Montana’s Youth Waterfowl Weekend takes place on September 26–27, allowing hunters aged 15 and under to pursue waterfowl statewide. Licensed hunters aged 12–15 must be accompanied by a nonhunting adult, while apprentice hunters aged 10–15 need a mentor. All hunting regulations apply, including limited hours at Canyon Ferry WMA.

Lakeridge Lodging & Bait Shop in Fort Peck, Montana, offers fish processing services starting October 1, ideal for salmon anglers. Visitors can enjoy fishing without the hassle of cleaning their catch. Additionally, the shop provides essential fishing gear and lodging, making it a convenient base for a memorable fishing experience.

A mountain lion crashes a fired-up bull elk encounter on a Montana backcountry archery hunt. Here’s what happened — and what hunters can learn from it.

Canyon Ferry has slow fishing with walleye and rainbows moving to shallow waters. Best spots include mid-reservoir and areas around Snaggy Bay. Hauser offers good rainbow catches below the dam, while Holter sees excellent trout fishing, though walleye activity is low. The Kokanee Salmon snagging season is currently open.

Nimrod Hot Springs, once a popular roadside attraction in Montana, has closed to the public due to the landowner's decision. The Granite County Sheriff’s Office warns that trespassers may be prosecuted. While some lament the closure, others acknowledge the importance of respecting private property rights.

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has announced that hunting for all black bears in management units 510 and 520 will be prohibited starting one-half hour after sunset on September 21, 2026.

Montana wildlife officials are seeking public help to find a missing hybrid female Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, which escaped from a private facility. This 120-pound sheep, primarily white with a red ear tag, poses a disease threat to wild bighorn populations if encountered. Sightings should be reported to FWP.

Fall is arriving in northwest Montana, bringing excellent fishing conditions on the Kootenai River. Anglers are enjoying success with dry flies, especially larger patterns, while smaller sizes can tempt picky fish. The river's good flow and pleasant weather create a perfect opportunity to spend time fishing.

Austin Streifel beat the odds to draw an elusive Badlands elk tag, dedicating 80 hours to scouting. After passing on a 360-inch bull, he learned of a larger one, prompting him to travel back for a successful hunt. He shot an impressive 394-inch bull on public land, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

As fall settles in Southwest Montana, rivers are becoming ideal for trout fishing with cooling temperatures and reduced crowds. September offers excellent fishing conditions, especially with hoppers and terrestrials. Anglers should be prepared with a variety of flies and explore less-traveled waters for a rewarding experience.

Jackie Bushman gets surrounded by elk in a Montana river bottom. Here’s what happened — and what every bow hunter can take away from it.

An elk decoy can be a rut-season game-changer — or get you killed on crowded public land. Here’s what Montana hunters need to know.

Missed this week’s show or looking for a refresher, get it right here. From Fall Mack Days to what and […]

Missed it, or looking for your area reports, we got you covered from all across Montana this weekend. Montana Outdoor […]

Two bird hunters walk into a rancher’s pasture in Region 6 Montana. What happens next is a lesson every upland hunter needs to hear.

In a recent Montana Outdoor Podcast episode, FWP Region 1 Wildlife Manager Neil Anderson discusses hunting prospects for 2026 in Northwest Montana. He highlights optimistic trends for whitetails and elk, challenges in locating black bears due to food supply variations, and opportunities for various bird species, along with essential safety tips for hunters.

Kokanee Quinn discovers a delicious Elk Ragu recipe from Mike Shreckengost, perfect for utilizing ground elk. The dish combines flavorful ingredients like red wine, tomato sauce, and vegetables, and simmers for about two and a half hours. It serves eight and transforms ordinary wild game into a comforting Italian meal.

Matt from Fish On Charters had a successful outing at Bitterroot Lake, catching plenty of Kokanee. The fishing conditions were excellent, with active bites and bending rods. The report suggests that tomorrow promises another great day for fishing.

Silent bulls shutting down your archery elk hunt? Raking and thrashing may be the only call that works in late September Montana timber.

The Bighorn River is thriving this September, with steady flows of 1,400–1,500 cfs and an abundance of fish activity. Black caddis, PMDs, and pseudos are notable in the afternoons. Suggested flies include Tailwater Sowbugs and Hare’s Ears. Bighorn Angler invites enthusiasts to gear up for a successful day.

The USDA Agricultural Research Station in Region 3 is now part of the Block Management Area, allowing limited hunter access while complying with federal regulations. Historically misidentified as BLM land, it is land used for research. Hunters must sign up by September 21 to access this area in October.

Fall fishing on the Big Hole River is vibrant, featuring Blue Winged Olives, October Caddis, and persistent hoppers. Nymphs are effective throughout the day, while aggressive brown trout respond to streamers. The stunning fall foliage adds to the overall experience. For details, contact Sunrise Fly Shop in Melrose, MT.

Most archery hunts don’t end with a kill — this Montana bowhunter gets real about what success actually looks like in the high country.

Montana hunting license sales have increased for both residents and nonresidents, while access to private land is at a historic low, causing concerns among resident hunters about overcrowding. House Bill 568 mandates a study to analyze hunting pressures and seek solutions protecting the state's hunting traditions. Legislative challenges remain regarding nonresident hunter limitations.

UM News Service MISSOULA – Perhaps no other 20th century book has had a more profound impact on the state of Montana than Norman Maclean’s “A River Runs through It.”  […]

HELENA, Mont. – On Sept. 17, the Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Ravalli County. The affected […]

WEST GLACIER, Mont. – Park officials have confirmed that a beaver discovered between Upper and Lower St. Mary Lakes in Glacier National […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—Sept. 17, 2026 GREAT FALLS – A grizzly bear was euthanized Tuesday evening southwest of Augusta. The bear […]

The Trump administration has initiated a federal review of wolf management, assessing whether gray and Mexican wolves can lose Endangered Species Act protections. This move aims to aid cattle ranchers and could shift management authority to states. The impact will vary across regions, especially where wolf populations are still federally protected.

Hunt Montana shared another first for archery hunter, Tyler Otool. A huge congratulations for putting his first bull on the […]

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks warns Bitterroot River visitors that vehicle access to Woodside Bridge Fishing Access Site will close from Sept. 22–25 and Sept. 29–Oct. 1 due to Montana Department of Transportation work on Highway 323. However, the walking path will remain open for river access. Signage will be posted to inform users.

Montana archery elk season demands serious camp planning. See how WALSHFARMS68 sets up for a month in elk country — plus tips for your own September hunt.

With all the excitement of what we’re chasing in the field this fall, FWP has a reminder worth carrying along […]

Idaho's steelhead run in 2026 is projected to be one of the lowest on record, with only 61,500 expected returns. To protect wild stocks and ensure hatchery fish, the daily bag limit is being reduced to two steelhead. Factors affecting the decline remain unclear, but larger fish may help hatchery production goals.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds hunters that the deadline to buy bonus points for the license year is September 30. Bonus points enhance future drawing chances but can only be purchased if the same license or permit type wasn't applied for this year. Purchase via Montana FWP’s Online Licenses Service.

The Milk River Project has transitioned from concrete work to significant steel installation, as crews prepare to install radial gates at the St. Mary Diversion Dam in Montana. These gates will manage river flow, marking an important development in the project as it progresses into September.