Winter isn’t letting go yet—Whitefish Lake remains locked up with lake trout cruising deep structure, while the Flathead River rewards anglers who time it right. Here’s what’s producing now, from white tubes tipped with cutbait on the ice to nymphs and streamers in late-winter river water.

This week’s Montana Outdoor Radio Show recap covers improving—but still inconsistent—ice conditions statewide, strong perch bites on smaller lakes, unpredictable larger waters, and late-winter river trout tactics (including flies that are producing) as longer days begin to shift fish behavior. Plus, a few classic slush-depth lessons learned. Catch the full episode for statewide fishing updates and Montana outdoor talk.

Closing out February with classic late-winter conditions: some lakes are finally offering decent ice, but thickness varies—especially on larger reservoirs. Here’s the latest on Fort Peck, Canyon Ferry, and why smaller lakes remain the safer bet.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is rolling out big licensing and regulation changes on March 1, including a new License Ambassador Program to replace the longtime License Provider system in local sporting goods stores. Here’s what the Montana Outdoor Podcast revealed—and where to learn more, find ambassadors, and submit questions.

Kokanee Quinn shares a delicious bell pepper chimichurri recipe designed for bison or elk tri-tip, elevating wild game with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors for an unforgettable grilling experience.

Starting March 1, the food and attractant storage order will again be in effect on the Bozeman, Hebgen Lake, Gardiner, Yellowstone and Beartooth ranger districts of the Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Bitterroot Lake’s ice has rapidly thinned to 4-5 inches, with open water present. Mandatory check-in at Hilltop Hitching Post advised. Exercise caution on the ice.

Montana’s Block Management Program faces challenges as hunter demand rises significantly, but landowner enrollment declines, resulting in crowding. Efforts are underway to incentivize landowner participation for better access.

Ice conditions in Rock Creek have worsened recently, warning against ice fishing due to shifting and soft shorelines. However, this indicates an early start for boating season and preparing gear.

Effective deer hunting requires thorough preparation to ensure safety and success. A detailed checklist is essential for managing gear, licenses, and navigation tools. Key elements include optimizing clothing for weather and camouflage, maintaining weapon readiness, and ensuring proper field dressing equipment. Preparation minimizes mistakes and enhances the overall hunting experience.

This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast, Dale interviews Greg Lemon about significant hunting regulation updates and the new License Ambassador Program, replacing the outdated License Provider Program. Check out this exclusive sneak peek!

Debate surrounds Idaho’s Lake Cascade perch population, with some anglers advocating for limits while others argue it’s a natural cycle. The situation reflects differing views on fishing pressure and fish sustainability.

Bitterroot Lake’s ice has rapidly thinned to 4-5 inches, with open water present. Mandatory check-in at Hilltop Hitching Post advised. Exercise caution on the ice.

Montana’s Block Management Program faces challenges as hunter demand rises significantly, but landowner enrollment declines, resulting in crowding. Efforts are underway to incentivize landowner participation for better access.

Ice conditions in Rock Creek have worsened recently, warning against ice fishing due to shifting and soft shorelines. However, this indicates an early start for boating season and preparing gear.

Effective deer hunting requires thorough preparation to ensure safety and success. A detailed checklist is essential for managing gear, licenses, and navigation tools. Key elements include optimizing clothing for weather and camouflage, maintaining weapon readiness, and ensuring proper field dressing equipment. Preparation minimizes mistakes and enhances the overall hunting experience.

This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast, Dale interviews Greg Lemon about significant hunting regulation updates and the new License Ambassador Program, replacing the outdated License Provider Program. Check out this exclusive sneak peek!

Debate surrounds Idaho’s Lake Cascade perch population, with some anglers advocating for limits while others argue it’s a natural cycle. The situation reflects differing views on fishing pressure and fish sustainability.

The Blackfoot-Clearwater WMA opens for antler hunting on May 15, but nonresidents must wait until May 22. Vehicle access requires registration, with a focus on safety and group arrivals.

Grizzly Hackle provides an insightful fishing report on the Bitterroot River, emphasizing successful strategies for trout fishing during winter conditions. Tips include effective flies and upcoming spring hatches.

Montana’s bobcat hunting and trapping in Region 6 will close on February 28. Mountain lion hunting in LMU 280 ends on February 27, 2026, following quota limits. Check FWP’s website for updates.

The 1st Annual Fort Peck Tournament of Kings, scheduled for July 31-August 1, 2026, features a $400 entry fee, significant payouts, and innovative weight prizes, promising an exciting fishing event.

A simple question about targeting paddlefish on the Yellowstone turned into a preseason reality check: paddlefishing isn’t casual. From training your shoulders and core to dialing in the cast-sweep-repeat rhythm, packing real fuel, and following Montana FWP regulations and mandatory reporting rules, here are the beginner tips experienced anglers keep repeating.

A coyote was captured on camera chasing a 3-year-old boy through the front gate of his Pasadena home—until his mom’s scream from inside the yard sent the animal the other way. It’s a stark reminder that wildlife awareness isn’t just for the backcountry; sometimes it starts right in the front yard.