This week, focus on fishing side channels and soft edges due to high river conditions in Western Montana. Use heavy tackle and nymphs for best results. Fish during warmer hours for success.

Wyoming ranchers are using GPS-tracked elk sheds to catch trespassers, leading to a controversy after a boy unknowingly collected one, resulting in his father facing legal penalties.

Well, it turns out there’s a very thin line between “stocking the freezer” and “wildlife racketeering,” and two Montana hunters […]

Lure manufacturers create flashy designs to attract buyers, but many anglers find that black lures outperform them by providing high-contrast silhouettes visible to fish in various light conditions.

The 2026 Spring Mack Days concluded on May 9, totaling 37,975 lake trout entries. Kolton Turner emerged as the top angler, while fostering conservation and community spirit throughout the event.

Montana cattle markets signal opportunity: light feeder supply meets strong cow demand. May 3-9 report reveals key trends affecting your bottom line.

Canyon Ferry shore fishing has slowed, but boat anglers are successful with various methods. Hauser and Holter also report good catches of rainbows, walleyes, and occasional perch.

This fishing report highlights warm temperatures leading to significant spring runoff in Montana, affecting river conditions. Strategic fishing locations focus on lakes and tailwaters, with hatches anticipated soon.

On June 27, 2026, Tongue River Marina in Decker, Montana, hosts the Rib Rumble cookoff, featuring local pitmasters competing for the title and offering family-friendly activities throughout the day.

Madison River Outfitters reports good fishing at Hebgen and Quake Lakes, with success using buggers and chironomids. The Upper Madison is fishing consistently, featuring early caddis hatches and effective nymphing. The Firehole, Gibbon, and Madison rivers in Yellowstone National Park are also productive, with caution advised due to bear activity.

The Yellowstone has experienced an exceptional three-week Caddis hatch, providing fantastic fishing conditions. However, rising temperatures and changing river flows indicate these prime conditions may soon end. Stay informed for updates.

Nature can pose hidden dangers, as shown by the tragic death of 15-year-old Brodan Dubickas, struck by a falling dead tree. Recognizing signs of hazardous trees is vital for public safety.

Happy Mother’s Day to al the Moms, and Fish On. If you missed last week’s show, catch it here. Montana […]

Montana Spring fishing is going strong. Listen to those reports of beasts from the deep here, lots of improving weather […]

This week, the Montana Outdoor Podcast features Downrigger Dale visiting the impressive Montana Knife Company's new 51,000 square foot facility, highlighting founder Josh Smith's inspiring knife-making journey.

S’mores Sandwich Cookies offer a sophisticated indoor alternative to traditional s’mores, featuring buttery graham cracker cookies filled with toasted marshmallows and chocolate ganache, perfect for impressing guests or family.

Elkhorn Search and Rescue was called out on May 7, 2026, at 1720 hours for a 73-year-old male who had gone for a short walk with his dog and failed to meet up with his friend. He was last seen at approximately 1400 hours in the Moose Creek area of the Elkhorn Mountains.

The Bureau of Land Management today issued its final decision to rescind grazing permits for seven allotments in Phillips County, Montana, held by American Prairie, following a remand from the Secretary of the Interior directing the bureau to reevaluate permits issued in 2022.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has opened a lottery for three commercial fishing permits on the upper and West Fork of the Bitterroot River, accepting applications until May 18, 2026.

Don Wilkins reports excellent fishing at Fort Peck, with walleye actively biting in shallow waters. Anglers should use jigs, plastics, and crankbaits as water temperatures rise this season.

In early May, the Missouri River buzzes with fishing activity, showcasing fluctuating traffic and various hatches. While nymphing conditions remain strong, streamer fishing is less favorable, highlighting water concerns for the future.

BRETT FRENCH | bfrench@billingsgazette.com Interest in a once-controversial program that gives free elk tags to landowners to encourage them to allow public […]

New details about the bears and victims involved in a bear attack earlier this week in Yellowstone. The investigation continues.

The victim was located about 2.5 miles up the Mt. Brown Trail approximately 50 feet off the trail in a densely wooded area with downed timber. His injuries are consistent with those sustained by a bear encounter.

While snowpack conditions across much of the western United States remains uniformly poor, the snowpack across Montana watersheds paints a more nuanced picture.

Bill Saunders, a Washington-based waterfowl call maker and serious walleye hunter, recently learned that one man’s “embarrassing” catch is another […]

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks has announced Hunter Education classes for May 2026, offering various formats to accommodate learning styles across multiple locations statewide.

Montana FWP is seeking public input on the 2027–2028 fishing regulations, featuring 41 proposals. Anglers can participate by attending a meeting on May 13, joining online sessions on May 26, or submitting comments via email or mail before the May 31 deadline. Share your insights to influence fishing rules.

In a Facebook group focused on Montana appreciation, members discussed their fears, primarily directed at outsiders, political divisions, and local dangers like wildlife and drivers, revealing their passionate views on the state.

The article discusses ongoing jurisdictional conflicts over fishing rights between the Lac du Flambeau tribe and state authorities in Wisconsin. As the tribe seeks to halt fishing to conserve walleye and muskies, tensions rise over who holds management power. The situation mirrors historical debates in Montana, questioning the efficacy of joint management models.