Milk River
The Milk River rises gently out of the Rocky Mountains of Montana, winding its way to Canada and back into Montana, giving water lovers a float trip of a lifetime.
- Montana’s Milk River gives water lovers a float trip of a lifetime
- One of the Missouri River’s longest tributaries
- Floating on the Milk River provides plenty of wildlife watching
- See waterfowl, upland birds, deer and other small mammals
- Catch some catfish, sturgeon or whitefish on the Milk River
Overview
The Montana Milk River flows 700 miles and is one of the Missouri River’s longest tributaries. It begins its journey on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and flows north and heads into Canada and returns to Montana more than 160 miles later.
Location
Access points to the Milk River are infrequent and pretty widely scattered. Some are at bridge crossings. There are only a couple of designated access points; one west of Havre, Montana and another west of Hinsdale. Public parks can be found at Hinsdale and Malta, Montana. For more information you can contact Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks at 54078 US Highway 2 West, Glasgow, Montana 59230 or call them at 406-228-3700.
Seasons
The Milk River, MT is accessible all year.
Activities
- Float Trips
The favorite activity of those who visit Milk River, Montana, floating is a unique experience. Many like the long-distance floating that this river provides. It is Class I water its entire length, making it perfect for beginners during its low flowing periods. Scenic opportunities are many and the wildlife is abundant. - Wildlife Watching
A host of wildlife is available along the shores of the Milk. Waterfowl, upland birds, deer and other small mammals are frequently seen. If you like to see shorebirds and raptors, the Milk River is the place to come. - Hunting
Hunting opportunities exist along the Milk River, particularly for deer and waterfowl. Deer hunters may only hunt with a muzzleloader, shotgun or bow and arrow. - Fishing
Try below the various dams for the best fishing. Although the Milk River isn’t renowned for trout fishing, you will find small rainbow, brown and brook trout. You will find smallmouth bass, catfish, sturgeon and whitefish. Probably the best place for anglers to head is where tributaries enter the river.
Additional Info
Captain Meriweather Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition named this river because of its milky color. He stated in his journal that it looked like the color of tea with a teaspoon of milk.
