The Jefferson River is currently low with modest fish counts, requiring a strategic approach for successful fishing. Target slower seams with nymphs and employ large streamers in deeper runs, especially under cloud cover. While good conditions should persist through November, the river will close for winter soon.

Silver Bow Creek absorbed a century of Butte mine waste. A new video digs into what Montana’s $215M settlement actually changed for the watershed.

Twelve-year-old Brantley Brunelle successfully caught his first salmon, weighing 24.10 pounds, on his very first attempt. This impressive catch exemplifies the memorable experiences that Lakeridge Lodging and Bait Shop offers. For those aspiring to catch a notable fish, they can contact the shop for their own fishing adventure.

The Bighorn River is showing improved fishing conditions, with clearer water and consistent nymphing. Flows are steady at 1,600 cfs, and water temperatures around 54°F enhance streamer fishing. Use sow bugs with midges for success. Late October promises good fishing; check conditions before heading out. Visit Bighorn Troutpost for gear and meals.

Autumn fishing in Flathead sees increasing whitefish activity, especially near the old steel and CFalls bridges. Lake trout and bass fishing are promising, while pike and crappie remain active. Check regulations and weather, and join the whitefish contest at Chancy’s Fish Camp. Good luck and enjoy the season’s opportunities!

The upper Big Hole River holds the last wild, river-dwelling Arctic grayling in the Lower 48. Here’s why that matters to every Montana angler.

Late-October fishing in Western Montana features a five-hour active period from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. due to cold morning water. Key insects include Blue-winged Olives and Mahogany Duns. Weather varies from mild to colder conditions, affecting fishing strategies. The middle and lower Bitterroot offer optimal conditions, along with the Clark Fork for dry-fly fishing.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved new fishing regulations for 2027-2028, including updated limits and methods, and established a 99-year conservation easement on Hannah Ranch. They banned motorized watercraft on Mitchell Slough, reflecting public input and scientific assessment in the regulatory process. Additional topics like trout regulations and frog relocations were also addressed.

As the boating season ends, fishing at Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Reservoirs is thriving. Walleye and rainbow trout are actively biting, with specific techniques yielding great results. The kokanee salmon snagging season continues through October, offering ample opportunities for anglers. Campgrounds are closed, and docks are removed for the year.

October on the Ruby River is an ideal time for fly-fishing, with fewer crowds and active brown trout. Anglers should focus on early baetis and streamers, especially as leaves fall. Winter shifts the strategy to nymphs and midges. Keep in mind fishing regulations for different river sections.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks announces a final opportunity for hunters to sign up for Fleecer Cattle Co.’s Block Management Area (#143) this Friday, Oct. 23, from 12 to 2:30 p.m. Registration is required for access, as it’s a Type-2 BMA. Check the FWP Block Management Guide for details.

The Flathead National Forest today announced the Quill Pig Project, located four miles south of Swan Lake, MT in the […]

By Abigail Lauten-Scrivner, UM News Service MISSOULA – Have you ever had the experience of passing two people on a […]

Montana FWP’s new CWD testing video tells hunters exactly where to go and how to prep their deer, elk, or moose samples this season.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks announces a final opportunity for hunters to sign up for Fleecer Cattle Co.’s Block Management Area (#143) this Friday, Oct. 23, from 12 to 2:30 p.m. Registration is required for access, as it’s a Type-2 BMA. Check the FWP Block Management Guide for details.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will sell 50 archery licenses for a mule deer management hunt in Roundup starting November 4. The hunt addresses urban deer overpopulation, running from November 30 to February 15, 2027. Hunters need proper licenses and permission to hunt, with management measures in place to ensure public safety.

Hunting District 500 will be closed to all Bighorn Sheep hunting starting at half an hour after sunset on Thursday, October 22, 2026, as per the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission’s order. For more information, refer to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking one high school student for a two-year position on the Future Fisheries Citizen Review Panel, which influences approximately $1 million annually for fish habitat restoration projects. The student would vote on funding proposals and attend two meetings each year. Applications are open until filled.

A fishing closure on the upper Big Hole River, from Saginaw Bridge to the North Fork confluence, has been lifted due to improved flows. The closure, which began on August 12 to address low water levels, follows the Big Hole River Drought Management Plan. Spawning-related closures still apply in other areas.

The upper Big Hole River holds the last wild, river-dwelling Arctic grayling in the Lower 48. Here’s why that matters to every Montana angler.

Brush Lake State Park will discontinue potable water starting October 21, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Campers are advised to bring their own water, although dry camping will still be permitted. The park’s gate will remain open for visitors throughout the season.

Late-October fishing in Western Montana features a five-hour active period from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. due to cold morning water. Key insects include Blue-winged Olives and Mahogany Duns. Weather varies from mild to colder conditions, affecting fishing strategies. The middle and lower Bitterroot offer optimal conditions, along with the Clark Fork for dry-fly fishing.

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.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved new fishing regulations for 2027-2028, including updated limits and methods, and established a 99-year conservation easement on Hannah Ranch. They banned motorized watercraft on Mitchell Slough, reflecting public input and scientific assessment in the regulatory process. Additional topics like trout regulations and frog relocations were also addressed.

As the boating season ends, fishing at Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Reservoirs is thriving. Walleye and rainbow trout are actively biting, with specific techniques yielding great results. The kokanee salmon snagging season continues through October, offering ample opportunities for anglers. Campgrounds are closed, and docks are removed for the year.

Montana FWP’s new CWD testing video tells hunters exactly where to go and how to prep their deer, elk, or moose samples this season.

October on the Ruby River is an ideal time for fly-fishing, with fewer crowds and active brown trout. Anglers should focus on early baetis and streamers, especially as leaves fall. Winter shifts the strategy to nymphs and midges. Keep in mind fishing regulations for different river sections.

Man drops a bag of cash on professional escorts for the biggest elk in Pennsylvania, and the escorts end up […]

Opening day got skunked, day two brought a blizzard, and somehow that’s when Walker Heckman’s Montana pronghorn season turned into […]

Snagging season at Fort Peck Reservoir offers anglers a chance to catch Montana’s prized Chinook salmon. Once caught, a quick meal can be prepared in just twenty minutes using chili-rubbed salmon in tortillas with slaw and lime, making for a fresh, delicious supper that doesn’t require lengthy cooking methods.

Montana wardens are stopping every kayak, canoe, and paddleboard at AIS check stations. Here’s what paddlers and anglers need to know right now.

During January and February, winter coyotes hunt with heightened senses, making them receptive to unconventional sounds. Hunters are encouraged to use unique distress calls like tire screeches or woodpecker sounds alongside classic techniques to attract coyotes. Unusual noises can help lure coyotes by evading their instinctive caution.

Thatcher angler beats record set just three months earlier This summer’s hot streak of record fish continues to churn out […]

Missed it, listen here to your favorite reports and content. From Flathead Lake to up the Bitterroot, entering the Helena […]

Montana game wardens unravel a deer hunter’s suspicious story in this WILDLANDS episode — a real-world reminder of what FWP enforcement actually looks like.

Montana anglers are gearing up for new regulations, changing conditions, and expectations. Brett French Outdoor Editor of the Billings Gazette […]

The Montana Outdoor Podcast explores hunting in Region 5, featuring insights from wildlife biologist Shawn Stewart. He highlights elk hunting challenges, deer population trends, and alarming bear behavior changes. The discussion also covers other game species and encourages hunters to stay informed about regulations and wildlife management.

Kalispell, MT, October 16, 2026) — The Flathead National Forest announced today that the Piper Creek Project has completed the planning […]