Montana's outdoor week, in your inbox at 7am Friday.
The stretch from Ennis Dam to Three Forks experiences seasonal changes, impacting fish behavior and fishing strategies. In late October, water temperatures drop, prompting fish to hold deep. Bear Trap Canyon is highlighted as an ideal spot for larger browns, recommending specific fly techniques and the enjoyment of solitude until Thanksgiving.
Montana wardens found a headless bull elk near Billings — then hid a transmitter in the skull to catch the poacher. Here’s how it went down.
General rifle season is in full swing and the rut is peaking. Here's where pressured bulls are hiding on Montana public land right now.
Late October on the Missouri River near Craig, MT means cold fingers and hot fishing. Here's what flies to throw, what to expect, and why it's worth the drive.
What is a coydog? Montana hunters and ranchers share what they're seeing in the field — plus what FWP says about these coyote-dog hybrids.
If you think all bears are bigger out west, then check this out. Bob McNally with Outdoor Life reported that […]
Some bucks are shot; this one was earned. Hunt Montana shared that at just 17, Ellah Wallace of Troy, Montana […]
Winter weather has arrived in areas accros Montana, Fall Mack Days are winding down, reports are coming in for anglers […]
If you missed our Halloween Show, listen now to your favorite reports and skits, on or off the waters from […]
The Montana Outdoor Podcast explores the eerie corners of Montana for Halloween, featuring Megan Buecking and Spencer Morris. They discuss the haunted Rosebud Battlefield and Bannack, sharing chilling stories of spirits like Sheriff Henry Plummer. The podcast highlights the Montana State Parks Foundation's efforts to preserve these historical sites.
Montana's Fish and Wildlife Commission meets Dec. 10 in Helena. Public comment is open on bass removal, fishing licenses, EHD management, invasive snakes, and deer, elk, and turkey seasons.
Rifle hunting in grizzly country demands more than shooting skills. Learn how to stay safe during Montana's most dangerous season for bear encounters.
Montana deer and elk regulations 2026 have key changes hunters need to know — tag deadlines, check stations, APRs, and grizzly reporting by district.
JJ Quinn's family discovered a venison birria stew recipe by Elevated Wild just after enjoying birria tacos. This Dutch oven dish combines venison shanks, toasted chiles, and cinnamon for a rich broth without the hassle of tortillas. The recipe is easy to prepare, freezes well, and offers a flavorful experience.
Missoula Firefighters Local 271 is holding its annual raffle to support community charities, featuring a three-day guided elk hunt as the grand prize. With only 260 tickets available at $50 each, participants have good odds of winning. Other prizes include a popular elk knife and OnX Hunt memberships. Tickets can be purchased online or through social media.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens recently completed a multi-year investigation into the illegal killing of deer, antelope, and […]
The chainsaw originated from 18th-century surgical tools for childbirth. After decades of innovation, including various patents and engineering advancements, the first one-person chainsaw emerged in 1950, drastically reducing time and effort in wood-cutting. This transformed firewood gathering in Montana, making it a common practice for households to heat their homes with wood.
Don’t put the rods away yet — Montana’s fall walleye bite is still going strong. Here’s proof from a local reservoir late October.
Investigation began with report of trophy bull elk shot with a firearm during archery only season BILLINGS – As a […]
The Jefferson River offers fishing opportunities this season, with successful anglers carefully reading the water. Fins and Feathers recommends fishing late morning to afternoon using nymphs and streamers for bigger brown trout. The area boasts 80 miles of fishable river, earning a 3 out of 5 rating for anglers.
Freeze-up is days away on eastern Montana reservoirs. Here's where walleye and pike are staging at Fort Peck and Tiber — and how to fish them now.
Delayed fishing seasons reveal more about watershed health than opening day ever could. Learn what water-dependent fisheries tell fly anglers about climate change.
Montana hunters in Week 2 of general rifle season are using digital mapping apps to find elk and deer faster. Here's how to use them smarter.
FORT BENTON, Mont. – The Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center will temporarily close Nov. 3 to accommodate heating system repairs, ensuring […]
GLASGOW, Mont. – Triple Crossing Access Road will reopen Oct. 30 following the Bureau of Land Management’s rehabilitation of Finale […]
Source: BLM blog On Bureau of Land Management public lands in central Montana, two newly installed wildlife-tracking towers are already […]
A conservation project in Montana’s Mission Valley will receive $8.2 million in federal funding to protect farmland, wildlife habitat and […]
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.
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