The Smith and Sun rivers will resume daytime fishing from August 29, as cooler temperatures allow the lifting of previous restrictions meant to protect fish during heat. Anglers are reminded to practice good fish-handling techniques to minimize stress, emphasizing the importance of caring for fish throughout the year.

Kingfisher Fly Fishing reports that Rock Creek is low, clear, and cool, ideal for trout fishing. Anglers should move slowly and focus on pockets and shaded areas. Late-summer flies include hoppers, ants, and caddis. A stealthy approach with smaller gear is crucial, as trout are easily spooked.

Montana’s Fish and Wildlife Commission will hold a meeting on October 15 to discuss grizzly bear relocation, fishing regulations, updated recreation fees, and motorboat usage. Public feedback is encouraged, with a deadline for comments on September 24. Attendees can participate in person, by mail, or through Zoom with pre-registration.

A Missouri whitetail hunter learns the hard way that gym strength doesn’t cut it in Montana’s mountains. Here’s what actually prepares you for a mule deer hunt.

Ross Tate, known as the Whitefish Whisperer, had an impressive catch of about twenty whitefish in just a few hours at Flathead Lake. Fishing north of Yellow Bay, he used gentle jigging with half-ounce jigs at a depth of 60 feet, highlighting his skill in attracting the fish.

BRETT FRENCH | bfrench@billingsgazette.com Yellowstone National Park fisheries staff will begin poisoning nonnative rainbow trout in Buffalo Creek on Aug. […]

Autumn hunters in Lincoln, Montana should be aware of new rules for two Block Management Areas. For Horsefly Creek, access requires reservation from August 26-28, with no camping allowed. Keep Cool Hills has updated parking and camping restrictions, limiting stays to three days within 21. Check regulations online before visiting.

A Montana elk guide breaks down every piece of gear he trusts for a full season in the mountains — clothing, boots, and power solutions included.

Late August fishing on the Yellowstone is strategic, with water levels at 2,180 CFS and temperatures between 62.8 and 69.4 degrees. While upstream areas are murky, clearer waters downstream offer better opportunities. Effective techniques include using Tungsten Buggerlegs and hoppers. The streamer bite is improving as fall approaches.

The Low-Carb Walleye Pizza, created by Jodie Paul, replaces traditional crusts with fresh walleye fillets, offering a mild, flaky base for marinara, mozzarella, and herbs. This protein-rich recipe allows for a delicious pizza without carbs, showcasing the versatility of walleye and providing a unique twist on a classic favorite.

September marks Bear Aware Month, allowing Montanans to dispose of expired bear spray safely while potentially winning new canisters. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting various events, including safety clinics and fruit donation drives, alongside a remote-controlled charging bear for skill testing. Numerous workshops and activities are scheduled across different locations.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking new game wardens for various positions across the state. The role involves rigorous physical tasks in remote areas and requires strong mental composure for unpredictable situations. Applicants must apply by September 20 via the State of Montana Career site for this challenging opportunity.

The fish cleaning station at Fort Peck Marina was not broken but clogged due to improper use. After clearing the jam, it functioned well. Users are reminded to follow rules: feed one fish at a time, keep water running, and clean up afterward to prevent future issues and ensure the station remains available for all.

Montana game wardens are cracking down on poaching and untagged game. Here’s what wildlife crime actually costs — and why it matters to every legal hunter.

An off-duty Wisconsin deputy is facing multiple felony charges after an awful turkey hunting mishap that Outdoor Life reports is […]

Montana archery elk season 2026 starts September 1. Run through this complete bowhunter checklist before the opener so you don’t leave opportunity behind.

Smith & Wesson's Model 500, designed for heavy-duty wilderness survival, led to the creation of the 500ES Emergency Survival Kit in 2006. This kit combined a powerful handgun with essential survival gear. Fast forward to today, Custom & Collectable Firearms has introduced a modern Grizzly Emergency Kit, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and collectors alike.

If you ever needed definitive proof that carry-on capsicum isn’t just for grizzlies, ask the Yellowstone hiker who found themselves […]

Smoked salmon cream cheese bites are an impressive, easy appetizer perfect for gatherings. Simply smoke salmon and cream cheese for about an hour, then spread the mixture on crispy toasted baguette slices topped with chili crisp and dill. These bites remain delicious even when cooled, allowing hosts to enjoy their party.

The Lewistown Gun Show will take place from October 9 to 11, 2026, at the Fergus County Fairgrounds in Montana. Admission is $10, valid for all three days. The event emphasizes firearms and related gear, with vendors required to showcase at least 80% gun-related items, promoting serious trading and buying opportunities.

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are hosting Fall Mack Days on Flathead Lake from September 10 to November 8. Anglers can compete for cash prizes, bonuses, lottery drawings, and thousands of tagged lake trout, providing numerous opportunities for fishing and potential earnings during the event.

Montana FWP lands in Madison County are now under Stage I fire restrictions, prohibiting open campfires and limiting smoking and cooking on FWP-managed properties.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is preparing for the 2026–2027 ice fishing contest season and seeks input from anglers and locals. The public can submit comments until August 24, 2026, via email. Contest organizers are reminded to submit applications and reports on time for a successful season.

How much can a grizzly bear lift? The verified numbers are staggering — and they have real implications for Montana backcountry hunters and hikers.

This one-pan pasta skillet aims to satisfy even the most steadfast ground turkey skeptics, combining aromatics, canned tomatoes, and herbs for rich flavors. With a cooking time of 1 hour 15 minutes, it serves 6 and proves to be a comforting, flavorful alternative to traditional beef dishes. Leftovers enhance in taste.

A recent increase in deer deaths have been reported on the Flathead Reservation from the Hot Springs, Valley View and […]

This week's fishing report around Helena highlights active catches of walleye, rainbows, and perch in Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Reservoirs. Recommended techniques include bottom bouncers, jigs, and slip bobbers. Notable spots include Confederate Bay and the Causeway Arm, with kokanee fishing best in early mornings.

A Montana warden had a scoped rifle pointed at him twice in one day on opening day. Here’s what happened and why every hunter needs to see it.

Twins Jacob and Sage Mulally from Lewistown, Montana, enjoyed an exciting fishing trip with their Grampa Joe Moline and Uncle Cameron. They caught impressive walleye, making it a memorable family adventure filled with excitement and togetherness. A beautiful day out on the water for the Mulally family!

The Henry’s Fork is performing well this midsummer, with improved water clarity and cooler flows supporting active trout. Anglers are seeing success using various flies, including small perdigons and ants. The canyon sections offer effective dry-dropper rigs, while lower stretches are best fished on cooler days to avoid high water temperatures.

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is urging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove grizzly bears from the Endangered Species list and allow Idaho to manage them independently. He criticizes federal rules for enabling legal challenges that undermine state wildlife policies. Idaho asserts its conservation efforts justify reduced federal oversight.

Montana FWP wardens spent six months cracking an elk poaching case — including aerial surveillance in a Super Cub. Here’s what hunters need to know.

Archery elk opens September 1. Here’s where Montana bowhunters should be glassing right now to pin down velvet bulls before the opener.

Big Sky Warrior Outreach announces its annual Cow Elk Hunt for combat veterans and Purple Heart recipients from December 3–8, covering all expenses. Applications open from August 22 to August 25, requiring detailed personal and military information. Eligible veterans have a unique opportunity for hunting, camaraderie, and organic meat.

Twin Elements’ new film covers a Montana archery combo hunt for mule deer bucks and bull elk — plus tips, season dates, and public land context.

Missed last week’s Montana Outdoor Radio Show? No worries. We’ve got the full show ready for you to catch up. […]