Bull Trout are a magnificent fish highly sought after by anglers. However, they are listed as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act. This protected status means that fishing for them in Montana is extremely restrictive.
Only three specific areas—Hungry Horse Reservoir, Lake Koocanusa, and part of the South Fork Flathead River—are open for regulated and experimental angling seasons. All other waters are permanently closed to intentional Bull Trout angling. This guide outlines the mandatory Montana Bull Trout Regulations for 2025. We cover the necessary Catch Card application process, specific fishing limits, and critical conservation rules for all eligible anglers.
Eligibility and Application for the Montana Bull Trout Catch Card
If you plan to fish for Bull Trout, you must possess a valid Catch Card for that specific water. Securing this permit is the first step toward compliance with the Montana Bull Trout Regulations.
Required Documentation for Application
To be eligible to apply for a Catch Card, you must already hold certain licenses. These include a valid 2025 Conservation license, a Montana fishing license, and the Montana aquatic invasive species prevention pass.
The application requires personal details, including your Name and Mailing Address. You must also provide your ALS#, which is based on your date of birth. If your ALS# does not match your date of birth, you should contact an FWP office.
Submission Process and Restrictions
Catch cards are provided to anglers free of charge. The application form is a physical card that cannot be sent digitally. You must mail the completed application to: Fish, Wildlife & Parks, ATTN: Bull Trout Permit, 490 North Meridian Road, Kalispell MT 59901. Be sure to allow adequate time for mailing.
It is important to understand the strict rules around the permit:
- The permit is valid through February 28, 2026.
- It is nontransferable and cannot be replaced.
- Administrative Rules of Montana prohibit one individual from submitting more than one application.
Choosing Your Permit Area
When applying for the FWP Bull Trout Permit, you must choose only one permit area. Selecting more than one area on your application will render it invalid.
You must choose either:
- HUNGRY HORSE RESERVOIR (HH) / SOUTH FORK FLATHEAD RIVER (SFF): This combined permit allows for one harvested Bull Trout per year in HH, and catch-and-release only in SFF.
- LAKE KOOCANUSA (LK): This permit is strictly catch-and-release only.
Key 2025 Bull Trout Seasons, Limits, and Restrictions in Montana
The Montana Bull Trout Regulations specify different seasons and rules depending on the open waterbody. Note that harvest is only permitted in Hungry Horse Reservoir. All other authorized areas are strictly catch-and-release.
Summary of 2025 Bull Trout Seasons and Limits
The following table summarizes the crucial limits and season dates for the three open areas.
| Location | Harvest Limit | Catch-and-Release Season | Key Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Koocanusa (LK) | Closed to all harvest. | Open entire year. | Must possess a Lake Koocanusa Catch Card. |
| Hungry Horse Reservoir (HH) | One trout per license year. | Open entire year. | Harvest period: 3rd Saturday in May through August 15. |
| South Fork Flathead River (SFF) | Closed to all harvest. | July 1 through July 31 only. | Single-pointed hooks only. |
Hungry Horse Reservoir (HH) Rules
Bull Trout harvest is allowed in Hungry Horse Reservoir, but only for a limited time. The harvest season runs from the third Saturday in May through August 15. Anglers may take one Bull Trout per license year during this period. Catch-and-release is required for the rest of the year. When fishing here, you must identify the specific catch zone (A, B, or C) on your card when recording the fish taken.
South Fork Flathead River (SFF) Restrictions
Angling in the South Fork Flathead River is catch-and-release only. The season is very short, running only from July 1 through July 31. The river area extends from the Crossover boat ramp upstream to the confluence of Youngs’ and Danaher creeks.
Critically, special terminal tackle rules apply here. Only single-pointed hooks are allowed. Treble or double hooks are prohibited. If your lure uses multiple hooks, you must replace them with a single hook. Alternatively, you may cut off the shanks of the other hook points to leave just a single hook. Angling is also prohibited in all South Fork tributaries or Big Salmon Lake. Anglers must identify the catch zone (D, E, or F) on their catch card.
Mandatory Catch Card Validation and Conservation Compliance
Compliance with the 2025 Montana Bull Trout Regulations demands immediate action once a fish is caught. Proper validation is key to avoiding penalties.
Immediate Validation Rules
Immediately upon harvesting or releasing a Bull Trout, you must record specific information on your catch card.
Required records include:
- The month and day of the event.
- The Catch Zone (A, B, C, D, E or F).
- The length of the fish to the nearest ½” (use an estimated length if released).
For harvested fish taken from Hungry Horse Reservoir, you must immediately cut out the notch corresponding to the fish harvested. Only one notch can be cut per card. Anglers are encouraged to submit additional records via mail or an on-line survey.
Rules for Handling and Possession
These regulations are designed to protect a threatened species. Therefore, the rules for handling Bull Trout are very strict. It is unlawful to possess a live Bull Trout for any reason. Any Bull Trout intended for harvest must be killed immediately upon capture. All other Bull Trout must be released unharmed immediately.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to properly validate your Bull Trout Catch Card, exceeding specified limits, or violating season restrictions constitutes a violation of Montana fishing regulations. Possessing a dead Bull Trout without a properly validated card is also a violation. Violation of these regulations may also result in prosecution under the federal Endangered Species Act.
Protecting the Species: Bull Trout Identification and Safe Release
Because Bull Trout are a threatened species, understanding proper identification and safe handling techniques is crucial. Your actions directly influence the survival rate of released fish.
Key Bull Trout Identification Characteristics
Anglers should be able to distinguish Bull Trout from other species.
Look for these key traits:
- They have pink, yellow, or orange spots on their sides.
- They have white leading edges on their fins.
- They display no black spots or lines on the dorsal fin.
- Adults typically exceed 20 inches, while juveniles are usually smaller.
Catch-and-Release Best Practices
Use of proper handling techniques will improve the chance of survival for any released fish. A fish can still die from internal injury, handling stress, or exhaustion.
Follow these techniques for high survival rates:
- Use single, barbless hooks to minimize injury and handling time.
- Play the fish rapidly to reduce its exhaustion level.
- Keep the fish in the water when handling and removing the hook.
- Do not squeeze the fish or place your fingers in its gills.
- If the fish is deeply hooked, cut the line (leaving about 1” of leader) instead of pulling the hook out.
- Release the fish only after it has regained equilibrium.
Photography Guidelines
While photographing your catch is legal, you must minimize or eliminate the need to take the fish out of the water. Studies show that post-release mortality of Bull Trout increased by 33% when they were photographed and measured for moderate periods (1–2 minutes). Have your camera ready before handling the fish and release it as quickly as possible.
Conclusion
Successfully fishing under the strict Montana Bull Trout Regulations depends entirely on compliance and conservation. By adhering to the mandatory Catch Card process, respecting the seasonal openings and limits, and following proper handling guidelines, you contribute directly to the recovery of this threatened species. Stay informed and enjoy your time responsibly on the water.
Ready to fish? Ensure compliance with the Montana Bull Trout Regulations. Download the official 2025 Bull Trout Catch Card Application form and submit it to FWP today to receive your permit before your trip.
