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.

The 2026 Upper Missouri paddlefish season is ongoing, but low river flows are concentrating fish downstream. Anglers are adjusting strategies as snagging activity is expected to rise over weekends.

The Missouri River is currently at 3,210 cfs and around 50°F, ideal for fishing. Nymphing is effective, while dry fly fishing varies daily. Essential flies include olive/brown mayflies and brown caddis. Focus on achieving a natural drift rather than perfect casts and maintain respectful space among fellow anglers for a better experience.

Tick season is peaking across Montana right now. Here's what hunters, anglers, and hikers need to know to stay safe this May.

Federal investigators target Big Meat monopolies as Montana ranchers demand fair prices. Justice Dept & USDA launch aggressive probe into beef processors.

Two big Yellowstone stories landed this week that Montana outdoor users will want on their radar — a serious grizzly […]

Co-defendant Simon Paul, Branson, and others, hunted and killed eagles on the Flathead Indian Reservation and elsewhere. In total, approximately 3,600 birds were killed, including eagles. They then illegally sold the eagles on the black market for significant sums of cash across the United States and elsewhere.

Search efforts are underway in Glacier National Park for Anthony Pollio, a 33-year-old man from Fort Lauderdale, Florida who has been missing since Sunday evening.

Using your fish finder effectively means understanding bass behavior, which is influenced by water temperature. The ideal strategies change as temperatures fluctuate. Monitor surface temps to guide your approach, but be ready to adjust your tactics based on deeper conditions. Flexibility and observation are key to successful fishing.

We often talk about firearm safety like it’s a chore—something we do because we “have to,” like paying taxes or […]