Montana's outdoor week, in your inbox at 7am Friday.
Fishing in the Lakers yielded good catches, especially walleye in 35-50 feet using jigs and paddle tails. Smallmouth anglers found success with live minnows and various rigs. Pike fishing required searching for clean water, with successful catches using spoons, crankbaits, and live suckers near submerged weeds.
Fort Peck, Tiber, and Fresno reservoirs are days from freeze-up. Here's where walleye and pike are staging and what's working right now.
Montana biologists surveyed 2,200 hunters at six check stations to analyze opening weekend success rates, harvest data, and wildlife trends across the region.
Montana's big game hunting season commenced on October 24, 2023, with favorable weather and steady hunter participation. Over the weekend, check stations reported an influx of 1,077 hunters, with notable increases in harvested mule deer and antelope. Success rates varied, peaking at 35% in Big Timber, indicating an overall productive season.
Montana's antelope harvest numbers have increased, while other big game, such as mule deer and elk, show declines. Cooler weather affected hunting conditions, yet participation remains strong. Pheasant and bird reports are mixed, with upland birds generally below average. All hunters must comply with check station regulations during this season.
A new fishing access site is proposed on the Yellowstone River near Terry, Montana, featuring a boat launch, parking, and latrine. Public comments are welcomed until November 9. The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks aims to enhance recreational access, addressing existing gaps along the river while complying with environmental regulations.
Grizzly bears are pushing onto Montana’s open prairie. Here’s what hunters, ranchers, and rural Montanans need to know heading into fall.
Short answer: yes, go. BlueStreamFly.com grades the Blackfoot River a 72/100 as of 9:36 p.m. on Oct. 28, 2026 and […]
This recipe outlines a method for cooking chili using antelope meat in a Dutch oven. It emphasizes the importance of adding fat to counteract the leanness of antelope. Ingredients include bacon, onions, tomatoes, beans, and optional beer. The dish simmers for 30–45 minutes and can be served with Fritos and cheese.
BLACK BEAR MANAGEMENT UNIT: 420 By order of the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission, the above listed hunting district shall […]
The 2026 Montana big game hunting season opened with 2,625 hunters passing through check stations, an increase from 2025. While certain areas reported higher hunter activity, some saw fewer animal checks. Hunters must stop at check stations, contributing to wildlife management, regardless of harvesting success.
During the opening weekend of the 2026 general rifle season in Augusta, a notable increase in hunters was observed, with 235 visits to the FWP game check station. Hunter success rates for deer and elk also rose, aided by early snowfall. Overall elk harvest exceeded the ten-year average by 83%, while deer harvest increased by 11%.
During the opening weekend of Montana's general hunting season, hunter numbers and success rates varied across southwestern Montana. Wildlife biologists collected data from six game check stations, interacting with 2,200 hunters. The overall participation and success rates were mixed, but conditions were reported as favorable, with hunters advised to remain bear aware.
Montana's general deer and elk hunting season began with nearly 1,900 hunters participating, yielding a 7.4% success rate. Harvest numbers for white-tailed deer and elk decreased from last year, while mule deer buck harvest remained steady. Additional monitoring and testing for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) are encouraged for hunters.
NEW YORK — A dinosaur fossil unearthed in Montana has fetched $47.3 million at auction, making it the second most […]
This recipe features wild game sausage that combines lean meat with fatty pork, enhancing flavor and moisture. It includes a detailed preparation method for both the sausage and flaky biscuits, designed to deliver a rich gravy experience. Key tips focus on resting meat and proper biscuit cutting for optimal texture.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks advises hunters to refresh their mapping apps and clear cache before heading out for mule deer. Recent updates to BMA boundaries may not be reflected in old offline maps, causing issues with displays. They recommend checking the FWP Hunt Planner for accurate information.
Last weekend, steelhead anglers faced challenging conditions due to increased river flow and decreased visibility from recent heavy rainfall. Only two fish were caught among numerous anglers. However, conditions improved early this week as water clarity increased and temperatures dropped, prompting better catch rates and more fish movement expected upstream.
The St. Mary Diversion Dam, completed in 1915 near Babb, Montana, is crucial for the Milk River Project, supplying up to 100% of the basin's water during dry years. A $70 million rehabilitation, funded partially by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to enhance its efficiency, address structural issues, and protect the bull trout.
