Montana Fish Report

R1: Below Leaburg Lake

Was stocked the week of May 18th and will be stocked again the week of June 8th with 5,000 hatchery rainbow trout.

The first 150 spring Chinook and 300 summer steelhead have passed Leaburg Dam. June and July are peak months for spring Chinook and summer steelhead fishing. Go get em' !

April 22 to October 31 anglers can use bait in the mainstem McKenzie River. Beginning Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies. Fishing for summer steelhead remains open throughout year. All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Check the 2026 Sport Fishing Regulations for bait restrictions in the segment you plan to fish.

The lower McKenzie River is open to retention of adipose fin-clipped salmon and steelhead and non-adipose fin-clipped steelhead greater than 24 inches long. A Columbia River Basin Endorsement is required for anglers targeting salmon and steelhead in the McKenzie. 

R2: Above Leaburg Lake 

Will be stocked the week of May 25th with 1,000 rainbow and will be stocked again the week of June 1st, with 7,500 hatchery rainbow trout.

ODFW will be passing summer steelhead above Leaburg Dam this season (2026). All non-adipose fin-clipped trout must be released unharmed. Bait is allowed from Leaburg Dam to Forest Glen Boat Ramp April 22 until Oct. 31. Starting Nov. 1, anglers may only use lures and artificial flies.