Hungry Horse Reservoir fishing guide

Public access & launches

Limited public bank access along Hungry Horse Reservoir, computed from public land ownership and hydrography.

• Doris Point Boat LaunchUS Forest Service
  Boat launch
• LID CREEK CAMPGROUND
  Boat launch
• Murray Bay boat launch
  Boat launch
• Riverside Boat Ramp
  Boat launch
• Abbot Bay Boat Launch
  Boat launch
• MURRAY BAY CAMPGROUND (MT)
  Boat launch
• RIVERSIDE CAMPGROUND (MT)
  Boat launch

Regulations

• Bull trout

  Season

  Third Saturday in May through Aug. 15 for harvest; catch-and-release rest of year.

  Bag

  1 fish per license year

  Catch-and-release the rest of the year with a Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead permit validation on Fishing License. A Hungry Horse/South Fork Flathead Bull Trout Catch Card must be in possession when fishing for bull trout. See bull trout page 13.

• Western Fishing District

  See South Fork Flathead River Drainage regulations. JOB CORPS PONDS (Deer Lodge County) Open August 15 through September 30. Catch-and-release only. Artificial lures only. Motorized boats/vessels prohibited.

• All species

  See South Fork Flathead River Drainage regulations.

• All species

  Float Fishing: When a water is closed to Float Fishing, an angler may not fish from a boat or vessel, and may not wade fish in the river or stream, or from the bank or shoreline of the river or stream, when fishing access is gained by boat or vessel.

• All species

  Handling and Transporting Legally Taken Fish: While fishing or on the water/ice, all fish in possession must be visibly identifiable to species. Unless size limits apply, fish may be cleaned prior to transport so long as the entire skin remains attached to the fish or fillet for identification. Two fillets will be counted as one fish. If frozen prior to transport, each fish or fillet must be packaged so it can be counted. Consumption of fish on the ice or water is allowed but counts toward daily limit.

• All species

  Once off the water, fish may be dressed, filleted, and skin removed for transport to permanent residence, unless size limits apply: all fish can be counted and identified; two fillets counted as one fish; frozen catch must be packaged so it can be counted. Salmonids (trout, salmon, arctic grayling, char and whitefish): entire skin must remain attached to the fillet for identification.

• All species

  Fishing Methods: Fish may be taken only by hook and line or other approved methods. Regulations for the taking of fish are listed in the standard regulations for each fishing district (see pages 23, 50 & 79).

• All species

  Ice Fishing Shelters: Unlawful to use any ice fishing shelter not conforming to waste/rubbish disposal rules. Owners/occupants must keep shelters and surrounding area free from rubbish and trash and remove waste materials before leaving for the day. Daily removal of shelters required on some waterbodies (see district exceptions). Owner must remove shelter from ice before it becomes irretrievable at end of season, or within five days of notification from FWP.

• All species

  Methods of Taking Fish: Spears and bows are counted as lines for determining line limits. When multiple lines are allowed, the number of lines shall not exceed the combination of attended lines, setlines, or spears. All unattended fishing devices (crayfish traps, minnow traps, fish traps, setlines, etc.) must have the angler's name and phone number or name and individual identifying number issued by the department attached.

• All species

  Ice Fishing - Size of Hole: In waters not open to spearing, the maximum size hole that may be used for ice fishing is 144 square inches or 12 inches in diameter. There is no size limit for a hole used for fishing with a spear.

As of 2026-08-28.Guidance, not legal advice — always confirm current rules with the state.Official Montana regulations

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Hungry Horse Reservoir fishing — FAQ