Except for the Redband subspecies, all other rainbow trout populations in Montana originated from hatchery fish. Redbands, like other trout, inhabit clear, cool streams and lakes. They feed both upon aquatic insects as well as other fish. The gar family has only one representative in Montana, the shortnose gar. Because of its restricted distribution and limited population size, it has been named a state Fish of Special Concern.
Gars are predaceous.
They are spring, broadcast spawners. They have several unusual features including rectangular scales found only in primitive fishes, and a gas bladder that can function like a lung. Consequently, gars can survive in waters that have very little oxygen where most other fish would perish. The sicklefin chub is apparently one of the rarest fishes in Montana. It is a native form first collected in 1979 and to date has only been found at three sites.