On August 13, some hoot-owl restrictions and river-mouth closures will be lifted due to cooling stream temperatures, while sections of the Big Hole River will close to angling because of low streamflow. Anglers are encouraged to practice water conservation and manage fish stress to support Montana’s fisheries.
Montana FWP expands hoot owl fishing restrictions starting July 29 on the Big Hole, Blackfoot, and other southwest and western Montana rivers due to rising water temperatures.
Rising river temperatures in Montana are leading to fishing restrictions and closures to protect fish mortality. Starting July 29, “hoot owl” restrictions will limit fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight across multiple rivers. Additionally, daily closures will apply to specific tributaries of the Clark Fork River to safeguard bull trout populations.
Montana archery elk opens in early September. Here’s an 8-week physical and gear prep plan built for high-elevation backcountry hunting.
Montana archery elk opens in early September. Here’s exactly how to spend the next 8 weeks getting your body and bow ready for the mountains.
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.
A Montana woman discovered a swarm of garter snakes emerging from her home’s foundation, highlighting the issue of wildlife seeking winter shelter in residential areas due to human development.
Flows are spiking fast across Western Montana. Here’s which rivers still have fishable nymphing conditions this week — and exactly what to throw.
Montana’s mild 2026 winter has bears out weeks early. Here’s what shed hunters, turkey scouts, and backcountry anglers need to know right now.
Western Montana rivers are rising. You have days—maybe a week—to nymph big trout before runoff kills visibility. Here’s exactly how to fish it.
Spring breakup is underway at Tongue River Reservoir, with open water at both ramps and a few boats already out. But ice still blocks key stretches near the dam, between Sand Point and Pee Wee north, and at the far south end—limiting where you can safely travel right now. Here’s the latest access and ice update based on a recent FWP post.
Tongue River Marina reports 15–20 feet of open water off the ramp, with Marina Bay still mostly iced over but improving. More open water is showing from Rattlesnake south toward the mine as daytime temps warm—boat fishing could be just weeks away.
