Montana’s ice-out begins! Mid-March brings hot fishing action as winter loosens its grip. Late ice opportunities plus early spring river action await.

Montana Fishing Reports

Don Wilkins’ Weekly Fort Peck Fishing Report 3.13.26

Mar 13, 2026 – Angela Montana

This past week, fishing on Peck was impossible due to warm weather and unsafe ice conditions, signaling the end of the season. Areas near the dam have opened up, hinting at potential boat usage soon. It’s an opportune time to service ice fishing gear and prepare for next winter.

Montana Tourney Trail

Fort Peck King Salmon Derby: Registration Opens in 6 Days (150-Boat Limit) — Get Your Team Ready

Mar 09, 2026 – Angela Montana

Online registration for the 1st Annual Fort Peck Montana Tournament of Kings opens in 6 days, and with a 150-boat limit, spots could go fast. Here’s what to do now to be ready when the link drops—plus how to stay in the loop.

Mack Days

2026 Spring Mack Days on Flathead Lake: Dates, Prizes, Rules, Fish Pickup Sites & Conservation Goals

Mar 02, 2026 – Angela Montana

Mack Days returns to Flathead Lake March 12–May 9, 2026, giving anglers nine weeks to target non-native lake trout while supporting conservation of native bull trout and westslope cutthroat. Get the key dates, prize details, entry rules, fish drop-off locations, and important release and fish ID requirements.

Montana Ice Fishing Reports

Bitterroot Lake Ice Update (Feb. 27, 2026): 4–5 Inches at North Access, Open Water at Reeds & South Ramp — No Machines

Feb 27, 2026 – Angela Montana

Bitterroot Lake ice has shrunk significantly with warm weather and wind. The north end county access is now 4–5 inches, the reeds are open water, and the south end boat access has open water at the ramp. No machines. Mandatory check-in at the Hilltop Hitching Post.

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Fishing

Hard Lessons Montana Outdoorsmen Learn Too Late Every Spring

Mar 14, 2026 – montanaoutdoor

Mid-March is Montana’s most dangerous season. Here’s what kills trips—and sometimes people—when anglers and hunters rush back outside too soon.

Hunting

Realtree’s Spring Thunder Heads West — What Montana Merriam’s Hunters Can Learn From It

Mar 14, 2026 – montanaoutdoor

Realtree’s Spring Thunder crew chases Merriam’s turkeys in Black Hills country — here’s what Montana hunters can take from it for a DIY public land spring hunt.

Conservation

Smith River Permit 2026: The Complete Guide to Drawing, Planning, and Floating Montana’s Most Coveted Trip

Mar 14, 2026 – montanaoutdoor

Your complete guide to the Smith River permit 2026 lottery — deadlines, odds, standby tips, outfitter options, and insider float planning advice.

Hunting

Montana Backcountry Trail Cam Footage Shows What’s Really Moving When Nobody’s Watching

Mar 14, 2026 – montanaoutdoor

Year-round Montana backcountry trail cam footage from Diaries of a Trailcam — with tips on how hunters can use this intel to scout smarter.

Last Weeks Show

Montana Outdoor Radio Show – March 14th Recap

Mar 14, 2026 – Kamp Cook

Last week on the Montana Outdoor Radio Show, we talked about the early signs of spring fishing across the state. […]

Audio Reports

Montana Fishing Report – March 14th

Mar 14, 2026 – Kamp Cook

Mid-March in Montana means winter and spring are still arguing about who’s in charge. Ice fishing opportunities are fading quickly […]

Fishing

Something Big Hit on the Bighorn: Wildhook Adventures Tangles With a Mystery Catch on One of Montana’s Most Legendary Rivers

Mar 14, 2026 – montanaoutdoor

The crew at Wildhook Adventures hooks into something massive on the Bighorn River near Fort Smith — one of Montana’s top tailwater trout fisheries.

Hunting

Cracking Montana’s Elk Draw: What Every Non-Resident Needs to Know

Mar 14, 2026 – montanaoutdoor

Montana’s elk draw is one of the most competitive in the West. Here’s what non-residents need to know before applying this season.

Conservation

Why Dumping Bait Fish Could Destroy Your Favorite Montana Lake

Mar 14, 2026 – montanaoutdoor

Illegal fish stocking is one of Montana’s biggest fishery threats. Here’s why dumping bait fish or “pet” fish can ruin a waterbody forever.

Conservation

Montana Cuts 2,500 Nonresident Deer Combo Tags: What Hunters Need to Know for 2026

Mar 14, 2026 – montanaoutdoor

Montana just cut 2,500 nonresident deer combo tags. Here’s what hunters need to know before planning their 2026 season.

Fort Peck

2026 Fort Peck Salmon Derby – Registration Opens 3/15/26 – Critical Information to Know

Mar 14, 2026 – montanaoutdoor

Registration for the Fort Peck Salmon Derby opens Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time, and teams planning to compete should […]

Fishing

Big Hole Surges 21% While Madison Holds Steady: Montana Rivers March 14, 2026

Mar 14, 2026 – montanaoutdoor

Southwest Montana rivers splitting—Madison and Gallatin stable and clear, but Big Hole and western drainages rising fast from snowmelt.