Montana reference
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Central District Fishing Limits
FWP's Central fishing district: standard chart limits, general seasons and every exception water printed in the 2026 booklet.
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Central District
How FWP's Central fishing district sets its standard limits
Everything below comes from the 2026 Montana Fishing Regulations (March 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027); FWP had not issued a 2027 booklet at the last check. Three FWP fishing districts (Western, Central, Eastern) each print a standard chart, and named waters that differ are listed as exceptions.
The Central District season on rivers and creeks reads: Open all year unless otherwise specified in Exceptions to Standard Regulations. Its lakes and reservoirs: Open all year.
14chart rows
118exception headings
44with a water page here
2026 Montana Fishing Regulations, p. 4 (valid March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027; FWP PDF), read November 12, 2026.
Photo of Blackfoot River: photogramma1, CC BY-SA 2.0
Chart rows
Central District standard limits, as the booklet prints them
Nothing is capped for a species the chart leaves out; the booklet sets no number for it.
| Chart row as printed | Limit as printed |
|---|---|
| Brook Trout | 20 daily and in possession. |
| Combined Trout includes brown trout, rainbow trout, golden trout, cutthroat trout, and arctic grayling | Lakes/Reservoirs: 5 daily and 10 in possession, includes cutthroat trout. Rivers/Streams: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 18 inches, only 1 can be a cutthroat trout. All arctic grayling must be released immediately. |
| Lake Trout | 3 daily and in possession. |
| Bass | 5 daily and in possession. |
| Burbot (Ling) | 5 daily and in possession. |
| Channel Catfish | 10 daily and in possession. |
| Crappie | 15 daily and 30 in possession. |
| Northern Pike | 10 daily and in possession. |
| Pallid Sturgeon | None – this is an endangered species and all fish must be released immediately. All waters are closed to fishing for pallid sturgeon. |
| Salmon (Kokanee & Chinook) | 10 daily and in possession. |
| Sauger/Walleye | 5 daily, only 2 may be sauger. Possession limit is 10, only 4 may be sauger. |
| Shovelnose Sturgeon | 5 daily and in possession, none over 40 inches. |
| Tiger Muskie | 1 daily and in possession, must be over 40 inches. |
| Whitefish | 20 daily and 40 in possession. |
2026 Montana Fishing Regulations, p. 49 (valid March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027; FWP PDF), read November 12, 2026.
Exceptions
Every Central District exception water, with its rule lines
A heading overrides whichever chart rows it mentions, but only for that water, and names with a page here are links.
| Water as printed | Rule lines (first lines) | Booklet page |
|---|---|---|
| (tributary to Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River) | West Fork Rock Creek is closed to fishing from the Red Lodge water intake to 1,000 feet upstream. | page 65 |
| Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Lakes | Combined trout: 10 daily and in possession. | page 51 |
| Antelope Butte Lake aka Ostle Reservoir (Teton County) | Open May 15 at 12:00 noon through Nov. 30. | page 51 |
| Arod Lakes aka Eyraud Lakes | Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only. Spearing: open for northern pike and nongame fish through the ice only. | page 51 |
| Axolotl Lakes | Catch-and-release for arctic grayling. | page 51 |
| Badger Creek Drainage (near Heart Butte) | Downstream from confluence of North Badger and South Badger creeks within National Forest: Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, none over 12 inches. | page 51 |
| Beaver Creek (tributary to Canyon Ferry Reservoir) | Mouth to US Highway 12: Open June 15 through Sept. 30. | page 51 |
| Beaver Creek (tributary to Missouri River below Hauser Dam) | Open June 15 through Sept. 30. | page 51 |
| Beaverhead River | Entire river: Rainbow trout: Catch-and-release only. Clark Canyon Dam to Pipe Organ Bridge: Open third Saturday in May through Sept. 30. Clark Canyon Dam to High Bridge FAS: Catch-and-release for brown trout. | page 51 |
| Big Hole River | Entire river: Catch-and-release for arctic grayling. Headwaters to Dickie Bridge: Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession, no size restriction. Dickie Bridge to Brownes Bridge FAS: Open April 1 through Sept. 30. | page 53 |
| Big Sheep Creek (Beaverhead River drainage) | Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout. | page 55 |
