Your complete guide to the Smith River permit 2026 lottery — deadlines, odds, standby tips, outfitter options, and insider float planning advice.

Year-round Montana backcountry trail cam footage from Diaries of a Trailcam — with tips on how hunters can use this intel to scout smarter.

Last week on the Montana Outdoor Radio Show, we talked about the early signs of spring fishing across the state. […]

Mid-March in Montana means winter and spring are still arguing about who’s in charge. Ice fishing opportunities are fading quickly […]

The crew at Wildhook Adventures hooks into something massive on the Bighorn River near Fort Smith — one of Montana’s top tailwater trout fisheries.

Montana’s elk draw is one of the most competitive in the West. Here’s what non-residents need to know before applying this season.

Illegal fish stocking is one of Montana’s biggest fishery threats. Here’s why dumping bait fish or “pet” fish can ruin a waterbody forever.

Montana just cut 2,500 nonresident deer combo tags. Here’s what hunters need to know before planning their 2026 season.

Registration for the Fort Peck Salmon Derby opens Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time, and teams planning to compete should […]

Southwest Montana rivers splitting—Madison and Gallatin stable and clear, but Big Hole and western drainages rising fast from snowmelt.

Montana’s ice-out begins! Mid-March brings hot fishing action as winter loosens its grip. Late ice opportunities plus early spring river action await.

This week’s Montana Outdoor Podcast features Ryker Bair and Patrick Casey discussing their experiences in Mack Days, highlighting the collaborative spirit among anglers as they share tips for successful fishing.

Pheasant Cordon Bleu is an easy, gourmet recipe combining pheasant with Canadian bacon, prosciutto, Swiss cheese, and breadcrumbs, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

Montana hunters fund public land access more than most realize. Here’s the real breakdown before federal policy strips it away.

Fort Peck Lake fishing and hunting guide covering walleye, salmon, pike, boat ramps, marinas, public lands, and 2026 season info from Montana FWP.

A tribute to Montana’s fishing dogs — plus dog-friendly access points and spring runoff safety tips for anglers heading out this season.

Montana elk are dying from Japanese yew, a common landscaping shrub. Learn why this ornamental plant is lethal to wildlife and what you can do to protect herds.

Montana FWP reports a spike in illegal mountain lion kills this spring. Here’s what violations are happening, penalties involved, and how to stay legal.

Wyoming rancher tells Senate how frozen diesel fluid regulations threaten cattle feeding in sub-zero weather, demanding practical solutions for farmers

Discover why Mount Jumbo’s spring trail closures protect crucial wildlife habitat and what every Montana hiker should know about seasonal restrictions.

A Wyoming study indicates that mule deer populations are declining due to habitat loss, climate change, and other stressors, with current estimates dropping significantly since their peak in 1991.

MTSFW’s 16th Annual Pig Roast Banquet & Fundraiser on April 18, 2026, offers great food, raffles, and special guests from Mountain Men. Early tickets available, kids enter free.

Montana waterfowl hunters have a rare window to influence 2026-27 season dates and bag limits. Here’s what’s proposed and how to comment now.

Montana mountain lion hunters face strict new regulations amid rising illegal harvests. Learn the essential rules, quota systems, and penalties to stay legal.

Oregon voters may ban fishing entirely. Montana anglers need to understand this growing threat and how to protect their own rights before it crosses state lines.

This past week, fishing on Peck was impossible due to warm weather and unsafe ice conditions, signaling the end of the season. Areas near the dam have opened up, hinting at potential boat usage soon. It’s an opportune time to service ice fishing gear and prepare for next winter.

Montana hunters need to know where the legal lines are on vehicle-mounted thermal scanners before spring predator and bear seasons begin.

Apply for paddlefish permits by April 1 to participate in the unique season. Applications are easy online or in-person at local FWP offices or authorized retailers. Don’t miss out!

Montana crappie are moving shallow as ice retreats. Here’s where to find them and how to catch limits right now before runoff muddies the rivers.

Have you ever landed a ghost-white or golden fish in Montana? Here’s what those rare catches mean and exactly what to do with one.

Madison and Missouri hold steady while Big Hole surges 17%. Southwest storm changes conditions through weekend—here’s your fishing strategy.

Learn how Montana dam release schedules affect trout fishing conditions and discover when to hit blue-ribbon waters for optimal angling success.

Montana’s ice-out season is here! Mid-March brings prime fishing as lakes thaw and rivers awaken. Get the latest conditions and hot spots.

Shed season is peaking in Montana. Here’s exactly what to do with extra elk and deer antlers — sell, craft, donate, or chew.

Unusual hunting accidents have occurred when dogs accidentally discharged firearms. From an Indiana hunter injured in the blind to a fatal incident in Turkey, these cases highlight the importance of gun safety.

Discover Montana ice-out predictions for Fort Peck, Canyon Ferry & Flathead Lake in 2026. Get current ice conditions and fishing season timing updates.

Discover 5 expert Montana shed hunting strategies for March. Learn proven techniques to find elk and deer antlers with professional tips and timing advice.

Montana’s spring bear activity is surging with grizzly and black bear sightings increasing. Learn essential safety tips for outdoor recreation encounters.

The Montana Hunters First Act reshapes resident hunting rights. Here’s what it means for public land access, draw seasons, and your 2026 tags.

Montana’s growing grizzly population faces delisting battles while California considers reintroducing bears from Yellowstone after 100 years without them.

Montana hunters face growing pressure from out-of-state crowds on public lands. Why protecting local hunting traditions and giving resident voices priority matters now.

Learn how to fish during Montana’s spring runoff and high water conditions. Expert tips for finding feeding trout when rivers run high and muddy.

Pre-runoff windows are open now. Here’s which rod weight actually performs on the Madison, Gallatin, and Montana’s spring creeks this time of year.

Discover why Montana’s forgotten double dry fly rig catches selective trout when modern setups fail. Learn this elegant technique for summer hatches.

A Yellowstone grizzly is already out in mid-March. Montana backcountry hunters and anglers need bear safety dialed in before spring seasons open.

Top trout anglers are abandoning PowerBait for natural techniques. Discover why fly fishing skills matter more than stocked-lake baits in Montana waters.

Mid-March is your last best window for nymphing Montana’s top trout rivers. Here’s how to rig up and fish smart before runoff blows it all out.

Mid-March is your best window for Montana shed hunting. Here’s where to find elk and mule deer antlers before the crowds beat you to them.