Smallmouth bass, loved by anglers for their fighting spirit, are not native to many regions outside the Great Lakes and Ohio River. Their introduction can disrupt ecosystems and threaten native species, as evidenced by concerns in Arizona and Yellowstone over their impact on trout fisheries. Not all enjoyable fish belong in every habitat.

The Governor’s Cup Calcutta at Fort Peck Marina transforms fishing into an exciting auction event, where teams are bid on like thoroughbreds. Participants don’t need fishing skills to win; they only need to pick a successful team to claim a share of the prize money. It's an accessible, thrilling experience for everyone.

On 05/22/2026 at approximately 1550 hours, Lake County Dispatch received the report of an individual who was drowning in the Flathead River near Riverside Park in Polson.

For years, hunting antlerless white-tailed deer in Montana’s Region 6 followed a familiar, comfortable rhythm. You’d pack your gear, drive […]

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents and visitors to use extreme caution around local waterways due to high […]

The Idaho State Brand Inspector’s Office and local sheriff’s offices are investigating a series of livestock shootings.

From Flathead County Sheriff’s Office: The Flathead County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identity of the deceased individual located in […]

Snakes provoke mixed reactions, seen as either fascinating creatures or terrifying threats. As summer approaches in Montana, First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park offers a guided hike on June 6, 2026, led by expert Dan "The Snake Man" Waitt. Limited spots require pre-registration starting May 30. Join to learn and coexist.

Walleye are being caught using bottom bouncers and jigs at 18-25 feet. Smallmouth fishing remains productive in shallow waters, while lake trout are moving deeper, found 40-75 feet down.

This weekend's Bridger 3D Shoot will occur indoors due to rain, with registration and vendor setup moving to 1800 Jackson Creek Rd, Bozeman. Participants should arrive by 8 AM for check-in, bringing camp chairs. Tent camping is allowed, and swag bags are provided. The event promises food, music, and awards after shooting.

Authorities have received reports of barbed wire being strung across ATV trails both in the Pipestone area and in the Bernice area in Jefferson County.

The Upper Missouri Paddlefish update from May 27, 2026, reports that flows are low at 6740 cfs. Paddlefish are being caught in fair numbers from the bridge to Fort Peck's headwaters. Participation increased over the holiday weekend, leading to greater angling success. A video on ethical snagging techniques is included.

The waters of Flathead Lake are usually where we go to find a piece of ourselves—to catch a rising trout, […]

The following is a press release by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks shared on Montanaoutdoor.com as a courtesy to our […]

The article highlights a viral video showcasing a unique potato lasagna using a Japanese Chiba Slicer, but emphasizes that a chef’s knife can achieve similar results without extra gadgets.

The Annual Leonard Lawver Memorial Kids Fishing Day will take place on Saturday, June 6th, 2026, from 9 AM to 3 PM at Laurel Pond in Laurel, MT. This free event welcomes families with children aged 16 and under, offering fishing gear, no license requirements, free lunch, and prizes for young anglers.

The Fresno Challenge has been cancelled due to unsafe water levels, as announced by Tournament Director Josh Parrow. Anglers are encouraged to attend the Tiber tournament instead or participate in the Rock Creek tournament still scheduled for the 6th and 7th, with registration still open for those affected.

BRETT FRENCH | bfrench@billingsgazette.com The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem saw a record-high number of grizzly bear mortalities in 2025. Of the […]

Join the First Hunt Foundation's "Shoot for a Cause" event on July 11, 2026, at Pondera Shooting Sports Club, Montana. Enjoy a family-friendly day with shooting, prizes, and a prime rib dinner, all while supporting youth mentorship in hunting. Register easily via a QR code for this memorable experience.

On May 27, 2026, The Milk River Project reminded Bureau of Reclamation pump contractors to place water orders before diverting from the Milk River. Unauthorized diversions disrupt operations and affect downstream users. Failure to comply may jeopardize contracts. Contractors are urged to communicate effectively for fair management of the water system.

Montana is enhancing its shooting facilities through House Bill 899, led by Representative Kerri Seekins-Crowe. The newly formed Montana State Shooting Facilities and Improvements Task Force seeks input from residents to identify needs and improvements for shooting ranges. A survey is available for public feedback to shape future developments.

FlowFishing.org is hosting a free virtual bass tournament from May 29th–31st, allowing busy anglers to compete on their own schedules. Participants can fish from anywhere and submit their best catches using specific rules. Although there are no cash prizes this time, participants earn FLOW POINTS for future tournaments.

When you head up into the mountains for a casual paragliding session, the last thing you expect to see behind […]

The Department of the Interior has announced the largest expansion of outdoor access in U.S. history, providing 1,450 new hunting and fishing opportunities across 32 states, covering 92 million acres of public land. This change simplifies access through a new “open unless closed” policy, benefiting both sportsmen and rural economies.

Grizzly bears are expanding their range eastward, prompting a community Bear Aware Meeting hosted by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Fort Belknap Fish and Wildlife. Scheduled for May 27 at the Bingo Hall, the event will provide practical tips on bear safety, including a hands-on bear spray demonstration. All are welcome.

This week’s fishing forecast for Western Montana highlights improved conditions despite ongoing spring runoff. The Bitterroot River is the top choice, offering fishable flows and structure. Successful fishing strategies involve targeting soft banks and using nymphs and streamers, with dry-fly options limited. Monitor hydrographs for flow changes and prioritize safety.

Wildlife biologists recently completed mule deer aerial spring surveys across southeast Montana’s Region 7, and for the third straight year the total number of observed mule deer and overall densities have increased.

We’ve all seen some questionable behavior on social media, but a couple of recent images circulating out of Smithers, BC, […]

The warming weather has improved fishing across Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter reservoirs. Walleyes are active, with good catches reported in Canyon Ferry and Lake Helena, while rainbows and kokanee are in abundance. Various baits and techniques are effective, attracting multi-species action throughout these waters.

The 39th Annual Montana Governor’s Cup Walleye Tournament will take place from July 9-11, 2026, at Fort Peck, Montana. Featuring huge payouts, a new Random Weight Side Pot, and a Photo, Catch, and Release format, the event promises excitement for anglers of all skill levels and includes community activities throughout the weekend.