| Bighorn Lake | Bass: 10 daily and 20 in possession. Shovelnose sturgeon: 2 daily and in possession. Sauger/walleye: 6 daily (only 3 may be sauger) and 12 in possession (only 3 may be sauger). | page 55 |
| Bighorn River | Entire river: A State of Montana Fishing License is required for all anglers to fish on the Bighorn River within the boundaries of the Crow Reservation. A tribal permit is not required. Afterbay Dam to cable 600 feet downstream and downstream from Bighorn FAS: May use live nongame bait fish (as identified in Standard District Regulations). Cable 600 feet below Afterbay Dam to Bighorn FAS: Artificial lures only. | page 55 |
| Blacktail Deer Creek (Beaverhead River drainage) | Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout. | page 55 |
| Blacktail Meadows Pond (Dillon) | Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger only. One rod per child. | page 55 |
| Boulder River (tributary to Jefferson River, near Cardwell) | Mouth upstream to the bridge on Boulder Cut-Off Road (mile 14.4): Open Jan. 1 through Sept. 30. | page 55 |
| Bynum Reservoir | Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice. | page 55 |
| Canyon Ferry Reservoir | Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 brown trout daily and in possession any size. Walleye: 10 daily, only 1 over 15 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit. Yellow perch: 10 daily and in possession. | page 55 |
| Chessman Reservoir (Tenmile Creek drainage, near Helena) | Closed to fishing (City of Helena water supply). | page 56 |
| Clark Canyon Reservoir | Burbot (Ling): 3 over 23 inches daily and in possession. Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession. CLARK CANYON RESERVOIR UN-NAMED SPRING (S. END OF THE RESERVOIR) –––: Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30. | page 56 |
| Clarks Fork Yellowstone River And Tributaries | Mainstem downstream from the bridge at Bridger: Hook and Line: 2 lines with 2 hooks per line all year. | page 56 |
| Confederate Gulch (tributary to Canyon Ferry Reservoir) | Mouth to Highway 284: Open June 15 through Sept. 30. | page 56 |
| Cottonwood Creek (10 miles Sw of Martinsdale) | Combined trout: limit includes 2 cutthroat trout daily and in possession. | page 56 |
| Crystal Lake (Fergus County) | March 1 through Aug. 31 – Central District Standard Daily and Possession limits. Sept. 1 through Feb. 28 – Trout: no limit. | page 56 |
| Culver Pond (Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge) | Closed to angling from Nov. 30 to April 15. Artificial lures only. | page 56 |
| Cut Bank Creek | Open entire year downstream of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation boundary in T33N, R6W, S2. | page 56 |
| Deadmans Basin Reservoir | Combined trout: 10 daily and in possession. Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 35 daily and 70 in possession. | page 56 |
| Dearborn River | Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30. | page 56 |
| Deep Creek (tributary to Missouri River, near Townsend) | Mouth to North Fork of Deep Creek: Open June 15 through Nov. 30. | page 56 |
| Dickens Lake (Sun River Wildlife Management Area) | Open May 15 at 12:00 noon through Nov. 30. | page 56 |
| Diversion Lake (Sun River drainage) | Catch-and-release for arctic grayling. Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession. | page 56 |
| Dry Creek (tributary to Missouri River, near Townsend) | Mouth to Flynn Lane: Open June 15 through Sept. 30. | page 56 |
| Duck Creek (tributary to Hebgen Reservoir) | Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30. | page 56 |
| East Fork Hyalite Creek | Open July 15 through Nov. 30. | page 57 |
| East Fork Reservoir (near Lewistown) | Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice. Spearing: open for nongame fish and northern pike through the ice and by persons swimming or submerged. | page 57 |
| East Gallatin River | Northern pike: no limit. | page 57 |
| Elk Lake (Beaverhead County) | The Narrows Creek spawning channel is closed to angling. Catch-and-release for lake trout and arctic grayling. | page 57 |
| Elk Springs Creek (Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge) | Open entire year except May 1 through June 14. Artificial lures only. | page 57 |
| Elks Club Pond (Lewistown) | Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger only. One rod per child. | page 57 |
| Eyraud Lakes aka Arod Lakes | Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through ice only. Spearing: open for northern pike and nongame fish through the ice only. | page 57 |
