Fish culturist Ryan Lott and his hatchery crew have commenced the 2026 stocking season, distributing rainbow trout across Northeast Montana, including over 30,000 fingerlings via helicopter to various reservoirs.

Don Wilkins reports that fluctuating water temperatures are prompting walleye and smallmouth bass to shift to shallower depths. Successful fishing techniques include jigs, plastics, and crankbaits. Salmon catches are promising.

The Flathead Valley Bass League launched its season with a competitive event where Jack Carroll and Andrew Turner claimed first place. Russ Geldrich landed the Big Fish at 4.80 lbs.

Southwest Montana fishing conditions vary mid-May, with Hebgen and Quake Lakes offering good action. The Upper Madison faces cold weather impacts, while Yellowstone rivers see early hatches amidst certain closures.

High winds have displaced the courtesy dock across the boat ramp at Fourchette Bay, rendering it unusable. USACE crews are working to resolve the issue; alternative launch sites are recommended for boaters.

The National Weather Service has issued a blowing dust advisory and high wind warning for northeastern Montana, advising residents to avoid travel due to low visibility and dangerous conditions.

Lakeridge Lodging & Bait Shop is hosting Trace's Tacklebox Kids Fishing Clinic on May 31st at 10 AM, offering young anglers a day of outdoor fun and adventure. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required.

In 2025, modifications were made to a fence blocking access to the West Boulder River after negotiations, allowing public access while controversies over landowner restrictions continue to rise in Montana.

Philip Pohle, a 32-year-old maintenance worker at Ohio’s Hocking Hills State Park, is being called a walking miracle after surviving […]

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks introduces new tagging options for paddlefish, requiring immediate validation upon harvest. Anglers must comply with specific reporting guidelines and can use e-tags or paper tags for their catch.

The Bitterroot River's conditions are challenging yet promising for anglers, offering good opportunities for both dry-fly and nymph fishing, especially in upper sections, amid fluctuating water clarity and summer hatches.

We’ve all been there: you’re cruising down the highway, perhaps daydreaming about a weekend at the lake, when the universe […]

Montana FWP announced a restoration project to protect westslope cutthroat trout in the Little Belt Mountains, including installing a fish barrier on Harley Creek. A public meeting is scheduled for May 20.

The Montana Fur Harvesters' 2nd Annual Spring Rendezvous, on May 15-16, celebrates outdoor heritage, featuring celebrity guests from the Mountain Men series and inviting community engagement in Kalispell, Montana.

Spring has arrived at Fort Peck, highlighted by local legend Bill "The Salmon Slayer" Zarahdka catching a 15.7-pound Chinook salmon and a walleye simultaneously, showcasing his impressive fishing skills.

The Annual Leonard Lawver Memorial Kids Fishing Day on June 6, 2026, offers free fishing, food, and equipment for kids 16 and younger at Laurel Pond, hosted by Montana Pike Masters.

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 […]