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- hunting districts 323, 324, 325 and 327, portions of Madison and Beaverhead counties
- hunting districts 339, 343, and 388, portions of Lewis and Clark and Jefferson counties
- hunting districts 350 and 370, portions of Silverbow and Jefferson counties
- Increase black bear quota in bear management unit 700 from four to eight
- Increase spring turkey permits from 100 to 150 in HD 282-20
- Decrease spring turkey permits from 10 to five in HD 445-20
- a $5 increase to the minimum SRP fee for commercial use, competitive events, and organized groups on the Blackfoot and Madison rivers
- the minimum fee would be increased from $95 to $100
- authorize FWP to require food storage at fishing access sites to address or prevent bear/human conflicts
Missoula Bowhunter Education Classes Begin January
December 30th, 2012Online registration is now open for six bowhunter education classes that will be offered in Missoula beginning in January.
The first class is meeting on Saturday, January 19, 2013 or Saturday, February 2, 2013, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Missoula FWP office (3201 Spurgin Road). Students are required to complete a half-day field course on Sunday, February 3, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Ice Fishing Or Skiing: MORS Weekly Wrap Up
December 30th, 2012Ice fishing is in full force around Montana. Brandt Hamernick and Tracy Powers got out on Georgetown Lake and caught their limit (shown in the picture above). They also shared a video on our FACEBOOK PAGE.
We want to continue expanding the MORS community. Be sure to “LIKE” US FACEBOOK and we promise to keep your news feed filled with all the latest HUNTING and FISHING news.
This week, the most popular story on www.MontanaOutdoor.com was the Montana Fishing Report. Chancy, Leonard and Shelby always provide informative and accurate fishing and ice fishing reports. Listen to the latest report here. And you can find all the latest ice fishing news here.
Check out this story about the largest sturgeon ever caught in North America. You can read the story and see a picture here.
If you missed the Montana Outdoor Radio Show yesterday morning, you can listen to the full audio reports here.
Are you planning on skiing this week? Check out the new MORS SKI REPORT PAGE, you can find all the latest snow reports from the MONTANA ski resorts near you.
Congratulations to Anita Miller, of Columbia Falls, MT and Ronald LaMotte, of Hiwood, MT! They were the latest winners on the Kendall Four Seasons Subaru statewide trivia. Be sure to tune in to the MONTANA OUTDOOR RADIO SHOW for your chance to win every Saturday morning.
Read, listen and win with The MONTANA OUTDOOR RADIO SHOW and MONTANAOUTDOOR.COM.
Have a great week.
-Matt
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Ice Fishing Good On Rodgers Lake: Montana Fishing Report
December 30th, 2012Northwest Montana Fishing Report
Chancy at Snappy’s says the cold nights are allowing the ice to build up. On Rodgers Lake the fishing’s been pretty good with reports of 4 inches of ice, fishing shallow for grayling and cut throat in about 6 inches of water. Hubbard Reservoir has reports of about 5 inches of ice with reports of rainbows and kokannee. Chancy was at McWinneger Slough just East of Snappy’s it has about 4-5 inches of ice on it, and the night bite has been very fruitful for perch and croppy coming in 8-10 inches on average. During the day had a few reports of bass and pike as well. Lake Fye is froze with reports of 5 inches of ice. Lake Mary Ronan only has about 2 inches, so it’s froze but not ready for ice fishing just yet. Church Slew pulling in pike 3-10 lbs and a few perch and smaller croppy. Island Lake has reports of smaller perch 8-10 inches range. The Lower Stillwater has about 5 inches of ice, but there’s been no reports yet. February 16th Snappy’s Lake Mary Ronan Derby sign up begin New Year’s Day.
North Central Montana Fishing Report
Leonard from Robert’s Bait and Tackle says little bit of ice out there. Holter’s froze over but not safe yet, Nylon has 7 inches, Willow Creek has 7 and Bynum has 8, Francis has 8-10, on Tiber 10-12 inches, Fresno has 8 inches, Baileys has 8 inches, Beaver Creek has 8+ inches, Arod has 7, Piscan has 10, and the last report is Crooked Creek with reports of 6-8 depending on where you fish. A lot of perch off Bynum, trout from Willow Creek and Nylon. The rivers are froze up and slushy and no ones fishing that. If you have any questions or need rod & reel repair call Leonard 406-454-1877.
