We are pleased to be able to offer these pictures of trout and trout fishing in Montana, featuring the breathtaking photography of Pat Clayton ( www.fisheyeguyphotography.com). Although many of the photos we receive show people holding trout out of the water, we do not condone doing so.

While catch-and-release undoubtedly reduces the number of wild trout removed from Montana streams, there is still significant stress placed on a caught fish, which can mean death for that trout - sometimes several hours later, especially when fish are played to exhaustion and other proper techniques are ignored.

These proper techniques can make the difference between life and death when used by anglers to catch and release fish. For instance, any harm to the fragile slime layer coating a trout can invite infection and disease - thoroughly wet hands first before handling, or, better yet, avoid handling fish altogether by using a simple tool to remove hooks while the fish stays in the water. Never handle trout roughly, let them contact your boat or drag them onto shore. Also recommended: use heavier lines and gear to allow fast playing of fish. Cut the leader of any fish deeply hooked. Turn fish over when unhooking to reduce fish struggle. Use a good net with soft material and small mesh. Revive fish carefully and slowly before releasing. Don't remove fish from the water for more than a few seconds for taking photos, bearing in mind the suffering you inflict upon a trout by doing so. And, always quickly play and release Bull trout, with a minimum of harm. For more information on proper catch-and-release techniques, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has this website: http://www.fws.gov/Refuges/FishingGuide/catch_and_release.html.

Clicking on an image will take you to the website of the source of the photograph. Thanks to all who've provided these wonderful pictures. More pictures are available on our gallery page.