| Fairgrounds Pond (Helena) | Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger only. | page 57 |
| Ferguson Lake (Big Hole drainage) | Combined trout: 2 daily and in possession. | page 57 |
| Gallatin River | Entire river: Northern pike: no limit. Yellowstone National Park to East Gallatin River: Closed to fishing from boats/vessels. Porcupine Creek Road to West Fork Gallatin River: Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30. | page 57 |
| Gheny Pond (near Twin Bridges) | Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger only. One rod per child. | page 57 |
| Giant Springs (near Great Falls) | Closed entire year where enclosed by concrete walks and masonry work. | page 57 |
| Gibson Reservoir | Gibson Dam upstream to the point where the North and South forks of the Sun River meet, regardless of reservoir level: Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession. Catch-and-release for arctic grayling. | page 57 |
| Goose Lake (Madison County) | Open June 15 through Nov. 30. | page 57 |
| Grayling Creek (tributary to Hebgen Reservoir) | Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30. | page 57 |
| Harrison Lake And Tributaries | Willow Creek arm, as posted: Open third Saturday in May through the end of February. Tributaries to reservoir – North Willow, South Willow and Norwegian Creeks – from the Highway 287 bridges to reservoir: Open June 15 through Nov. 30. | page 58 |
| Hauser Reservoir | Including Canyon Ferry Dam tailwater and Lake Helena: Combined trout and kokanee salmon: 5 trout and kokanee salmon daily and in combination and 10 trout and kokanee salmon in possession in any combination. Including Canyon Ferry Dam tailwater and Lake Helena: Walleye: 10 daily, only 1 over 15 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit. Including Canyon Ferry Dam tailwater and Lake Helena: Yellow perch: 10 dai | page 58 |
| Haymaker Creek | Cutthroat trout: 2 daily and in possession. | page 58 |
| Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir | Including irrigation canal in the area from the discharge outlet to 400 yards downstream: Manually operated watercraft and watercraft powered by electric motors only. Including irrigation canal in the area from the discharge outlet to 400 yards downstream: During ice cover: no fires, all-terrain vehicles, off highway vehicles, snowmobiles, or any other vehicles allowed on the ice. Powered ice augers are permitted. In | page 58 |
| Hellroaring Creek (Yellowstone River drainage) | Cutthroat trout: 3 daily and in possession, only one over 14 inches. | page 58 |
| Hells Canyon Creek (Jefferson River drainage) | Open June 15 through Sept. 30. Catch-and-release for rainbow trout. | page 58 |
| Hidden Lake And Tributaries (Madison County) | Open June 15 through Nov. 30. | page 58 |
| Holter Reservoir | Up to American Bar Gulch (approximately 4.6 miles downstream from Hauser Dam): Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 brown trout daily and in possession, any size. Up to American Bar Gulch (approximately 4.6 miles downstream from Hauser Dam): Walleye: 5 daily, only 1 over 25 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit. Up to American Bar Gulch (approximately 4.6 | page 58 |
| Hyalite Creek And Tributaries | Above Hyalite Reservoir including East Fork Hyalite Creek and West Fork Hyalite Creek: Open July 15 through Nov. 30. Below Hyalite Reservoir: Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout. | page 59 |
| Hyalite Reservoir | Catch-and-release for arctic grayling. | page 59 |
| Indian Road Pond (Townsend) | Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger, holders of a “Resident Person with a Disability Conservation License” and holders of a “Permit to Hunt From a Vehicle” with the proper prerequisite Fishing License. One rod per angler. | page 59 |
| Jefferson River | Entire river: Northern pike: no limit. Entire river: Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 18 inches and only 1 may be a rainbow trout. Hells Canyon Creek and Willow Springs Creek: Seasonal spawning closure at tributary mouths: Closed to fishing 100 yards upstream and downstream from the creek mouths from April 1 through April 30 and from Sept. 30 through Nov. 30. | page 59 |
| Lake Elwell aka Tiber Reservoir | Cisco and whitefish: all fish must be released immediately or killed and counted as part of your limit. It is unlawful to possess live cisco or whitefish for any reason. Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only. Spearing: open for nongame fish, northern pike, and walleye through the ice and by persons swimming or submerged. | page 59 |