Southwest Montana Fishing Report
Shelby from Rocky Mountain Supply in Dillon says the ice on Clark Canyon is thick with reports of 12 inches in areas. Had a few reports of brave ones going out on the ice to the island to fish. February 2nd and 3rd, Rocky Mountain Supply in Dillon has their Coyote Hunting Contest. There been a quite a few ice shacks out on Clark Canyon Reservoir. Clark Canyon Reservoir has an ice fishing derby in late February. If you’re in the Dillon area, stop into Rocky Mountain Supply for more information or call 406-683-2308.
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Hyalite Fishing Well: Butte and Bozeman Outdoor Report
December 29th, 2012Hello, Angie here from Bob Ward & Sons, & we’ve got your ICE all over, over BUTTE & BOZEMAN way…
The anglers in the BOZEMAN area are all excited about what’s going on up at HYALITE… 4 – 5″ & a bit thicker around the parking lot by the Dam, which for now seems to be the hot (or COLD!) spot—one angler said he found the EVENING fishing best & caught his fill of Brookies & Cutthroat…HEBGEN has 6-7″ EXCEPT at the Dam & Grayling Arm, where there are springs that keep the water too warm…the Ponds around Bozeman town are frozen but the ice is THIN, so be cautious if planning a quick trip to any of these! If you’re interested in what the rivers are doing, best bets are still either the UPPER or the LOWER MADISON…both are strong for Streamer bite yet, so strip a Black Leech or a Silveys Sculpin on the UPPER, or try Brown Flash Fry or Buggers on the LOWER…mid-Valley is the ONLY place for open water on the GALLATIN, & fish are biting the cluster rigs, so try a Griffiths Gnat here…the YELLOWSTONE has open water only above Yankee Jim, & is fishing well in the afternoons mostly with Delektible Brownstones, Crayfish or Olive or Rusty Orange Rubberlegs…otherwise you’re gonna find icy, slushy conditions, so use the usual winter caution on these rivers! Read the rest of this entry “
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Lots Of Shanties on Canyon Ferry: Helena Area Outdoor Report
December 29th, 2012Hi, it’s Angie from Bob Ward & Sons in HELENA…c’mon out on the lakes, the ice is FINE! By which I mean thick, of course…there’s a little wind, but not enough to keep you from fishing.
At CANYON FERRY, Sharon at the Silos KOA reports 8 – 9″ of ice up to Hole In the Wall at least, and LOTS of anglers out in their shanties…reports are also streaming in of folks fishing the CAUSEWAY on the HAUSER LAKE side, where the ice is deemed thick enough to be safe, in the 6-7″ range…just now hearing of some folks on the LAKE HELENA side saying the ice is about 7″, so that’s all good! Trout are being caught more often than Perch, & the best catches seem to be at about 20′ down….the Chartreuse hooks are working well, crawlers or maggots are being used, but don’t discount RATT jigs in the pink or lime colors! Most guys say that the earlier you get on the ice, the better, with the prime hours being from 6-7 am thru 10 or 11 am, so get up & get on the road for best results! Read the rest of this entry “
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Smith River Permit Applications Available January 2
December 28th, 2012Winter is only beginning, but it’s time to start planning your summer. Are you interested in floating the Smith River in 2013? Montana State Parks announced yesterday that permit applications will be available on Wednesday, January 2, 2013.
Permits for the 59-mile scenic float from Camp Baker to Eden Bridge are issued annually through a lottery. Last year, FWP received 6,158 applications and 1,061 permits were distributed. Read the rest of this entry “
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Six New Year’s Day Guided Hikes With Montana State Parks
December 28th, 2012On New Year’s Day, why not take the family outside for a good healthy First Day Hike. Montana State Parks joins other state parks across the country to begin the new year with a healthy hike outside.
Chas Van Genderen, Administrator for Montana State Parks, will be hiking at Spring Meadow Lake State Park, in Helena, and encourages all Montana families to join.
