The Fresno Challenge has been cancelled due to unsafe water levels, as announced by Tournament Director Josh Parrow. Anglers are encouraged to attend the Tiber tournament instead or participate in the Rock Creek tournament still scheduled for the 6th and 7th, with registration still open for those affected.

BRETT FRENCH | bfrench@billingsgazette.com The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem saw a record-high number of grizzly bear mortalities in 2025. Of the […]

Join the First Hunt Foundation's "Shoot for a Cause" event on July 11, 2026, at Pondera Shooting Sports Club, Montana. Enjoy a family-friendly day with shooting, prizes, and a prime rib dinner, all while supporting youth mentorship in hunting. Register easily via a QR code for this memorable experience.

On May 27, 2026, The Milk River Project reminded Bureau of Reclamation pump contractors to place water orders before diverting from the Milk River. Unauthorized diversions disrupt operations and affect downstream users. Failure to comply may jeopardize contracts. Contractors are urged to communicate effectively for fair management of the water system.

Montana is enhancing its shooting facilities through House Bill 899, led by Representative Kerri Seekins-Crowe. The newly formed Montana State Shooting Facilities and Improvements Task Force seeks input from residents to identify needs and improvements for shooting ranges. A survey is available for public feedback to shape future developments.

FlowFishing.org is hosting a free virtual bass tournament from May 29th–31st, allowing busy anglers to compete on their own schedules. Participants can fish from anywhere and submit their best catches using specific rules. Although there are no cash prizes this time, participants earn FLOW POINTS for future tournaments.

When you head up into the mountains for a casual paragliding session, the last thing you expect to see behind […]

The Department of the Interior has announced the largest expansion of outdoor access in U.S. history, providing 1,450 new hunting and fishing opportunities across 32 states, covering 92 million acres of public land. This change simplifies access through a new “open unless closed” policy, benefiting both sportsmen and rural economies.

Grizzly bears are expanding their range eastward, prompting a community Bear Aware Meeting hosted by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Fort Belknap Fish and Wildlife. Scheduled for May 27 at the Bingo Hall, the event will provide practical tips on bear safety, including a hands-on bear spray demonstration. All are welcome.

This week’s fishing forecast for Western Montana highlights improved conditions despite ongoing spring runoff. The Bitterroot River is the top choice, offering fishable flows and structure. Successful fishing strategies involve targeting soft banks and using nymphs and streamers, with dry-fly options limited. Monitor hydrographs for flow changes and prioritize safety.

Wildlife biologists recently completed mule deer aerial spring surveys across southeast Montana’s Region 7, and for the third straight year the total number of observed mule deer and overall densities have increased.

We’ve all seen some questionable behavior on social media, but a couple of recent images circulating out of Smithers, BC, […]

The warming weather has improved fishing across Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter reservoirs. Walleyes are active, with good catches reported in Canyon Ferry and Lake Helena, while rainbows and kokanee are in abundance. Various baits and techniques are effective, attracting multi-species action throughout these waters.

The 39th Annual Montana Governor’s Cup Walleye Tournament will take place from July 9-11, 2026, at Fort Peck, Montana. Featuring huge payouts, a new Random Weight Side Pot, and a Photo, Catch, and Release format, the event promises excitement for anglers of all skill levels and includes community activities throughout the weekend.

This smoky venison meatloaf recipe by Jenn Yarbrough transforms traditional comfort food with wood-fired flavor. By mixing venison with beef for moisture, the dish achieves a rich texture. Cooked in a vertical smoker, it features a sweet and tangy glaze, making it a delightful outdoor meal option.

Starting Monday evening, Libby Dam will increase Kootenai River outflows to 25,000 cfs, creating challenging fishing conditions as fish adapt. The river is closed to fishing until June 1. Meanwhile, spring hatches are occurring, and nymphing remains effective. Additionally, the Boston Red Sox are recovering after recent management changes.

The Fort Peck Headquarters got some VIP company over the holiday weekend. Kelsey—daughter of the Captain himself—and her boyfriend, Chris […]

The spring spawning cycle near Hauser Dam has ended, prompting fish to focus on hunting. As fishing conditions peak, the absence of anglers creates a unique, quiet atmosphere. With warming water and imminent hatches, anglers find success using various techniques. This serene moment will soon give way to busier summer conditions.

At dawn, a unique quietness envelops the world, offering freedom and peace as summer begins. Memorial Day, often overshadowed by commercialism, is a solemn reminder of those who sacrificed everything for our freedoms. While enjoying outdoor adventures, we should honor their memory by appreciating the beauty and liberty they provided.

Skinnytaste recommends a five-ingredient salmon salad as a refreshing alternative to traditional tuna salad. This easy recipe combines flaked salmon, diced red onion, and sliced celery, bound with minimal mayonnaise. Seasoned with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, it offers a high-protein meal option that keeps well and pleases even salmon skeptics.

Twelve-year-old Josiah Hernandez from Glasgow caught a northern pike while fishing, revealing a 14-inch carp inside its stomach, making for an unforgettable day and an impressive achievement.

Melody and Charlie Lenkner chose to donate their 330-acre property south of Twin Falls to the Magic Valley Land Trust instead of selling it to developers. This decision aims to preserve the land as a sanctuary for wildlife and a community nature preserve, contrasting the rapid development in Southern Idaho and Montana.

Reports from all across the state of Montana say, the fish are biting,  and so go get yours this Memorial […]

If you missed this week’s show, get it here. Montana Outdoor Radio Show · Montana Outdoor Hr 1 May 23rd […]

Captain Matt McComb of Fish on Charters is delivering exceptional fishing experiences in Montana's Flathead Valley. Recent trips to Flathead Lake have produced impressive Lake Trout, while Salmon Lake offers trophy-sized Northern Pike. With slots filling quickly, anglers are encouraged to book their adventure soon for an unforgettable fishing trip.

The 39th Annual Montana Governor’s Cup Walleye Tournament features game-changing payouts, including $20,000 for first place and $40,000 in random-weight prizes, making it accessible for all participants.

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has announced the closure of the spring black bear hunting season in Black Bear Management Unit 700 for hunters without hounds, effective May 23, 2026, at sunset. This action is due to reaching predetermined harvest quotas. Hunters should verify regulations for adjacent units and report any harvested bears.

Fort Peck Lake, known for its exceptional fishing, hosted the Crooked Creek Walleye Tournament where competitors caught over 100 pounds to win. Chris McFadden and Brem Phipps topped the leaderboard with 102.04 pounds. Interested anglers can register for the upcoming Montana Governor's Cup, featuring new events and diverse prizes, scheduled for July 2026.

As Memorial Day approaches, fishers have experienced success on the Firehole, Gibbon, and Madison rivers since May 1st. Snowpack levels are low but melting slowly, ensuring fishable conditions. Each river offers unique strategies for anglers, with notable hatches and species available. Early fishing opportunities may emerge this season.

Walleye are biting on VMC Mooneye jigs and Marble eye jigs, particularly near main lake points. Smallmouth are responding well to KVD crankbaits and jigs in shallow areas. Lakers are being caught in 15-35 feet using crankbaits, with some found deeper at 55-70 feet on specific jigs and paddletails.