| Lake Frances | Closed entire year around the water supply outlet as posted. Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only. Spearing: open for nongame fish, northern pike, and walleye through the ice. | page 59 |
| Lake Helena | Catch-and-release for brown trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 brown trout daily and in possession, any size. Yellow perch: 10 daily and in possession July 1 through March 31; 1 daily and in possession, 14 inch minimum, April 1 through June 30. Walleye: 10 daily, only 1 over 15 inches. Possession limit is twice the daily limit. | page 59 |
| Lake Sutherlin | Including inlet areas on state land: Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 35 daily and 70 in possession. Including inlet areas on state land: Burbot (ling): 3 daily and in possession. Only 1 over 30 inches. LITTLE PRICKLY PEAR CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (tributary to Missouri River) –– Mouth to Big Sheep Creek: Open third Saturday in May through Labor Day. | page 60 |
| Lyman Creek (near Bozeman) | From the City water supply intake to a point 1,000 feet upstream: Closed entire year as posted. | page 60 |
| Madison River | Yellowstone National Park boundary to Hebgen Reservoir: Catch-and-release for rainbow trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 rainbow trout daily and in possession, any size. Quake Lake outlet to Lyons Bridge: Catch-and-release for trout, except anglers 14 years of age or younger may take 1 trout daily and in possession, any size. Quake Lake outlet to Lyons Bridge: Artificial lures only. | page 60 |
| Magpie Creek (tributary to Canyon Ferry Reservoir) | Open June 15 through Sept. 30. | page 61 |
| Midvale Creek (Blackfeet Reservation) | Closed entire year from intake of Glacier Park Hotel Company water supply to the park boundary. | page 61 |
| Missouri River | Confluence of Madison and Jefferson Rivers to Holter Dam: Northern pike: no limit. Toston Dam Reservoir (Toston Dam to approximately 1 mile upstream): Northern pike: no limit. Spearing allowed through the ice only. Toston Dam to Canyon Ferry Reservoir: Big Springs spawning area closed as posted from March 1 through June 15. | page 62 |
| Newlan Creek Reservoir | (Including a 400-yard reach of inlet stream from the mouth up to a concrete water weir): Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Oct. 1 through Dec. 31; 35 daily and 70 in possession. (Including a 400-yard reach of inlet stream from the mouth up to a concrete water weir): Burbot (ling): 3 daily and in possession. Only 1 over 30 inches. | page 64 |
| North Fork Sun River And Tributaries | Upstream from the point where the North and South Forks of the Sun River meet, regardless of reservoir level: Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 12 inches, all may be cutthroat trout. | page 64 |
| North Fork Teton River Drainage (near Choteau) | Within the National Forest: Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout. | page 64 |
| North Willow Creek (near Harrison) | Highway 287 Bridge to Harrison Reservoir: Open June 15 through Nov. 30. | page 64 |
| Norwegian Creek (near Harrison) | Highway 287 Bridge to Harrison Reservoir: Open June 15 through Nov. 30. | page 64 |
| Ostle Reservoir aka Antelope Butte Lake (Teton County) | Open May 15 at 12:00 noon through Nov. 30. | page 64 |
| Otter Lake (Madison County) | Open June 15 through Nov. 30. | page 64 |
| O’Brien Creek (near Neihart) | Above intake to the Neihart public water supply: Closed entire year. | page 64 |
| Parsons Slough | Downstream from Loomont Lane: Open June 15 through Sept. 30. | page 64 |
| Pishkun Reservoir | Spearing: open for northern pike through the ice only. Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only. Snagging: open for kokanee salmon Sept. 1 through Dec. 31; 35 daily and 70 in possession. | page 64 |
| Rat Lake (Gallatin River drainage) | The unnamed tributary to the lake, inlet and outlet, is closed all year. RATTLESNAKE CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (near Dillon, Beaverhead County) –: Closed entire year from city water supply intake to a point 1,000 feet upstream as posted. RATTLESNAKE CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES (near Dillon, Beaverhead County) –: Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout. | page 64 |