“Our state parks are beautiful in the winter and Montanans know the thrill of embracing the cold weather outdoors,” Van Genderen said. “First Day Hikes are a great way to get outside, exercise and kick off the New Year with friends and family.” Read the rest of this entry “
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Count On Hunters And Anglers: Brett French Radio Show Preview
December 28th, 2012A recently released survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (http://www.census.gov/prod/2012pubs/fhw11-nat.pdf) shows that the number of hunters and anglers has risen since the last survey was done in 2006. It’s most recent analysis showed that the number of hunters and anglers age 16 and older rose from 33.9 million in 2006 to 37.4 million in 2011. Nationally, 33.1 million people fished while 13.7 million hunted. Read the rest of this entry “
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More Southwestern Montana Mountain Lion Hunting Districts Closed
December 27th, 2012On Thursday, December 27, 2012, the hunting of all mountain lions will close, 30 minutes after sunset, in the following southwestern Montana regions.
On Monday, December 24, 2012, the hunting of all mountain lions closed in southwestern Montana hunting district 331, which includes portions of Beaverhead, Silver Bow and Madison counties. Read the rest of this entry “
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113 Wolves Harvested: Wolf Harvest Update 12/27/13
December 27th, 2012Hunters have harvested 113 wolves across Montana. 100 wolves were killed during general rifle season and 13 were trapped.
In the Bitterroot Valley, Wolf Management Unit 250, 8 wolves were shot and 3 were trapped. The most killed in one region is 17 wolves, from WMU 390, in south eastern Montana. Read the rest of this entry “
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Plenty Of Ice, But Use Caution: Eastern Montana Fishing Report
December 27th, 2012Please be advised that ice conditions can change daily so please call the contact person in the area you are planning on fishing for current daily information. Also use extreme caution on the ice at all times. Good Luck Fishing from the Montana Outdoor Radio Crew.
***Bill – Rock Creek Marina 1-406-485-2560
The Back Bay has a bit more ice, but due to the wind conditions it is not consistently thick. The front section if frozen but not safe.
***Bob Peterson
Tongue River Reservoir
Ice fishing on the south end is good. It is just now fishing on Rattlesnake to the mine office. They have been catching just about everything some crappies, walleyes and the pike is still on . Walk only on ice. There is still some open water on other north end
***Clint Thomas – Hell Creek Marina 1-406-557-2345
Hell Creek-Fort Peck Reservoir
Ice fishing starting, but not thick enough. Read the rest of this entry “
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Enjoying The Outdoors Year Round: Captain’s Column
December 27th, 2012The year is fast coming to a close. 2012 was an interesting year to say the least. The year was full of events that were topped off with the predicted world actually coming to an end. This was an event that was suppose to take place late last week, and by all accounts did not happen. I don’t know about you but when the world actually does come to an end I would rather be caught by surprise then have a date set in stone.
This is the time of the year that we should reflect back on what took place in 2012. For me it was a very good year full of fishing and hunting days. I was able to enjoy just about everything that Montana and Idaho has to offer when it comes to fishing.
The year started out ice fishing with Jim Johnson and Dennis Peterson, from Lincoln, and Steve Knudson, from Billings, on Nelson Reservoir, east of Malta. We caught quit a few 2 to 4 pound northern pike and some nice 2 to 3 pound walleyes. Read the rest of this entry “
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Rutting Deer and Big Cats in the MORS Weekly Wrap Up
December 23rd, 2012Have you heard about the Big Sky Brewery photo that caused a national uproar? See the picture and read the story here.
The most popular post on MontanaOutdoor.com was a video about a rutting buck that fights a dead buck. It’s a pretty crazy video, that you can watch here.
Another popular story is about a prison pet moose, named Bullwinkle. Read the story here.
And if you still have shopping to do, but are out of ideas. Check out the Captain’s Christmas Gift Guide and get some ideas for you favorite outdoors person.
Congratulations to Corey Nette, of Billings, MT and Eric Picken, of Great Falls, MT! They were the latest winners on the Kendall Four Seasons Subaru statewide trivia. Be sure to tune in to the MONTANA OUTDOOR RADIO SHOW for your chance to win every Saturday morning.
Read, listen and win with The MONTANA OUTDOOR RADIO SHOW and MONTANAOUTDOOR.COM.
If you plan on skiing this week, check out the new MORS SKI REPORT PAGE, you can find all the latest snow reports from the MONTANA ski resorts near you.
We also want to continue expanding the MORS community. Be sure to “LIKE” US FACEBOOK and we promise to keep your news feed filled with all the latest HUNTING and FISHING news.
Have a great week.
