Idaho and Montana are a bit like brothers. And like brothers, they mostly get along just fine—but not without the occasional friendly sibling rivalry. Case in point: which state has the better fly fishing? We’d be lying if we didn’t say we were at least a little bit biased.
When it comes to Idaho vs. Montana fly fishing, there are strong arguments on both sides. Both are inarguably among the best fly fishing states in America, and both offer diverse experiences that range from major, world-famous blue ribbon trout streams to remote hidden gems. Idaho and Montana have a lot in common, but they’re not quite the same. At the end of the day, Idaho fly fishing vs. Montana simply comes down to what type of adventure you’d like to have.
Access Showdown: Fly Fishing Idaho vs. Montana
Idaho
Idaho certainly has no shortage of great fly fishing access. Many of the state’s best fly fishing rivers and streams flow through vast swaths of public land managed by either the U.S. Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management, both of which provide ample access. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game also maintains access points on many of the best fly fishing streams in Idaho and offers this handy interactive map to help you find them. That being said, there are also some extremely remote places to fly fish in Idaho, and many rivers are not touched by a road for miles and miles.
Montana
Not to be outdone, Montana is no slouch when it comes to access for fly fishing. The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department maintains ample access to many high-quality streams (use this map to find your way around) as does the BLM and Forest Service. Angling is a major source of revenue for the state of Montana, and access is provided accordingly. Also worth taking note of is that stream beds below the high water mark in both states are considered public property and owned by the state, allowing anglers to access many miles of waterways by boat or wading.
Scenic Beauty: Idaho’s Wildlands vs. Montana’s Peaks
Idaho
Rivers in both states are gorgeous, but there’s a case to be made that Idaho’s beauty is more widespread and also more varied. While Eastern Idaho streams like Henry’s Fork flow through lush wetlands with the Teton Mountains as their backdrop, others traverse rocky canyons, arid steppes or alpine conifer forests.
Montana
Montana is known for being one of the most beautiful states in America, though the classic mountain scenery it is known for is actually restricted to a relatively small area at the western end of the state. Even so, Montana offers some truly stunning fly fishing rivers that are every bit as ravishing as those in Idaho.
Trout Species Diversity in Idaho and Montana
Idaho
Idaho is home to several native trout species, including bull trout (the state fish), westslope and Yellowstone cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and Columbia River redband trout. Non-native brown trout and brook trout have also been widely introduced. Many rivers, including the Snake River and its tributaries, also offer seasonal runs of anadromous species including steelhead, chinook salmon and sockeye salmon.
Montana
Montana has essentially the same native and non-native trout species that Idaho does, though some, like bull trout and redband trout, are not as widely distributed. And whereas westslope cutthroat trout are more common in Idaho, Yellowstone cutthroats are more abundant in Montana. One opportunity that is not to be found in Montana is catching ocean-run species like steelhead and salmon.
Fishing Pressure: Crowds and Solitude in Both States
Idaho
Although Idaho’s waters certainly receive their fair share of fishing pressure, it’s also not difficult to find secluded stretches that offer great trout fishing. Expect to rub shoulders with other anglers at prime spots on high-profile rivers like Henry’s Fork, the South Fork of the Snake and the Clearwater River, but don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path to discover relatively unspoiled mountain streams.
Montana
No other state is as famous for fly-fishing as Montana, and its waters can be highly pressured. That’s understandable given the quality of Montana’s rivers and streams, but it does present challenges for fly fishers who want to beat the crowds. A study published in 2020 showed that Montana fishing pressure had increased by nearly 113% since 2007, largely due to an influx of non-resident anglers.
Cost to Fish: Idaho vs. Montana Adventures
Idaho
Fly fishing trips in Idaho tend to be more affordable than in Montana, though individual experiences may vary. If you want high-end accommodations and a top-quality fly fishing guide on a famous river, you’ll pay accordingly, but the state also offers no shortage of outstanding budget-friendly fly fishing experiences.
Montana
As in Idaho, the cost of fishing guides and lodge accommodations vary, but they do tend to be more costly in Montana. As we all know, fishing in Montana is big business, and experiences are often more expensive because they tend to cater to wealthy tourists. That being said, you can definitely book a cost-effective trip without all the bells and whistles.
Final Verdict: Choosing Idaho or Montana for Your Next Fly Fishing Trip
At the end of the day, both Idaho and Montana offer world-class fly fishing. Both states can provide an unforgettable experience, and the fish of a lifetime is just as likely to lurk in the Snake or Salmon River as it is in the Yellowstone or the Madison.
But Idaho will always be the underdog compared to Montana. After all, Montana is the state that inspired A River Runs Through It and has seen a resurgence of attention thanks to the likes of Yellowstone. It’s about the most famous fly-fishing destination there is. Idaho is also renowned for its fishing, but nowhere near to the same degree. Idaho is practically a hidden gem compared to Montana, and any Idaho angler will tell you they like it that way.