Good afternoon, Montanans (and visitors!) and welcome to mud season! Roads and trails on the B-D are a sloppy, soupy, mess and they will be until nighttime temps rise.
Far beneath the surface the soil is still frozen. Moisture from melting snow can’t be fully absorbed as it is later in the season. This pattern contributes to spring flooding and the associated hazards as well as erosion, falling rock, and thick mud.
Forest visitors should be prepared for slick, and varied conditions on FS roads. Remember, forest roads are not maintained for heavy traffic, however our roads crew of 9 works hard to keep them in operable condition. Please don’t hesitate to contact a District Office if you come across any safety or road hazards due to the spring melt.
It is wise to carry a shovel in your vehicle just in case you need to dig out of a sticky situation; strategic rock placement can also help when the tires are spinning. As always, avoid any off-road motor vehicle use. Moist soil conditions can lead to compaction and rutting which in turn hamper nutrient uptake. A little dirt never hurt but might require additional planning. So, head on out there and enjoy springtime forest activities just don’t forget to leave your boots at the door.
Guest Writer: Mandalyn Child, Resource Assistant, BDNF
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Kootenai River Fishing Report 6.20.25

Jun-22-25 by Angela Montana

With flows dropping, bugs popping, and trout getting grabby, this week’s Kootenai River update from Linehan Outfitting has everything you need—except the tug on your line…

Sliders Slide Down Easy

Jun-22-25 by Angela Montana

When the outdoors calls, hungry sportsmen need fast, flavorful fuel—enter the mighty Slider: small, satisfying, and ready between bites and big moments… Read more from Montana Grant!

Montana Fishing Reports

Kootenai River Fishing Report 6.20.25

Jun-22-25 by Angela Montana

With flows dropping, bugs popping, and trout getting grabby, this week’s Kootenai River update from Linehan Outfitting has everything you need—except the tug on your line…

Jefferson River Fishing Report 6.18.25

Jun-19-25 by Angela Montana

The Jefferson is now low and warming after runoff—perfect timing to get away from the crowds…

Don Wilkins’ Weekly Fort Peck Fishing Report 6.18.25

Jun-18-25 by Angela Montana

Walleye action is heating up in the weeds, pike are crushing baits in the new growth, and lake trout are biting deep…

Upper Madison Fishing Report 6.17 – 6.23

Jun-18-25 by Angela Montana

The Upper Madison is lit—Salmonflies are flying, trout are biting, and June snowstorms come with hand warmers and hogs on the line…

Montana Tourney Trail

FINAL RESULTS:143.15 pounds takes first place at Tiber Walleye Tournament

Jun-14-25 by Moosetrack Megan

38 teams competed with three teams each bringing in a jaw-dropping 110+pounds in the Tiber Walleye Tournament! Unofficially a U.S. walleye tournament 2-day record was reached! We’ll update you when we hear it’s official!

68.6 pounds leads Day 1 of Tiber Walleye Tournament

Jun-13-25 by Moosetrack Megan

38 teams competed with three teams catching incredible, amazing, unbelievable weights!

FINAL RESULTS 2025 ROCK CREEK WALLEYE TOURNAMENT

Jun-07-25 by Moosetrack Megan

High winds brought the 2025 Rock Creek Walleye Tournament to an early close on Saturday, with forecasts for Sunday predicting worsening conditions. Here are the teams that battled it out and came out on top!

Final results Crooked Creek Tourney on Fort Peck

May-17-25 by Moosetrack Megan

48 teams battled it out on Fort Peck Reservoir in the Crooked Creek Walleye Tournament Friday and Saturday! See the winning team’s total weight, which approached triple digits!

Listen Now: Full Episode of Montana Outdoor Radio Show

Jun-21-25 by Kamp Cook

If you missed this week’s Montana Outdoor Radio Show, don’t worry—we’ve got the full episode right here. From detailed fishing […]

Montana Fishing Report: What’s Biting This Weekend

Jun-21-25 by Kamp Cook

The bite is heating up across Montana this week. Walleye are hitting hard on Fort Peck, especially around the rock […]

Montana Outdoor Podcast

MT Outdoor Podcast: The Secret Side of State Parks

Jun-21-25 by Angela Montana

Think Montana’s State Parks run on tax dollars? This episode uncovers the surprising nonprofit making the magic happen behind the scenes.

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Outdoor How-To

How to Clean a Trout

May-11-25 by Angela Montana

Here’s a quick way to clean a trout…

How To Snag and Release Paddlefish with FWP

May-01-25 by Angela Montana

Snagging a river dinosaur might sound crazy to some, but in Montana, it’s just another paddlefish season….

How To De-Skunk Your Dog

Apr-01-25 by Angela Montana

That “special” new scent your dog is rocking? Yeah, here’s one way to get rid of that…

MT Wildlife

What Happens Near a Wolf Den… Might Involve a Helicopter

Jun-09-25 by Angela Montana

Think bears are the only thing that’ll chase you up a tree? Try stumbling near a wolf den during pup season…

A Duck’s Reign of Terror

May-28-25 by Angela Montana

A Florida neighborhood is under siege by a surprisingly aggressive duck—and residents are learning the hard way that waddles can quickly turn to warfare.

Montana Hunting

Anti-Hunters Plan to Kill Bears with Kindness in Florida

Jun-22-25 by Angela Montana

Anti-hunters are snapping up Florida bear tags not to hunt, but to hold — turning a very necessary and important wildlife management tool into a protest strategy…

Big Hole Fishing Report

Jun-20-25 by Angela Montana

Headed to the Big Hole? See what Sunrise has to say first!

Areas Open Temporarily For Firewood Cutting

Jun-14-25 by Moosetrack Megan

The Bitterroot National Forest will temporarily open several roads this summer for the public to access personal use firewood. To learn more about each area and view maps of the locations, visit our website, call, or stop by any Forest Service office. 

Montana Fishing Report: What’s Biting Statewide This Week

Jun-14-25 by Kamp Cook

From the Flathead to the Bighorn, the bite is heating up across Montana. We’ve got fresh reports from local anglers, […]

Viral Stories

German Shepherd Takes on Wolf at Yellowstone National Park

Jun-17-25 by Angela Montana

Yellowstone Insight guide captures some interesting photos during a park tour…

A Father’s Day Catch That’ll Be Tough To Top

Jun-16-25 by Angela Montana

When a 6’1”, 225-pound man says a fish made him look small—you know that is one heck of a catch!