Hunting, Fishing and Shooting

The Lolo National Forest offers many types of hunting and fishing opportunities for visitors of all ages and experience levels. These activities are sometimes more than a sport. For some, the rewards of the land, lakes, rivers and streams feed families at home or at the campsite.

State laws apply to hunting and fishing on the Lolo National Forest. Please visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks website to learn more about the regulations.

If you are interested in regulations on tribal lands near the Lolo National Forest, please visit the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes website.

Lake and Pond Fishing

There are many opportunities for lake and pond fishing across the forest.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a great way to enjoy the winter months in Montana. The Seeley Lake Area has some excellent lakes suitable for ice fishing.

River and Stream Fishing

There are many opportunities for river and stream fishing across the forest.

Hunting

Hunting is a tradition and a part of our heritage. Managing wildlife in Montana is the primary responsibility of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The responsibility of the Forest Service is management of grassland and forest habitat which supplies food, shelter, and water for wildlife within the National Forests. The Lolo National Forest and adjoining state and private lands include a variety of game ranges and habitats, from high mountain areas to low farmed valleys.

Visit the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks site for more information about hunting seasons and licensing.

To ensure every hunter has an opportunity to enjoy traditional hunting experiences, here are some helpful tips and resources:

Obtain a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) to review restrictions and view where motorized use begins or ends (some may not be signed as closed). Copies of MVUM maps are available online and at all USDA Forest Service Offices. Consider downloading and install the Avenza app to view current Lolo National Forest’s MVUM on your smart phone or tablet device.
It is prohibited to take any motorized vehicle behind a berm, gate, rock, barrier post, or other closure device within the national forest.
Discharging a firearm (including a bow and arrow) on or across a national forest system road, within 150 yards of a Forest Service campground, building, or other developed recreation site, such as, boat launches/landings, picnic areas, or any other occupied areas is prohibited.
Planning to camp? View the Northern Region’s Camping Restrictions. Download and view the Regional Closure Order - Camping Restrictions.
Maps for the Lolo National Forest can be found at https://fs.usda.gov/r01/lolo/maps-guides.
Leave No Trace and be safe. You are always responsible for your own safety.
If you’re planning on having a campfire while visiting the Forest, please first check on current fire restrictions. Don’t forget to bring supplies to properly extinguish your fire, such as a bucket to hold water and a shovel to stir the fire as you put it out. Watch this YouTube video for more information: https://youtu.be/9mlsuIQ96oo.

Additional information on hunting on National Forests can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/hunting.

Tribal

On Tribal Lands near the Lolo National Forest, visit the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe information.