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Montana · Fishing
Troy sits in the far northwest corner of Montana, tucked into the Kootenai River drainage where the Cabinet Mountains push up against the Idaho border.
11 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 11 spots
Troy sits in the far northwest corner of Montana, tucked into the Kootenai River drainage where the Cabinet Mountains push up against the Idaho border. The fishing around here leans heavily on still water — Spar Lake, Duck Lake, Grouse Lake, Little Therriault Lake, and Kilbrennan Lake are all within reasonable striking distance, and most of them sit inside or near the Kootenai National Forest, which keeps access straightforward for visitors. Troy Dam Reservoir adds another lake option right near town. For moving water, the Yaak River is the main draw, with the Yaak River Campground serving as a practical base for wade fishing that stretch. Bull Lake Area rounds out the river and stream options. This is not a destination that gets the same attention as the Blackfoot or the Madison, which means lighter pressure on most days and a more relaxed pace on the water. Expect a mix of trout and warmwater species depending on which water you choose. The terrain is heavily forested and the roads to some of the higher lakes can be rough, so checking road conditions before heading to spots like Grouse Lake or Little Therriault is worth the two minutes it takes.
The area offers both lake fishing and river fishing. Still-water options include Spar Lake, Duck Lake, Grouse Lake, Little Therriault Lake, Kilbrennan Lake, and Troy Dam Reservoir. For moving water, the Yaak River and the Bull Lake Area are the primary spots. Most of the lakes hold trout, and the river stretches offer wade fishing in a heavily wooded setting.
Yes, a valid Montana fishing license is required for anyone 12 and older fishing any of these waters. You can purchase one online through Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks or at local sporting goods and hardware stores in Troy. Check the current FWP regulations booklet for any water-specific rules, since some lakes and river sections carry special restrictions on gear or catch limits.
Yaak River Campground
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Bull River Guard Station
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
McGillivray Campground
~48 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Kootenai River - Libby Dam Tailwater
~46 min drive
Moderate
Osprey
~1h 18m drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Timberlane Campground
~30 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Webb Mtn. Lookout Rental
~1h 2m drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Bull River Pavilion
~49 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Upper Ford Cabin Rental
~58 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Troy Dam Reservoir
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Springy Point
~59 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Fairview Ranger Station
~1h 9m drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Late spring through early fall is the most productive window. Ice-out on the higher lakes like Grouse Lake and Little Therriault typically happens in May, and those waters fish well through June before summer heat sets in. The Yaak River fishes best in late spring and again in early fall when water temperatures drop. Midsummer can be productive early in the morning or in the evening on most of the lakes.
It depends on the lake and the time of year. Troy Dam Reservoir and Spar Lake are generally accessible without a high-clearance vehicle, but roads to Grouse Lake and Little Therriault can be rough and may require a truck or SUV, especially early in the season when snow runoff is still affecting forest roads. Call the Kootenai National Forest's Troy Ranger District before your trip to get a current road condition report.
Yes, several campgrounds are located right at or near the fishing water. Spar Lake Campground, Yaak River Campground, Dorr Skeels Campground, and Kilbrennan Lake Campground all appear in the listings for this area. Booking ahead in July and August is a good idea since these sites fill up on weekends, but shoulder-season visits in May, June, or September usually leave more room.
