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
May be an image of road
Topics
Hunt in Montana

Montana Fishing Report – January 24th 2026

Jan-24-26 by Miguel Lee

Ice is here, in different places, and fishing is to be had. Listen here for reports on your favorite spots […]

Podcast: Montana SkiJoring with Jennifer Butler

Jan-24-26 by Angela Montana

This Montana sport looks insane… until you see how good they really are!

Montana Outdoor Podcast

New Episodes Every Saturday!

Podcast: Montana SkiJoring with Jennifer Butler

Jan-24-26 by Angela Montana

This Montana sport looks insane… until you see how good they really are!

MORS Podcast: What Will the Rest of MT’s Winter be Like? Will We Finally Get Ice Fishing Weather? Get Answers Here

Jan-17-26 by montanaoutdoor

Sponsors This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast your host Downrigger Dale interviews quite possibly the smartest person you will […]

MT Outdoor Podcast: Where’s the Ice?

Jan-17-26 by Angela Montana

No Ice. No Snow. No Joke. What’s Going On With Montana’s Winter? Find out right NOW!

Sneak Peek: There Is Some Serious Money on This Ice

Jan-09-26 by Angela Montana

Tomorrow’s Montana Outdoor Podcast might just change your winter plans.


Montana Tourney Trail

Montana Fishing Reports

MT Wildlife

Bobcat with Dinner vs. Coyote

Jan-20-26 by Angela Montana

Is the Coyote After the Food—or the Bobcat?

When Nature Forgets to Hit Reset

Jan-19-26 by Angela Montana

A Rare Horn Mishap Gave This Speed Goat a One-of-a-Kind Look

Viral Stories

DIY Ice Fishing Hack That Makes Life on the Ice More Comfortable

Dec-21-25 by Angela Montana

It is simple……portable….and lightweight. Perfect for the ice.

A Massive Elk Invasion

Dec-19-25 by Angela Montana

This is an elk takeover that would be crazy to witness in-person!

Montana (Helena) Team Wins $500,000 in Cabo Fishing Tournament

Nov-05-25 by montanaoutdoor

A group of Montana anglers just proved that Big Sky Country breeds world-class fishermen — even in saltwater. Team Grey […]

Very Rare Footage of Wolverine Hunting Deer in Montana

Oct-19-25 by Angela Montana

Rare footage captures a wolverine hunting near Montana’s Ajax Mountain…

Bear’s Journey from Montana to the Savanna

Aug-15-25 by Angela Montana

From Montana’s peaks to Africa’s plains, this pup’s next job is guarding the herd to spare the fastest cat alive…

Montana FWP

Montana Fishing Report – January 24th 2026

Jan-24-26 by Miguel Lee

Ice is here, in different places, and fishing is to be had. Listen here for reports on your favorite spots […]

Want to Trap in Montana? It Starts Here.

Jan-23-26 by Angela Montana

Trapping, wildlife ethics, and real-world skills—all in one day…

Wild Game Recipes