moose populations can be found across the Forest, along with black bear, mountain lion, mountain goat and more, which provide sportsman with the ultimate hunting variety. You will also find a variety of upland game, turkeys, and waterfowl. All hunting, fishing, and trapping regulations are implemented and enforced by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Park. Please check with their webpage for detailed information on seasons, regulations, licenses, and tags.
Use the following links for more information regarding outfitters and guides:
- Outfitting & Guiding on National Forest System Lands Brochure [PDF, 223K]
- Permitted Outfitters on the Kootenai National Forest [PDF, 353K]
Lake and Pond Fishing
The two premiere waterbodies on the KNF are impoundments created by major hydroelectric facilities. Both offer fantastic fishing, but with very different focuses.
- Lake Koocanusa formed by Libby Dam, offers exceptional fishing for kokanee salmon most of the year. These small landlocked versions of the Pacific sockeye salmon make for absolutely wonderful table fare. Though small, generous bag limits and fast fishing, make up for what they lack in size. Though not as common, large rainbows also live in Lake Koocanusa. If you're looking at visiting Koocanusa you'll want to bring a boat. The reservoir is large with limited bank access and like many other lakes the best fishing is always just around the next point.
- Another best kept secret in this corner of Montana is the Noxon Rapids Reservoir, which hosts numerous Montana BASS tournaments every year. This secret spot is so hot that it was the backdrop for the 1994 BASS Western States Tournament. Though locally famous for the largemouth and smallmouth bass that lounge in the clear waters, Noxon Rapids Reservoir also hosts many other fish species. If an adventurous fisherman were to probe some of the backwater areas and shallow flats they could catch almost anything from pea mouth to pike.
Smaller Lakes
The smaller lakes on the Kootenai National Forest are really the treasures of the Kootenai. They range from small impoundments to high alpine wilderness lakes tucked away in the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness. Some of the best fishing in Montana is at the end of of a Cabinet Mountain Wilderness trail. These areas are very primitive with moose, grizzly bear and native westslope cutthroat trout just waiting to put your gear to the test. Some of the more famous spots include Moran Basin, St. Paul Lake, and Rock Lake. There are several others but it's best if you come see them for yourself.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is a great way to enjoy the winter months in Montana. When smaller lakes and sheltered bays of larger lakes freeze over, you will find people out on the ice with rod and reel. There are 3 organized fishing derbies that occur on the Kootenai:
- Fisher River Valley Winter Fishing Derby occurring in mid-January on the chain of lakes in the Libby Area.
- McGregor Lake Resort Fishing Derby occurring in late February on McGregor Lake in the Libby Area.
- Ryan Wagner Memorial Scholarship Ice Fishing Derby occurring in late February on Murphy Lake in the Tobacco Plains Area.
For a complete list of fishing derbies in Montana, see the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks site.
River and Stream Fishing
Possibly the best kept secret in Montana, the Kootenai River provides exceptional trout fishing by any angler's standards. Home to rainbows, cutthroats, bull trout and even the occasional brown trout, the Kootenai River is an incredible fishery that on any given day can make a fishing memory. Rainbow trout are the backbone of this fishery with individuals in the 12-16" class being fairly common. There are also fish well in excess of 10 lb. as evidenced by photographs and lots of busted leaders. First timers to the Kootenai can either hook up with any of the numerous competent guides and outfitters that fish the river or, with a little research, put together their own trip. Public access is available with boat ramps distributed from Libby Dam downstream to the end of River Road. One word of caution, there are no takeouts beyond the end of the road and the impassable Kootenai Falls lay downstream.
Hunting
Big Game Hunting is regulated by the Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP). For hunting regulations please check FWP's website.
If you plan to use an Outfitter and Guide company, be sure to verify the Outfitter and Guide you choose has a permit to operate on the Kootenai National Forest.
Recreational and Target Shooting
Target shooting (archery and firearms) is allowed in most areas of the Kootenai National Forest. For recommended areas and additional information contact the local ranger districts.
Federal Rules:
- According to the Code of Federal Regulations (title 36), recreational shooting can take place on the National Forests and Grasslands under these conditions:
- You are at least 150 yards from a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area or occupied area
- You are not shooting across or on a National Forest System Road or an adjacent body of water.
- You are not shooting into or within a cave
- You are not shooting in any manner or place where any person, property or resource is exposed to injury or damage due to such discharge
- You are not firing any tracer bullet or incendiary ammunition such as Tannerite.
Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities
#423 Grouse Lake
Bad Medicine Campground
Barron Creek Boating Site
Big Eddy Campground
Big Therriault Lake Campground
Bull River Campground and Group Site
Bull River Guard Station
Camp 32
Caribou Campground
Dorr Skeels Campground