Catch-and-Release Best Practices: Preserving Montana’s Trout for Future Generations

Fly fishing in Montana is more than just a sport—it's a way to connect with nature, experience the beauty of the rivers, and contribute to the conservation of delicate trout populations. At Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, we believe in responsible fishing practices that ensure the sustainability of our fisheries for future generations. Catch-and-release fishing is one of the most effective ways to protect and preserve the iconic trout that call Montana’s rivers home, but it’s important to handle fish with care to minimize stress and injury.

To help you practice responsible catch-and-release, we've outlined essential techniques to make sure your experience on the water leaves a positive impact on the fish and the ecosystem.

Why Catch-and-Release Matters

Montana’s rivers, including the Yellowstone, Stillwater, and Boulder, support diverse populations of native and wild trout, such as cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. While fishing is a beloved pastime, it also places pressure on these populations. By releasing fish back into the water unharmed, anglers can reduce mortality rates and help maintain healthy populations for years to come.

Proper catch-and-release practices are essential for the fish’s survival. Studies show that trout released with minimal handling, reduced air exposure, and gentle techniques have a much higher chance of surviving and thriving. By following best practices, you can ensure that the fish you catch today will be there for future anglers to enjoy.

Expert Tips from Our Guides

Our expert guides at Montana Fly Fishing Lodge are passionate about both fishing and conservation. They understand that how you handle a fish can make all the difference. Here’s a great piece of advice from one of our guides:

"Keep your hands wet, don't keep the fish out of the water for more than 30 seconds, and let them swim from the net when releasing." 
-MFL Guide

This quote sums up the essence of catch-and-release fishing. Wetting your hands before handling a fish, limiting the time they spend out of the water, and allowing them to swim off on their own are simple steps every angler can take to minimize harm.
​

Key Catch-and-Release Techniques

Here are some best practices to follow to ensure the safe release of trout:

 1. Use Barbless Hooks
Using barbless hooks or pinching the barbs on your flies is an easy way to reduce injury to the fish. Barbless hooks are easier to remove, which means less time handling the trout and less stress on them. While you may lose a few fish in the fight, it’s a small price to pay for their long-term survival. Make sure to read the rules and regulations on barbed or barbless hooks on the MFW website.

2. Minimize Fight Time
Trout are delicate fish, and a prolonged fight can exhaust them, making recovery more difficult. Use a strong enough tippet to land the fish quickly without breaking off. Once the fish is in your net, it will have more energy to swim away once released.

3. Wet Your Hands
Fish have a protective slime coating that helps prevent infections and disease. When you handle a fish with dry hands, you can remove this layer, making the trout more susceptible to illness. Always wet your hands before touching the fish to keep that layer intact.

4. Keep the Fish in the Water
Whenever possible, keep the fish in the water as you remove the hook. If you need to lift the fish out of the water for a photo, do so quickly and gently. Aim to keep the fish out of the water for no more than 15-30 seconds. A good rule of thumb is to hold your breath while the fish is out—if you need to take a breath, so does the fish!

5. Use a Rubber Net
A rubber net is gentler on a fish’s skin and fins than traditional mesh nets. When netting the fish, try to keep it in the water while removing the hook. Allow the fish to rest and recover in the net before releasing it.

 6. Let the Fish Swim Off on Its Own
When it’s time to release the fish, avoid forcefully pushing it back into the water. Instead, gently cradle the trout in your net or hands and let it swim away when it’s ready. Fish that leave the net under their own power are more likely to recover fully and survive.

Additional Considerations for Cold and Warm Water Fishing

Water temperature plays a critical role in the survival of fish during catch-and-release. In warmer water (above 68°F), trout are more vulnerable to stress, and the likelihood of mortality increases. On hot summer days, consider fishing early in the morning or in higher elevation streams where the water is cooler.

Conversely, in the colder months, handling fish for too long can be dangerous as well. Fish can become lethargic in frigid water, so the key is to minimize contact and ensure a smooth release.

Supporting Conservation Through Your Actions

At Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, we’re proud to be part of a broader conservation effort in the region. Our rivers are supported by organizations like Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Trout Unlimited, which work tirelessly to maintain the health of our waters. By practicing responsible fishing, you’re not only protecting trout populations but also supporting the ecosystem as a whole.

Montana’s trout face numerous challenges, from climate change to habitat degradation, but anglers can make a significant impact by adopting conservation-minded practices. Simple actions like using barbless hooks, minimizing air exposure, and handling fish with care can collectively make a big difference in preserving Montana’s world-class trout fisheries.

A Legacy of Responsible Fishing

For generations, fly fishing has been an integral part of Montana’s outdoor heritage. The rivers here offer unparalleled opportunities for anglers to connect with nature, and it’s our responsibility to ensure these rivers remain healthy for future generations to experience. Whether you’re casting on the Yellowstone or wading the Stillwater, every fish you release with care contributes to the long-term sustainability of Montana’s trout populations.

At Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, we encourage all anglers to practice responsible catch-and-release techniques and continue the tradition of stewardship on the water. Let’s work together to ensure that future generations can enjoy the thrill of fly fishing in Montana’s pristine rivers.

Written by Katie Schepker