At just two years old, Lettie Mae Dempster celebrated her first catch, a Largemouth Bass, on the banks of the Yellowstone River near Billings. Despite her reluctance to touch the fish, her excitement remained high as she looked forward to casting another line alongside her aunt and uncle. Congratulations, Lettie!

Two enthusiasts, Andrew and Kevin, transformed an ATV into a floating barge for a fun engineering project. They built a sturdy platform with floats and rigged a system for the ATV's wheels to drive paddle wheels. With some unconventional materials like lard for lubrication, their creation proved that creativity can yield amazing results.

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has announced that hunting districts 300, 301, 319, and 580 will close for all black bear hunting due to exceeding a 37% female harvest. The closure will take effect one-half hour after sunset on June 3, 2026.

Oregon is facing a significant cultural clash over Initiative Petition 28 (IP28), known as the "PEACE Act." Animal rights activists aim to ban hunting, fishing, and livestock ranching, classifying standard practices as criminal offenses. Critics argue it could harm conservation efforts and disproportionately impact local communities. The initiative, despite its ambitions, likely faces defeat in November.

The Helena-area reservoirs are currently thriving for anglers, with solid catches of rainbow trout and walleyes reported across Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter. Various fishing techniques, including trolling and shore fishing, are effective. Additionally, carp are attracting bow anglers, offering diverse fishing opportunities for all enthusiasts.

From July 30 to August 2, Leyo Outfitting hosts Montana's Packer's Program, a 4-day backcountry masterclass where participants learn essential skills for managing pack animals and navigating rough terrain. Led by veteran outfitters, the program emphasizes hands-on experience and confidence-building in wilderness survival and logistics. Limited spots available.

The Great Falls Family Fishing Day is set for Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to noon at Wadsworth Pond Park. This free event offers educational fishing clinics for all ages, including fish identification and knot tying. Participants can fish all day without a license after the clinic, promoting community engagement.

Montana's agricultural community celebrates Dale Flikkema, a Bozeman rancher who won a Massey Ferguson MF7S.155 tractor in the MSGA Blue and Gold Raffle. Proceeds support local FFA chapters, enhancing educational opportunities. Tickets for the next raffle are now available for a chance to win another tractor in December 2026.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting a liquidation sale on June 27 at MetraPark in Billings, featuring items confiscated from poachers, such as antlers, skulls, and hides. Attendance is free, with bidding starting at 10 AM. Proceeds support conservation efforts, turning illegal activities into benefits for wildlife.

Huge weights take the top place at the Tiber Walleye Tournament. Click here to see full results

Crispy Elk and Black Bean Flautas are a crowd-favorite appetizer featuring seasoned elk, black beans, and cheese in golden tortillas. Easy to prepare and serve, they offer a delicious, mess-free snacking option for various gatherings. Enjoyed warm with dips, these flautas promise to impress and vanish quickly at any event.

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has announced that the Black Bear Management Unit 440 will be closed to all black bear hunting starting one-half hour after sunset on June 1, 2026. This order applies to the designated hunting district to ensure wildlife management and conservation.

This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast your host Downrigger Dale talks with the Director of Montana Fish, Wildlife and […]

Last week on the Montana Outdoor Radio Show, we checked in with fishing reports from around Montana as runoff continued […]

Runoff season is in full swing across much of Montana, but that doesn’t mean fishing is off the table. Many […]

Big weights on Day 1 of the Tiber Walleye Tournament. Click here to see full results!

Smallmouth bass, loved by anglers for their fighting spirit, are not native to many regions outside the Great Lakes and Ohio River. Their introduction can disrupt ecosystems and threaten native species, as evidenced by concerns in Arizona and Yellowstone over their impact on trout fisheries. Not all enjoyable fish belong in every habitat.

The Governor’s Cup Calcutta at Fort Peck Marina transforms fishing into an exciting auction event, where teams are bid on like thoroughbreds. Participants don’t need fishing skills to win; they only need to pick a successful team to claim a share of the prize money. It's an accessible, thrilling experience for everyone.

On 05/22/2026 at approximately 1550 hours, Lake County Dispatch received the report of an individual who was drowning in the Flathead River near Riverside Park in Polson.

For years, hunting antlerless white-tailed deer in Montana’s Region 6 followed a familiar, comfortable rhythm. You’d pack your gear, drive […]

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents and visitors to use extreme caution around local waterways due to high […]

The Idaho State Brand Inspector’s Office and local sheriff’s offices are investigating a series of livestock shootings.

From Flathead County Sheriff’s Office: The Flathead County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identity of the deceased individual located in […]

Snakes provoke mixed reactions, seen as either fascinating creatures or terrifying threats. As summer approaches in Montana, First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park offers a guided hike on June 6, 2026, led by expert Dan "The Snake Man" Waitt. Limited spots require pre-registration starting May 30. Join to learn and coexist.

Walleye are being caught using bottom bouncers and jigs at 18-25 feet. Smallmouth fishing remains productive in shallow waters, while lake trout are moving deeper, found 40-75 feet down.

This weekend's Bridger 3D Shoot will occur indoors due to rain, with registration and vendor setup moving to 1800 Jackson Creek Rd, Bozeman. Participants should arrive by 8 AM for check-in, bringing camp chairs. Tent camping is allowed, and swag bags are provided. The event promises food, music, and awards after shooting.

Authorities have received reports of barbed wire being strung across ATV trails both in the Pipestone area and in the Bernice area in Jefferson County.

The Upper Missouri Paddlefish update from May 27, 2026, reports that flows are low at 6740 cfs. Paddlefish are being caught in fair numbers from the bridge to Fort Peck's headwaters. Participation increased over the holiday weekend, leading to greater angling success. A video on ethical snagging techniques is included.

The waters of Flathead Lake are usually where we go to find a piece of ourselves—to catch a rising trout, […]

The following is a press release by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks shared on Montanaoutdoor.com as a courtesy to our […]