| Red Rock Creek (Beaverhead River drainage) | Upstream from Elk Lake Road: Open entire year except May 1 through June 14. Upstream from Elk Lake Road: Artificial lures only. Elk Lake Road to Upper Red Rock Lake: Closed the entire year. | page 64 |
| Red Rock River | Lima Dam to Clark Canyon Reservoir and all Un-named Spring Tributaries: Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30. | page 65 |
| Rock Creek Reservoirs (Robb-Ledford Game Range) | Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout. | page 65 |
| Ruby River | Upstream from Ruby Reservoir: Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout. Confluence with Sweetwater Creek to Ruby Reservoir: Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30. Downstream from Ruby Dam: Catch-and-release for rainbow trout. | page 65 |
| Ruby River Reservoir | Tributaries (Garden, Peterson, Barton Gulch, and Davey creeks).: Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30. | page 65 |
| Sage Creek (Pryor Mountains) | Combined trout: all may be cutthroat trout. | page 65 |
| Scott Reservoir | Closed to fishing (City of Helena water supply). | page 65 |
| Sheep Creek (tributary to Missouri River south of Cascade) | Open third Saturday in May through Labor Day. | page 65 |
| Shields River | Entire River: Smallmouth bass: All smallmouth bass caught must be killed immediately, kept and the entire fish presented to FWP. Anglers who catch smallmouth bass in the Shields River are required to report the catch to FWP within 24 hours (406-577-7900). Anglers will be asked to provide location, date, and time of capture and may be asked to provide their full name, ALS number, and phone number. Anglers are required | page 65 |
| Silver Creek aka D2 Ditch (tributary to Prickly Pear Creek) | Downstream from the I-15 bridge near Helena: Open third Saturday in May through Labor Day. | page 65 |
| Slough Creek (Yellowstone River drainage) | Cutthroat trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 14 inches. | page 66 |
| Smith River | Sheep Creek from bridge upstream of Moose Creek to the mouth, Rock Creek from bridge at Lingshire Road to the mouth, Tenderfoot Creek from falls just upstream of Daisy Creek to the mouth, and Hound Creek from Upper Millegan Road bridge to the mouth.: Open third Saturday in May to Nov. 30. Camp Baker Bridge to Eden Bridge: Combined trout: 3 under 13 inches daily and in possession and only 1 over 22 inches daily and in | page 66 |
| Soda Butte Creek (Yellowstone River drainage) | Cutthroat trout: 3 daily and in possession, only 1 over 14 inches. | page 67 |
| South Fork Madison River (tributary to Hebgen Reservoir) | Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30. | page 67 |
| South Fork Sun River And Tributaries | Upstream from the point where the North and South Forks of the Sun River meet, regardless of reservoir level: Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession only 1 over 12 inches. | page 67 |
| South Fork Teton River (near Choteau) | Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout. | page 67 |
| South Fork Two Medicine River Drainage | Within National Forest: Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession, none over 12 inches. | page 67 |
| South Willow Creek (near Harrison) | Highway 287 Bridge to Harrison Reservoir: Open June 15 through Nov. 30. | page 67 |
| Split Rock Lake | Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only. Spearing: open for northern pike through the ice only. | page 67 |
| Spring Meadow Lake | Combined trout: 5 daily and in possession. Bass: 3 daily and in possession, none over 10 inches. No spear fishing or bow fishing allowed. | page 67 |
| Sunny Slope Canal | Downstream from Pishkun Reservoir: Catch-and-release for arctic grayling. | page 67 |
| Swazee Lake (Sun River Wildlife Management Area) | Open May 15 at 12:00 noon through Nov. 30. | page 67 |
| Tiber Reservoir aka Lake Elwell | Cisco and whitefish: all fish must be released immediately or killed and counted as part of your limit. It is unlawful to possess live cisco or whitefish for any reason. Hook and Line/Setlines: 6 lines with 2 hooks per line through the ice only. Spearing: open for nongame fish, northern pike, and walleye through the ice and by persons swimming or submerged. | page 67 |
| Trout Creek (Tributary to Missouri River) | Open third Saturday in May through Nov. 30. | page 67 |
| Tunnel Lake (Teton County) | Combined trout: includes 1 arctic grayling. | page 67 |
| Twin Lakes (Big Hole River drainage) | Catch-and-release for lake trout. Combined trout: 3 daily and in possession. | page 68 |
