Bull River

The Bull River flows through the Cabinet Mountains in northwest Montana near the Idaho border, offering fishing for native westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout in a remote mountain setting. This small river drains the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness and provides a true backcountry fishing experience. The upper reaches require hiking but reward anglers with pristine water and willing cutthroat. Lower sections along Highway 56 are more accessible and hold both cutthroat and occasional bull trout. The river fishes best from late spring through fall, with small attractor dry flies effective throughout the season. The Cabinet Mountains provide dramatic scenery including Ross Creek Cedars, one of the largest remaining stands of ancient western red cedar. Anglers should be aware of grizzly bear activity and practice bear-safe behavior. This is exploratory fishing for those seeking Montana's wild corners far from the famous destination rivers.