Hunt and Fish in Montana
Hunting: Mountain Lion (w/ Hounds) season continues until April 14th. This weekend (April 12th) marks the start of spring turkey. Spring black bear opens April 15th. Gear up! Be sure to pick up your regulations for moose, goat and sheep. There are lots of changes this year so look them over closely. Fishing: Canyon Ferry […]
It is time to get your boat ready for open water fishing. The fishing reports are coming in and the fish are beginning to bite! I received an e-mail late last week Dick Zimmer from Zimmers Tackle in Pablo. Zimmer as he always does every year tries to get on Flathead in early spring and […]
Fishermen: It is that time again. The perch bite is on at the east side of Polson Bay on Flathead Lake. Miles Marchi and I made a foray out there yesterday, April 3rd. The picture we previously sent is of the 44 I caught and kept. Miles had a couple of real jumbos. I’d like […]
“I can’t remember when it has been this bad”, was the comment I have heard more than once about last weekend”s storm from some of my friends who have lived in Missoula all of their life. I would have to agree that the mixture of snow and wind that Western Montana received would be hard […]
Changes are on the calendar for trappers and anglers this coming Saturday. The wolf trapping season ends Friday February 28th. As of Monday 83 wolves have been successfully trapped in Montana. Hunters have taken 138 wolves so that brings the total wolf harvest to 221 since the wolf season began last year. Montana wolf trapping […]
(Report compiled by Carol Henckel) Please be advised that conditions can change daily so please call the contact person in the area you are planning on fishing for current daily information. Weather is changing constantly and some days wind and snow can be a big factor. Ice conditions are dangerous so be very aware of […]
Anglers are reminded that ice conditions can be extremely variable on the reservoirs. Ice thickness can range from thick enough to support a vehicle to open water. Extreme caution should be used when accessing the ice. Canyon Ferry: The rainbow trout bite continues to be strong throughout the south end of the reservoir. Anglers are […]
Hunting: Mark your calendars. The elk and deer special permits are due March 15th. We have the forms and abridged regulations for the March 15th drawing for the deer and elk special permits. Or go to fwp.mt.gov Bozmen Fishing: If you missed your chance at a Smith River application you can purchase a Super Permit […]
It has been a record breaking cold-weather week around Montana. But true to Montana spirit, we have toughed it out and hunkered down without too many complaints. And we have managed to find a positive side to wind chill factor; like thicker ice to fish on! In fact here are your current fishing reports from […]
Looking to get out and enjoy the spring like temperatures, before winter decides to come back? Find out where the fish are biting across the treasure state, from the this weeks episode of the Montana Outdoor Radio Show.
Attention Ice Anglers! If you are looking for ice, and not open water, then you should head to Hebgen Lake! Steve Stoddard reports the following: The Ice on Hebgen is very good; very little slush. Fishing has slowed a little with some fish still being caught on castmaster and also small jigs tipped with spikes. […]
Spring time in January, can you believe the nice weather we have had in Western Montana in the last week? It has been great weather to enjoy just about any winter outdoor adventure you can think of, that is for sure. It is one of the first January’s in recent memory where I have been […]
Anglers are reminded that ice conditions can be extremely variable on the reservoirs. Ice thickness can range from thick enough to support safe access to open water. Extreme caution should be used when accessing the ice. Canyon Ferry: Rainbow trout are being caught primarily between Pond 4 and the Silos using jigs or ice flies […]
Hear the latest hunting and fishing news from around the treasure state, from the most recent episode of the Montana Outdoor Radio Show.
Fishermen: Now is the time for fishermen who don’t have the expensive equipment needed to catch large lake trout on open water to have that opportunity. Jeff Posivio is an example of that with the two nice fish he caught through the ice in front of the public landing on Salish Point off the shore […]
Fisherman are still out there having some fun. My preference right now would be Rock Creek and the Missouri River. Once the warmth of the day comes-Congo caddis in sizes 10 and 12 are working on both waters. On Rock Creek you can drop off a # 14 bead head pheasant tail or prince nymph […]
Hunting season is going well for some of the folks who’ve told their tale at our hunting counters. We hope to hear many more stories, but we need some snow first. The elk and deer numbers are down from last year by 15% across the state, but there are still big elk being taken. Early […]
Hunting (Both) The snow is working its way lower and lower. It is time to get out your camo and see if it is weather ready. Be “not seen” in new camo from your favorite hunting brands, we have it all. With several seasons opening just around the corner we recommend stopping in and looking […]
Canyon Ferry: Fishing has been consistent throughout the reservoir. Rainbow trout continue to be caught mid-reservoir to the Dam trolling attractors, tipped with worms, at depths at or below 20 feet. Shoreline anglers are catching some rainbows using worms or spoons. Walleye are being caught throughout the south end and mid-reservoir areas using slow-death rigs […]
Terrestrials are in full swing and should be in your fly box no matter where you are. We’d recommend parachute ants (size 14-16), black beetles (14-16), and hoppers will not be in full bloom until later this month. Missouri River: The Missouri is still fishing well. The fish are getting a bit pickier, but the […]
(Report compiled by Carol Henckel) Please be advised that conditions can change daily so please call the contact person in the area you are planning on FISHING for current daily information. Weather is changing and some days wind can be a big factor. Keep an eye on the weather while you are out there and […]
(photo courtesy of headhuntersflyshop.com) The Missouri River is fishing very well all around. Fish seem to be hitting almost anything at times, but nymphs are producing the best. Some reports of pale morning duns are coming in and caddis’ are starting in the lower river. The best options for dries are Blue-winged olives, parachute […]
(photo courtesy of mt-river-outfitters.com) Canyon Ferry: The rainbow trout spawn has slowed down, but some fish are being caught throughout the reservoir. Shore anglers are doing best at north end access points, especially at the Outhouse and Cave Bay, using worms, spoons or bead head nymphs. Some boat anglers are doing fair tolling cowbells […]
(photo courtesy of flyspoke.blogspot.com) Fishing The Missouri River with streamers has been spotty. Best luck in the morning with nymph rigs. Mayfly hatches are beginning by afternoon so dry flies are working well until dark. Fly variety seems to be the key as fish seem to be picky at times. Flows are low and […]