As autumn settles in, the river flows at 1,630 CFS, perfect for fishing. With reliable whitefish action and a mild forecast ahead, anglers should prepare for streamer season using diverse fly options, including olive patterns or a double-nymph rig. Yellowstone Angler invites visitors to book trips for an enjoyable fishing experience.
Wolves seemed like the obvious answer for Yellowstone’s shrinking elk herd. Turns out, biologists still can’t say for certain. Here’s why it matters.
A multi-year wildlife poaching investigation in Fremont County involving the illegal taking of deer, elk and a moose has been […]
A Morning That Changed Elk Hunting History The scene is set back in October 1958, a dairy farm hand named […]
The seventh week of the 2026 Fall Mack Days fishing event has seen 18,899 lake trout entries, aiming to reduce non-native trout in Flathead Lake. The event runs until November 8th, with tagged fish prizes up to $10,000. Anglers are competing for various prizes, including categories for smallest and largest fish.
Canyon Ferry boasts excellent rainbow fishing, especially in the Silos area. Shore anglers find success using worms. Hauser's fishing is good at the Causeway with crawlers or leech flies. Holter also offers great rainbow action with various baits. The Kokanee Salmon snagging season runs until October 31st at Helena Valley.
In 1935, only 69 trumpeter swans survived in the lower 48 — most of them in one remote Montana valley. Here’s that story.
The Fall Big Game Classic at Shadow Enterprises in Kalispell, Montana invites hunters to bring their tagged harvest for a chance to win prizes. Open to all ages, participants can enter with a skull instead of the whole animal. Winners will be drawn on December 4th, 2026, with various prizes available.
On the last day of trout fishing, an angler witnesses a dramatic scene as a buck is chased by a coyote along the riverbank. He remains still to capture the moment on his phone, concluding his fishing season with an unexpected encounter with nature, highlighting the essence of patience in fishing.
A GPS-marked drake mallard showcases the extensive travel of wintering birds across the Mississippi Flyway. Research from Arkansas reveals these ducks don't settle in one place but move rapidly between wetlands for feeding, molting, and breeding. Conservation efforts are vital to maintain healthy habitats for this abundant species.
The recipe for a creamy Lake Whitefish Chowder highlights the fish's rich flavor, allowing it to poach gently in a simple broth with potatoes. Coconut cream substitutes traditional dairy, enhancing sweetness. An alternative, the classic New England version, incorporates bacon and fish stock for a richer taste. Key cooking techniques ensure optimal texture.
Eating snow when thirsty is dangerous; it contains mostly air, with 10 cups melting down to just 1 cup of water. The heat needed to melt it comes from your body, risking hypothermia. Instead, melt snow over a fire or with body heat before drinking to stay safe.
Montana wardens set a deer decoy in a blizzard near Glasgow and catch a shooter on the run. Here’s why this sting matters to every honest hunter.
Joan Wulff, born in 1926, revolutionized fly fishing over her century-long life. As a champion angler, educator, and co-founder of the Wulff School of Fly Fishing, she influenced generations by emphasizing technique over strength. Celebrating her 100th birthday, we honor her lasting impact on the sport and its enthusiasts.
Missed it, listen now to your favorite reports from those in the field or on the waters from all across […]
Winter weather is slowly moving in, and Mack Days is still going strong, others are switching out their rods for […]
Montana wardens bust poachers using a decoy deer — and measure a 6×6 bull elk worth $8,000 in trophy restitution. Here’s what every hunter needs to know.
With three weeks remaining in the 2026 Fall Mack Days event, anglers have turned in 16,798 lake trout to support native species. $4,000 worth of tagged fish have been caught, with one worth $10,000 still available. Top competitors include Terry Krogstad and Julie Perkins, leading in their respective categories. Safety is emphasized for participants.
Missed it, listen here to your favorite reports and content. From Flathead Lake to up the Bitterroot, entering the Helena […]
Week 5 of the 2026 Fall Mack Days event reported 13,535 lake trout entries, aiming to reduce non-native lake trout for native species support. The event runs until November 8, 2026, with numerous tagged fish prizes available. Top anglers include Terry Krogstad and Julie Perkins leading their respective categories. Safety reminders for anglers are included.
Every upcoming sanctioned Montana fishing tournament, grouped by month. Tap any event for entry details, contacts, and registration links.
Mack Days (Fall)
Chancy’s Fall Whitefish Festival