Trout Creek, Montana generally brings one thing to mind when mentioned to locals: huckleberries! Officially the Huckleberry Capital of Montana, Trout Creek hosts an annual festival to honor these tasty delights. This picturesque town has much to offer with friendly people ready to host people who travel from all over to take advantage of camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, or wildlife viewing in the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness. This protected area is untamed and wolverine, deer, elk, moose, grizzly and black bear, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep can all be seen in their natural and stunning habitats. Anglers and fishermen travel here to fish the waters of the Cabinet Gorge and Noxon reservoirs that contain Northern Pike, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, and perch. Whatever you crave as an exciting outing, Trout Creek is sure to provide the very best!

Area Attractions

The Clark Fork River

The Clark Fork River is one of the longest rivers in Montana meandering more than 280 miles paralleling I-90. There are many access points, and its diverse terrain makes certain that no two trips down its waters are the same. It originates in the Silver Bow Mountains with many tributaries contributing to its reputation as one of the most popular destinations for fly fishing in the United States. The river offers recreation such as floating, rafting, kayaking, and river surfing in addition to its epic fishing. The best fishing waters are found between the origin and the confluence with the Flathead River near the Paradise-Plains area. Fish caught in these waters range in size, but some can be from 14-20 inches. Northern Pike can be 40 inches or more! Species thriving here include the Clark Fork native Westslope Cutthroat and world-class brown and rainbow trout as well as smallmouth bass.

Noxon Reservoir

This serene reservoir is 7,848 acres in size and is formed from the Clark Fork River. Anglers most often fish this body of water for its high bass content, but you can also find Black Bullhead, Lake Trout, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Yellow Bullhead, Yellow Perch, and Pumpkinseed. Several accesses are placed around the reservoir and visitors can boat, swim, tube, or just enjoy the sunshine on the shore!

Hunting

Where the game is as big as the sky, Montana offers hunting as no other state can. This area has a spectacular bighorn sheep population. Whether it is a bow or rifle that you are aiming with, big game ranges from moose, mountain goats, and elk to white-tailed and mule deer. There are also wild turkeys, mountain lions, and bears.

The Cabinet Gorge Reservoir

The Cabinet Gorge Reservoir is 2,789 acres in size. It is located in a scenic wonderland and is a fishery for warm and cool water species. Anglers can expect to catch quite a variety of fish such as Black Bullhead, Lake Trout, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Yellow Bullhead, Yellow Perch and Pumpkinseed. There are four public boat launches for convenience.