| Vigilante Pond (near Virginia City) | Open to fishing for anglers 14 years of age or younger only. One rod per child. | page 68 |
| Wade Lake (Madison County) | Spawning channel and channel inlet closed as posted. | page 68 |
| Warm Springs Creek (tributary to Missouri River, near Townsend) | Open June 15 through Sept. 30. | page 68 |
| West Fork Hyalite Creek | Open July 15 through Nov. 30. | page 68 |
| West Fork Rock Creek | Red Lodge water intake to 1,000 feet upstream: Closed entire year. | page 68 |
| Widgeon Pond (Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge) | Closed to angling from Nov. 30 to April 15. Artificial lures only. | page 68 |
| Willow Creek (Meagher County, near White Sulpur Springs) | White Sulphur Springs water intake to its source: Closed entire year. | page 68 |
| Willow Creek Reservoir (near Augusta) | 5 trout daily, only 1 over 20 inches. | page 68 |
| Willow Creek Reservoir And Tributaries (near Harrison) | Willow Creek arm, as posted: Open third Saturday in May through the end of February. Tributaries to reservoir – North Willow, South Willow and Norwegian Creeks – from the Highway 287 bridges to reservoir: Open June 15 through Nov. 30. | page 68 |
| Willow Springs Creek (tributary to Jefferson River) | Open June 15 through Sept. 30. Catch-and-release for rainbow trout. | page 68 |
| Wise River | Entire River: Catch-and-release for Arctic grayling. Entire River: Combined trout: 2 daily and in possession. | page 68 |
| Yellowstone River | Yellowstone National Park Boundary to Pine Creek Bridge: Catch-and-release for cutthroat trout. Yellowstone National Park Boundary to Springdale Bridge FAS: Smallmouth bass: All smallmouth bass caught must be killed immediately, kept and the entire fish presented to FWP. Anglers who catch smallmouth bass in the Yellowstone River above Springdale Bridge FAS are required to report the catch to FWP within 24 hours 406 5 | page 69 |
2026 Montana Fishing Regulations, p. 65 (valid March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027; FWP PDF), read November 12, 2026.
Water pages
Montana waters here that FWP places in the Central District
- Canyon Ferry Lake33,535 acres
- Tiber Reservoir14,842 acres
- Hebgen Lake12,564 acres
- Bighorn Lake (Big Horn County)5,574 acres
- Clark Canyon Reservoir4,815 acres
- Lima Reservoir4,422 acres
- Ennis Lake3,692 acres
- Holter Reservoir3,667 acres
- Lake Frances3,618 acres
- Bynum Reservoir3,205 acres
- Hauser Reservoir3,200 acres
- Upper Red Rock Lake2,948 acres
- Freezeout Lake2,596 acres
- Lower Saint Mary Lake2,177 acres
- Lake Helena2,073 acres
- Deadmans Basin Reservoir1,954 acres
- Lower Red Rock Lake1,913 acres
- Pishkun Reservoir1,518 acres
- Duck Lake1,446 acres
- Willow Creek Reservoir (Lewis and Clark County)1,314 acres
- Gibson Reservoir1,289 acres
- Lake Mason1,220 acres
- Martinsdale Reservoir947 acres
- Ruby River Reservoir941 acres
- Beaverhead RiverBeaverhead and Madison counties
- Big Hole RiverBeaverhead County and 3 other counties
- Big Spring CreekFergus County
- Blacktail Deer CreekBeaverhead County
- Clarks Fork Yellowstone RiverCarbon County and 2 other counties
- Dearborn RiverCascade and Lewis and Clark counties
- East Gallatin RiverGallatin County
- Gallatin RiverGallatin County
- Jefferson RiverBroadwater County and 3 other counties
- Madison RiverBroadwater County and 2 other counties
- North Fork Sun RiverLewis and Clark and Teton counties
- Red Rock RiverBeaverhead County
- Ruby RiverMadison County
- Shields RiverMeagher and Park counties
- Smith RiverCascade and Meagher counties
- South Fork Sun RiverLewis and Clark County
Montana FWP Lakes reference layer (ArcGIS service) and the MFISH fish distribution layers, read November 12, 2026.
Answers
Central District rules, answered
What is the Central District?
FWP uses the name Central District for one slice of Montana, ruled by the chart and exceptions on this page.
When does stream fishing open in the Central District?
Open all year unless otherwise specified in Exceptions to Standard Regulations.
When can I fish lakes in the Central District?
Open all year.
How many exception waters does the Central District list?
The 2026 booklet prints 118 of them; the table above quotes each.
When a water has exception lines, do they beat the chart?
They do, item by item, on that water only.
What applies to a water with no exception heading?
The chart row for each fish governs, and a fish with no row carries no cap.
How many fish does the Central District chart cover?
14 rows in the Central District chart.
Where are the other districts?
See the Western District and Eastern District pages.