Glendive sits at 2,064 feet on the Yellowstone River in eastern Montana, the seat of Dawson County and home to 4,873 people. This is warmwater fishing country—not the blue-ribbon trout streams of western Montana. The Yellowstone River flows directly through town, carrying walleye, channel catfish, smallmouth bass, and sauger. But Glendive’s signature fishery is the paddlefish—a prehistoric species dating to the age of the dinosaurs, reaching 100+ pounds, found in the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers. With 6 lakes within 50 miles and the Yellowstone running through the heart of town, Glendive offers a fishing experience unlike anywhere else in Montana. For the full town profile, see our Glendive guide.
At a Glance
- 6 lakes within 50 miles
- Primary species: Walleye, channel catfish, smallmouth bass, sauger, paddlefish
- Signature fishery: Paddlefish—prehistoric, 100+ lbs, mid-May to June
- Main access: MT FWP Black Bridge Fishing Site, 1 mile
- Water type: Warmwater—Yellowstone River and prairie lakes
- NOT trout water: Eastern Montana warmwater fishery, not blue-ribbon trout
- License required: Montana fishing license + special paddlefish permit (available at fwp.mt.gov)
Paddlefish—Glendive’s Signature Species
The paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) is one of the oldest surviving species on Earth—a filter-feeding fish whose lineage dates back over 125 million years to the Cretaceous period. Adults commonly exceed 100 pounds. Unlike conventional fishing, paddlefish are caught exclusively by snagging—casting heavy treble hooks into the current and jerking them through the water column because paddlefish feed on plankton, not bait or lures.
The paddlefish season runs from mid-May through June on the Yellowstone River near Glendive. Anglers line the banks and the intake diversion dam area during the run. A special FWP paddlefish permit is required in addition to a standard Montana fishing license. Permits are limited and must be obtained before fishing. The paddlefish season attracts anglers from across the region and is a defining event in Glendive’s outdoor calendar.
Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River flows directly through Glendive, providing the primary fishing water in the area. At this point in its course, the Yellowstone is a broad, slow-moving warmwater river—a world apart from the cold, fast trout water upstream near Livingston and Yellowstone National Park. The river supports excellent populations of walleye (the most popular gamefish in the area), channel catfish, smallmouth bass, and sauger.
Walleye fishing is productive from spring through fall, with jigs, crankbaits, and live bait all effective. Channel catfish respond to cut bait and nightcrawlers, especially in summer evenings. Smallmouth bass provide strong fights on light tackle along rocky banks and current seams.
Fishing Access Sites
MT FWP Black Bridge Fishing Site (1 mile from Glendive) is the primary public fishing access on the Yellowstone River. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks maintains this site with bank access and parking. Additional access is available at bridge crossings and through wildlife management areas in the region. Elk Island WMA (33 miles) provides backcountry fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities along the Yellowstone corridor.
Lakes Near Glendive
6 lakes lie within 50 miles of Glendive. Crisafulli Lake (2 mi) and Hollecker Lake (2 mi) are the closest, offering still-water fishing just minutes from town. Lindsay Reservoir (22 mi) provides a larger impoundment for day trips. These prairie lakes and reservoirs complement the river fishing on the Yellowstone with warmwater species including bass, perch, and panfish.
| Lake | Distance from Glendive |
|---|---|
| Crisafulli Lake | 2 mi |
| Hollecker Lake | 2 mi |
| Lindsay Reservoir | 22 mi |
| Gartside Reservoir | 39 mi |
| Factory Lake | 50 mi |
| Lisk Creek Reservoir | 54 mi |
Species Guide
| Species | Where | Best Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paddlefish | Yellowstone River near intake | Mid-May–June | Snagging only; special FWP permit required; 100+ lbs |
| Walleye | Yellowstone River, reservoirs | April–October | Most popular gamefish; jigs and crankbaits |
| Channel catfish | Yellowstone River, lakes | June–September | Cut bait and nightcrawlers; best in evening |
| Smallmouth bass | Yellowstone River | June–September | Rocky banks and current seams; light tackle |
| Sauger | Yellowstone River | March–May, September–November | Related to walleye; common in deeper pools |
Seasonal Guide
Spring (March–May): Walleye and sauger fishing picks up as water temperatures rise. The Yellowstone runs high with snowmelt from upstream, but bank fishing remains productive. Prairie lakes thaw and warm through April and May.
Paddlefish Season (Mid-May–June): The signature event. Paddlefish migrate upstream in the Yellowstone, and anglers gather at the intake diversion dam area. Obtain your special FWP permit well in advance—this is a popular season with limited tags.
Summer (June–August): Peak warmwater fishing. Walleye, catfish, and smallmouth bass are all active. Fish early morning and evening to avoid midday heat—Glendive regularly exceeds 100°F in July and August. Lake fishing is productive throughout summer.
Fall (September–October): Excellent walleye and sauger fishing as water temperatures cool. Fewer anglers on the water. River levels drop and stabilize, making bank access easier. Many locals consider fall the best all-around fishing season.
Winter (November–March): River fishing slows but does not stop. Walleye and sauger can be caught through winter on warmer days. Prairie lakes may offer ice fishing for perch and other panfish when ice conditions are safe.
Regulations and Conservation
A Montana fishing license is required for anyone 12 and older on all state waters. For paddlefish, a separate special permit is required in addition to the standard license—these are limited and must be obtained before the season opens. Licenses and permits are available online at Montana FWP or at local sporting goods stores.
Always check current FWP regulations before fishing any water near Glendive. Paddlefish regulations change annually based on population surveys—verify season dates, harvest limits, and permit requirements each year.
For hiking and other outdoor activities near Glendive, see our hiking guide.