Montana has eliminated the requirement for colorful boat validation stickers, streamlining vessel registration to a one-time licensing process, allowing owners more leisure time on the water without bureaucratic hassles.

The Kootenai River is currently high but clear, offering good fishing conditions. Focus on nymphing in deep, soft water for trout, while spring hatches are beginning to emerge.

The Upper Salmon River fishing report for April 8, 2026, highlights excellent catch rates, improved river conditions, and significant hatchery trapping numbers, making it an ideal time for anglers to visit.

In 1964, Marguerite McDonald defended her remote Montana ranch by solo-shooting an 850-pound grizzly. When her husband later tripped over the carcass and panicked, she famously called him a "goddamn fool."

Mountain grouse males, such as the dusky grouse, ruffed grouse and spruce grouse, perform their breeding displays in forested areas, usually on their own or in small groups, and aren’t really “leks” per se.

USDA Rural Development is awarding a $75,000 grant under its Rural Business Development Grant Program (RBDG) for Beaverhead Tourism Council to develop Montana’s local forestry sector and area companies involved in transportation, sawmill, and biofuel manufacturing.

Meet the buck that took "crooked" to a new level. From trauma to rare genetic quirks, this skull proves nature doesn't always follow the rules—it just creates better stories.

A female grizzly bear, released in Wyoming, emerged with two cubs, demonstrating successful genetic exchange between ecosystems. This effort marks a significant milestone in grizzly bear management and conservation.

A federal judge has paused the Round Star Project due to the U.S. Forest Service's failure to adequately protect the Canada lynx and analyze cumulative project impacts, requiring revisions before moving forward.

Ripple: The Center for Education and Ecosystem Studies at Montana Technological University is seeking volunteers to support its Watershed Science Program during the upcoming spring field season.

Beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, April 17, 2026, select entrances and roads in Yellowstone National Park will open for the summer season, weather permitting, as part of the annual spring opening.

A new federal bill protects lead ammo on BLM and Forest Service land — here's what it means for Montana hunters this spring and beyond.

Drought conditions, low soil moisture and low snowpack are contributing to a forecast of low water supply to Hebgen Reservoir this season.

This news release provides an update to the scheduled April community meetings for the Lolo National Forest plan revision.

Rock Creek offers ideal fishing conditions despite high water. Focus on nymphing and deep strategies with effective flies as hatches begin. Watch for weather changes affecting creek flows this week.

Trapper Tyler Freel reveals the ultimate "work smarter" hack for Outdoor Life: using a washing machine to turn bloody, matted predator hides into pristine, market-ready fur—just don't tell your spouse.

We’ve all been there. It’s 9:01 AM on a Monday…or a Wednesday, appropriately. You have your coffee in one hand […]

Montana's spring bear season opens April 15. Here's how to field-judge a bear's weight and age before you pull the trigger.

Recent snowy conditions have shifted Bozeman’s fly fishing from spring excitement back to winter tactics. Anglers should focus on deep water and slow presentations to entice trout, which are currently inactive.

Storms in the first half of March delivered one to ten inches of snow water equivalent (SWE) to SNOTEL sites in the northwest, west, and central regions of the state.

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Polson City will begin the Salish Point Shoreline Restoration Project on April 13 to combat erosion and preserve local ecology while maintaining public access.

The Bitterroot River's BWO hatch is peaking right now. Here's exactly where to wade, what to tie on, and how long you have before runoff ends it.

The Milk River Project has successfully resumed operations after 658 days, replacing major siphons and gradually increasing water flow, marking a significant regional achievement.

Chancy’s Fish Camp advises anglers to target active fish at local lakes, including pike, lake trout, and perch. Compliance with regulations is emphasized as spring fishing heats up.

Montana's walleye spawning process relies on human intervention due to fluctuating water levels, involving the use of barges and turkey feathers to ensure the survival of millions of eggs.

Three anglers' fishing trip on Smith Lake ended with their boat capsizing. Quick rescue efforts by local agencies saved them, emphasizing water safety and the importance of life jackets and float plans.

The American paddlefish features a unique rostrum that serves as a sensory organ, detecting electric signals from prey while occasional curves in the bill result from environmental factors, affecting efficiency.

Hunters can purchase leftover nonresident hound licenses starting April 8 at 5 a.m. Limited availability; first-come, first-served online or at FWP offices.

The 2026 Spring Mack Days Fishing Event on Flathead Lake highlights angler participation in lake trout conservation, with daily catches peaking at 1,680 and notable tagged fish prizes. Event runs until May 9th.

Rainbow fishing is thriving at Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter reservoirs, with successful methods including various flies, jigs, and worms. Anglers are also catching occasional walleye.

Turns out this pike wasn’t a mutant; it just ate something so vibrant it effectively turned the predator’s stomach into a leaky fountain pen.

Montana cattle markets surge with 7,315 head sold this week! Feeder cattle show strong demand, CME futures rally. Get the latest prices and trends.

Spring has arrived in Central Montana, enhancing fishing opportunities on the Missouri River as temperatures rise, attracting trout and pike into shallower waters.

Venison Dumpling Soup offers a refined take on wild game, featuring savory dumplings filled with venison, shiitake mushrooms, and ginger, served in a flavorful broth with cabbage. A delicious comfort food option.

LMU 312 closes to female mountain lion hunting at 7:30 p.m. on April 6, 2026, per Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission order. Check FWP's site for current quota status.

Southwest Montana's fishing conditions are improving as trout become active in warming waters, with successful hatches and ideal strategies for targeting deeper runs amid spawning activities.