-Matt
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Lots of Solid Ice Out There: Montana Fishing Report
December 23rd, 2012Northwest Montana Fishing Report
Chancy at Snappy’s says Smith Lake still has some ice 4-5 inches and some good fishing on smaller pike. Rodgers Lake, fishing pretty good with reports of 4 inches of ice for grayling and cut throat. Island Lake, the ice still not the best and a little shaky. Reports of ice on the Lower Stillwater. The Thomson Chain of lakes have had mixed reports on ice. Chancy was at McWinneger Slough last week and pulled a lot of bass 12-14 inches. Duck Lake’s had some good reports also.
North Central Montana Fishing Report
Leonard from Robert’s Bait and Tackle says little bit of ice out there. Nylon has 5 inches, Willow Creek has 4 and Bynum has 6, Francis has 6 on the East end with the best ice, on Tiber Ray’s Bay & Miller’s Slew have had some reports. Baileys has 8 inches, Arod has 5, Fresno 4 inches in the bays, and Piscon has 6 inches. Holter is still wide open boats only, If you have any questions or need rod & reel repair call Leonard 406-454-1877.
Southwest Montana Fishing Report
Shelby from Rocky Mountain Supply in Dillon says been busy with the holidays. There been a quite a few ice shacks heading out on Clark Canyon Reservoir. Clark Canyon Reservoir has an Ice Fishing derby in late February. If you’re in the Dillon area, stop into Rocky Mountain Supply for more information or call 406-683-2308.
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FWP Needs Your Comment on Black Bear and Spring Turkey Quota Changes
December 22nd, 2012FWP wants to hear your opinion on changes to fall black bear and spring turkey hunting season quotas for 2013.
Below are the changes:
Due to low population counts, FWP Commissioners, are considering a proposal to close bighorn hunting in HD 455, near Helena.
Comments are due by 5:00 p.m. on January 28, 2013. To leave comments, go to FWP’s website or mail them to Montana FWP, Attn: Wildlife Bureau, PO Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701
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Steady Ice Fishing On Georgetown Lake: Butte and Bozeman Outdoor Report
December 22nd, 2012Hello, Angie here from Bob Ward & Sons, reveling in the White Christmas conditions over BUTTE & BOZEMAN way…
Brrrr…BOZEMAN’s chilly, & not expected to get into the 30′s, even, til after Christmas…no HEAVY snow in the forecast, tho, so that should keep you on the rivers! Reports say that the UPPER & LOWER MADISON & the YELLOWSTONE have the best fishing around, & if you add in the EAST GALLATIN, you have choices galore! The UPPER is fishing well between the lakes, & Nymphing a Hares Ear or a Pheasant Tail with a little lightning bug behind has been a good strategy. With ENNIS LAKE icing over, visibility on the LOWER MADDY’s better, so try a Deaddrifting Crayfish or a Black Beadhead Stone Pattern here! The YELLOWSTONE is producing with Golden or Brown Stones & Clousers Crayfish in the deep holes. The EAST GAL fish have liked slow stripping Streamers or a Worm trailed by a Midge Larva in the depths around the river bends. The GALLATIN is slushed up, unless you fish near the Big Sky junction where the water stays warmer…if you must go, take along Midge Pupa, Hothead Ray Charles, or Coffee Rubberlegs…& we got reports of some intrepid anglers testing out the ice on HYALITE, but we’re hearing it isn’t super-thick yet, maybe in the 5″ range…dusk or very early mornings have been the ticket at HYALITE! Read the rest of this entry “
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High Elevation Lakes Are Safest To Fish: Helena Area Outdoor Report
December 22nd, 2012Hi, it’s Angie from Bob Ward & Sons in HELENA…with Christmas less than a week away, chances of a WHITE one are very good, but a COLD one is certainly in store, so that’ll mean ICE in our very near future!
The MISSOURI RIVER has some slushing up going on, but if you hang out near the Dam at Wolf Creek, or stick to the river around Craig, you’ll find the usual ice-clear fishing going on. The deeps around islands, up against banks or directly after shallower riffles are where the trout like to retreat, as any experienced MO angler will tell ya! This week, we’re hearing that DARK is the Streamer color of choice, or maybe a little gold…Copper Zonkers, Gold Bling Minnows, & Black Home Invaders have been what’s being fished–as for NYMPHS, tempt ‘em with Beaded Midge Pupa, Sow Bugs, Beadhead PMDs, or Scuds…temperatures are in the mid to upper 20′s so bundle up, steer clear of wind, & keep an eye out for ice. If you do float, which is a decent option on the lower river, go slowly & pick the deepest holes you can find! Read the rest of this entry “
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Great Falls Teenager Cited For White-tailed Buck Poaching
December 21st, 2012It all started with a call to 1-800-TIP-MONT and a Great Falls teenager was cited with six misdemeanors for shooting a white-tailed deer on December 4, 2012.
