Tiger Musky Fishing in Montana

Tiger muskellunge, commonly known as tiger muskies, are stocked in Montana reservoirs by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Known for their speed and ability to fight hard, they are hard to catch and pose a challenge to many anglers. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks stocks tiger muskies to provide trophy fish opportunity for fishermen.

  1. Tiger Musky

    • Tiger muskies are a cross between northern pike and muskellunge. They are not native to Montana and are sterile hybrids. They do not have the ability to reproduce on their own and must rely on hatcheries to sustain populations. Tiger muskies exhibit characteristics of both northern pike and muskellunge. The fish has a pattern in varying amounts of color with dark, vertical lines on a silvery-hue body. Their caudal fins are more rounded compared to the tails of muskellunge.

    Angling Tips

    • Cast large lures or fresh-cut bait with a heavy tackle fishing outfit when targeting tiger musky. You will need a heavy-duty rod and line that can handle fish weighing up to 20 lbs. Bucktails and crankbaits work well for deep trolling and for casting in deep water and fast currents. Fishing for tiger musky is especially productive in water temperatures of 64 degrees and above. Search in areas where they tend to tide and ambush prey including around rocky structures and weedbeds.

    Fishing Areas

    • Fish for tiger musky in larger lakes in the state such as Flathead, Fort Peck, Medicine, Hebgen, Canyon Ferry, Bighorn, Elwell and Tongue River Lake. You may also find them in Gartside, Hungry Horse and Tiber reservoirs. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks stocks tiger musky in select areas including Cow Creek Reservoir in the Bear's Paw Mountains south of Chinook. Anglers can expect tiger muskies in lengths of up to 45 inches long and weighing more than 20 lbs.

    Regulations

    • Montana anglers must have a state-issued, valid fishing license to fish in state waters. According to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, you will need both the conservation and fishing license to take any fish statewide, including tiger musky. The conservation license is required before any angler can purchase a fishing license.

      Anglers must adhere to tiger musky fishing creel and size limits, which vary depending on the fishing ground. In Cow Creek Reservoir, the limit for tiger muskellunge is one fish a day and only fish with a length size of more than 40 inches can be taken.