Over 2,200 hunters checked in at Region 3 stations reveal where southwest Montana's best hunting action was and what this season's opener data means for your next trip.

Record grizzly deaths in Greater Yellowstone reach historic highs in 2026. Montana hunters face new challenges as bear encounters increase across the region.

A potential world record archery elk taken in Montana's Belt Mountains — what it means for elk hunting legacy and how to hunt this overlooked range.

Montana’s hunting season reminder: baiting game animals and providing supplemental wildlife feed are prohibited by law. Store-bought “wildlife attractants” do not make these activities legal, so hunters should review regulations before purchasing or using them. Restrictions help prevent unnatural animal behavior, disease spread, and human-wildlife conflicts. Report suspected violations to 1-800-TIP-MONT or MT.

On November 5, 2026, the Upper Madison offers the best overall fishing, with clear water, productive nymphing, possible midday blue-winged olives, and dependable streamer action. The colder Lower Madison favors deep nymphs and crayfish briefly midday. Near West Yellowstone, swinging flies may find fall-run fish. Check closures, access, and regulations.

HAMILTON– Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens are seeking information on a mule deer buck that was shot southeast […]

This post shares five simple and flavorful recipes for cooking steelhead trout, each baked at 400°F for 10-14 minutes. Recipes include maple-mustard glaze, taco-seasoned fillets, pesto with Parmesan, a soy-ginger foil packet, and a hot-honey crunch. Baking with skin-side down is recommended for better results.

Montana’s backcountry looks vast and wild, but wildlife populations are still recovering from losses most hunters never learned about. Here’s what the data shows.

A Japanese angler's journal reveals the stark difference between wild Montana trout and stocked fish—and why it matters more than technique or gear.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reported a potential nonviable invasive mussel larva found in Whitefish Lake, prompting further monitoring. Follow-up tests showed no live mussels or mussel DNA. Continuous sampling is planned, while boaters are encouraged to clean and inspect their watercraft to prevent possible infestations.

Steelhead fishing on the Upper Salmon River improved last week, attracting more anglers as river clarity increased. Although overall effort remained low compared to previous years, catch rates rose, particularly mid-week. Conditions appear favorable for continued fishing activity, with good visibility and stable water temperatures expected to persist.

During the first week of Montana's general rifle season, hunter activity at the Augusta check station remains above average, with 630 hunters checked and a 26% success rate in big game harvests. Both deer and elk harvests are significantly higher than recent averages, while caution is advised due to grizzly bear sightings.

During Montana's general big game season, hunter participation in northwest Montana is down about 7% compared to last year, with 3,235 hunters recorded and a success rate of 7.1%. Harvest includes 183 white-tailed deer, 24 mule deer bucks, and 23 elk. Officials emphasize the need for CWD testing and adherence to hunting regulations.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks report shows that west-central Montana check stations logged 3,875 hunter stops in the early big game season, with minor decreases in elk and deer harvests compared to last year. Hunters are encouraged to participate in voluntary CWD sampling at various locations to aid disease management efforts.

The Missouri River, at 2,800 cfs, features low, wadeable flows and dropping water temperatures below 50.6°F. November insect activity includes BWOs and midges, with nymphing suggested in shallow depths. Dry-fly fishing improves in the afternoon, and streamer fishing benefits from low light. Headhunters Fly Shop offers winter services in Craig, MT.

A trail cam left 4 miles deep in Montana backcountry for 6 months captured bears, bull elk, and more. Here’s what showed up.

Matt Robertson triumphed at the Champions Tournament on Old Hickory Lake, securing a record-breaking $1.25 million prize with a total weight of 56 pounds, 1 ounce. The event, featuring the top anglers from two rival tours, raised questions about future earnings models and the potential for a unified championship in bass fishing.

Rain disrupted hunting plans for Cameron Hockett and his Fish On Charters crew, prompting a shift to salmon snagging. They reported mixed success, with one salmon caught and several escaping, along with an unexpected carp that provided a thrilling challenge. Overall, it turned out to be an enjoyable day on the water.

Discover why Montana guest ranches offer anglers better fishing access than luxury resorts, plus insider tips on booking your authentic Western fishing adventure.

Region 6's Havre check station reports antelope harvest up while deer, elk, and upland birds are down after the first weekend of general hunting season in 2026.

Discover why Montana's Bighorn River below Yellowtail Dam holds more trophy brown trout per mile than nearly any tailwater in the Lower 48 states.

Fishing possesses a unique vernacular that blends wisdom with humor and often serves as a means for anglers to explain their time away. This piece shares 16 memorable fishing sayings that reflect the joys, lessons, and stories inherent in fishing experiences, highlighting that the journey is as fulfilling as the catch itself.

Whatever his reasons were, they’re anyone’s guess — and it turns out the guy standing next to the car was […]

Montana fall run recap: light receipts, CME selloff, and heavy calves shaping prices. Get the full breakdown from every sale barn across the state.

The 2026 Fall Mack Days Fishing Event ends on November 8th, with anglers having turned in 21,077 fish so far. There's a chance to win up to $10,000, as tagged fish prizes range from $100 to $5,000. Current leaders are Terry Krogstad and Julie Perkins among all and female anglers, respectively.

So far this season, Montana hunters have harvested 39 wolves, a small fraction of the 300 statewide quota. The general hunting season lasts until March 15, 2027, with trapping starting on November 30. No non-target species have been captured, and several regions still have unfilled quotas, indicating ongoing opportunity for hunters.

A group of teenagers was required to clean up hundreds of pounds of nails after leaving an unattended pallet fire […]

The U.S. Forest Service today, announced the publication of the final Administrative Site Leases rule in the Federal Register. The […]

HUNTING DISTRICT 502 By order of the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission, the above listed hunting district as described in […]

Conditions on the Stillwater near Absarokee are optimal for early November, with low, clear water and good wading access. The best nymphing occurs from 7-11 AM, using small Baetis and midge patterns. As rain approaches midday, switch to dry flies and later to streamers for aggressive browns. Adapt strategies as conditions change.

GREAT FALLS – John Lewton, a Montana resident, was sentenced Oct. 20 in federal court in Billings after pleading guilty […]

A hunter with a suspected broken leg and ankle was rescued by helicopter after becoming injured more than 10 miles […]

Going4BrokeOutdoors left a trail cam in the Montana backcountry for 6 months. Here’s what it captured — and what hunters can learn from it.

A hunter who injured his leg after falling into a coulee was rescued Sunday afternoon in the Goosebill area of […]

A Coweta County, Georgia bow hunter was sitting up in his deer stand, worrying about the usual things like wind, […]

Montana's November wolf harvest surge isn't planned—it's opportunistic. Learn why elk hunters encounter more wolves during rifle season and how it affects your hunt.