FWP reports, Taylor Kaul, 19, admitted to illegally killing the buck, south of town, near Highland Cemetery. Kaul returned later that night to cut off the head and left the carcass. Read the rest of this entry “
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Proposed Fishing Access Site Annual Rule
December 21st, 2012FWP wants to hear your opinion on the proposed Fishing Access Site (FAS) Annual Rule.
The proposed rule sets the fees for FAS camping, group use permits, facility rentals, and special recreation permits (SRP).
Here are some things the Annual Rule includes:
FWP anticipates implementing food storage orders at only a limited number of fishing access sites at this time.
For more information call FWP at 406-444-3888.
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Flathead Lake Fishing Report from Captain Bob of Mo Fisch Charters
December 21st, 2012Flathead Lake is a great winter fishery. Depending on the snow and ice conditions we usually can launch at West Shore State Park .
Winter is my favorite time to target the trophy size lake trout over 20 pounds. Trolling the big flats in 160 to 200 feet of water will put some big lakers in the boat.
Try a T-50 flatfish or a M2 SP flatfish from Worden’s, better known as a Mag-Lip. These flatfish have a very fast action and rattles in the body that create a lot of vibration and sound. I like to put down the two outside downriggers and one steel line straight down the middle. On the steel line, I like to put on a T-60 Flatfish in a glow white Luminous. Read the rest of this entry “
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North Dakota Seeks Montana Sage Grouse: Brett French Radio Show Preview
December 21st, 2012North Dakota’s small population of sage grouse has taken a hit in recent years and the state is looking to Montana for some help.
North Dakota’s Game and Fish Department has asked the state to transfer 30 females in 2014 and 2015 to supplement their low bird populations. The worry is that without the boost, the state’s sage grouse population may blink out since recruitment may not keep up with mortality. Read the rest of this entry “
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Ice Fishing Workshop For Women February 8-10
December 20th, 2012Don’t sit around inside all winter. Here is an opportunity for women to get out and be active.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program is sponsoring an ice fishing workshop. The workshop will be held on February 8 to 10, 2013 at Peterson Lake near Bigfork, Montana.
Using modern gear, ice fishing is fun, safe and comfortable. This class is for beginning or intermediate anglers who want to learn the basics or improve their fishing skills. The workshop is at Big Sky Bible Camp located on the shore of Peterson Lake. The $100 fee includes all fishing equipment, meals and two nights lodging. Scholarships are available. Read the rest of this entry “
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The Captain’s Christmas Gear Guide: Captain’s Column
December 20th, 2012Christmas is only 5 days away!
Time is running out, so I thought it would be a good idea to give you some ideas when you go shopping for the outdoor person on your Christmas gift list.
As always, there are many new products and gadgets that the outdoor person on your list would be excited to receive. There is also items that seem simple, but get used all year long: socks, a sweatshirt, a tackle box, and even a pair of long underwear.
Every year, we all here, “I need to buy a Christmas gift, for so and so, but he/she already has everything.”
A gift card always works well… and they’re easy to buy.
Here is another helpful hint! People tend to put the person into a dollar category when they go shopping for a gift. For instance you might have a person on your list you want to spend up to $10 or another person you feel comfortable spending up to $50. Maybe you have no limit! Read the rest of this entry “
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Lewistown Man Sentenced in Blaine County Bobcat Trapping Case
December 20th, 2012FWP reports that a Lewistown man was found guilty on three misdemeanor criminal charges in a Blaine County bobcat trapping case.
In November 2011, FWP reported, they received a call about an illegally trapped bobcat before the season even started. FWP discovered the trap belonged to a Lewistown resident, Doug Foster. They also discovered there were off-road vehicle tracks in a restricted area.
Montana trapping regulations require a trapper to report, within 24 hours, the time and location that the bobcat was harvested. The trapper must also present the pelt to an FWP employee within 10 days of harvest. Read the rest of this entry “
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