Montana · Fishing
Fishing in Rexford, Montana
Rexford sits at the north end of Lake Koocanusa, the reservoir formed by Libby Dam on the Kootenai River, and that geography shapes almost every fishing trip you'll plan here. The bulk of the action is lake fishing — the Koocanusa Area, Peck Gulch Campground, Tobacco Area, and even the Webb Mtn.
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View on mapFishing · 6 spots
Rexford sits at the north end of Lake Koocanusa, the reservoir formed by Libby Dam on the Kootenai River, and that geography shapes almost every fishing trip you'll plan here. The bulk of the action is lake fishing — the Koocanusa Area, Peck Gulch Campground, Tobacco Area, and even the Webb Mtn. Lookout Rental all put you within reach of the reservoir's kokanee salmon and lake trout, which are the two species most anglers come for. The Tobacco River Campground adds a river option, where the Tobacco River feeds into the lake near Rexford, giving you a different kind of water when you want moving current instead of open lake. Rexford Bench is listed as surf fishing, which here means working the shallower shoreline edges of Koocanusa rather than ocean-style casting. Access is generally straightforward — most of these spots have established campgrounds or recreation areas with boat ramps or bank access. If you're camping and fishing in the same trip, Peck Gulch and Tobacco River Campground are the most convenient combinations. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regulates the reservoir and its tributaries, so check current rules before you go, particularly around kokanee retention limits, which can change year to year.
Frequently asked questions
What fish species can I realistically expect to catch around Rexford?
Lake Koocanusa holds kokanee salmon and lake trout as the primary targets, and both are accessible from the spots listed here including Peck Gulch, the Tobacco Area, and the broader Koocanusa Area. The Tobacco River adds the possibility of smaller stream species where it enters the reservoir near Tobacco River Campground.
Do I need a boat, or is bank fishing viable?
Both work, but a boat opens up significantly more of Lake Koocanusa, which is a large reservoir. Rexford Bench and shoreline access at Peck Gulch Campground are reasonable bank fishing options. Kokanee in particular tend to suspend in open water at depth during summer, which makes trolling from a boat more productive than casting from shore in that season.
When is the best time of year to fish here?
Kokanee fishing on Koocanusa tends to be most productive from late spring through early fall, with the fish moving shallower in spring and fall and deeper in midsummer heat. Lake trout can be caught year-round but are more accessible from shore or in shallower water during colder months. The Tobacco River mouth area near Tobacco River Campground can be worth checking in fall when fish stage near tributary inflows.
What time of day is best for fishing Lake Koocanusa?
Early morning is consistently the most productive window for kokanee and lakeshore activity before boat traffic picks up and light penetration increases. Evening can also be good, especially for lake trout working shallower structure. Midday fishing in summer is slower and better spent repositioning or fishing deeper water.
Are there any regulations I should know before fishing this area?
Montana FWP sets the rules for Lake Koocanusa and the Tobacco River, and kokanee retention limits in particular have been adjusted in recent years to manage the population. Check the current Montana fishing regulations at fwp.mt.gov before your trip rather than relying on what was in effect the previous season. A valid Montana fishing license is required for anyone 12 and older.
