Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Realtree’s Spring Thunder Heads West — What Montana Merriam’s Hunters Can Learn From It
Realtree's Spring Thunder crew chases Merriam's turkeys in Black Hills country — here's what Montana hunters can take from it for a DIY public land spring hunt.
Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Smith River Permit 2026: The Complete Guide to Drawing, Planning, and Floating Montana’s Most Coveted Trip
Your complete guide to the Smith River permit 2026 lottery — deadlines, odds, standby tips, outfitter options, and insider float planning advice.
Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana Backcountry Trail Cam Footage Shows What’s Really Moving When Nobody’s Watching
Year-round Montana backcountry trail cam footage from Diaries of a Trailcam — with tips on how hunters can use this intel to scout smarter.
Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Something Big Hit on the Bighorn: Wildhook Adventures Tangles With a Mystery Catch on One of Montana’s Most Legendary Rivers
The crew at Wildhook Adventures hooks into something massive on the Bighorn River near Fort Smith — one of Montana's top tailwater trout fisheries.
Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Cracking Montana’s Elk Draw: What Every Non-Resident Needs to Know
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.
Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Why Dumping Bait Fish Could Destroy Your Favorite Montana Lake
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.
Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana Cuts 2,500 Nonresident Deer Combo Tags: What Hunters Need to Know for 2026
Montana just cut 2,500 nonresident deer combo tags. Here's what hunters need to know before planning their 2026 season.
Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
2026 Fort Peck Salmon Derby – Registration Opens 3/15/26 – Critical Information to Know
Registration for the Fort Peck Salmon Derby opens Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time, and teams planning to compete should […]
Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Big Hole Surges 21% While Madison Holds Steady: Montana Rivers March 14, 2026
Southwest Montana rivers splitting—Madison and Gallatin stable and clear, but Big Hole and western drainages rising fast from snowmelt.
Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Where Montana’s Best March Fishing Is Happening Right Now
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.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Who Really Pays for Montana Public Land Access: The Numbers Hunters Need to Know
Montana hunters fund public land access more than most realize. Here's the real breakdown before federal policy strips it away.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Fishing Dogs of Montana: Honor Your Best Streamside Partner
A tribute to Montana's fishing dogs — plus dog-friendly access points and spring runoff safety tips for anglers heading out this season.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
The Silent Killer in Your Neighbor’s Yard: Why Japanese Yew is Dropping Montana Elk
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.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana FWP Cracks Down as Illegal Lion Kills Spike This Spring
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.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Wyoming Rancher Takes DEF Fight to U.S. Senate: ‘It’s a Battle Against Cold and Clock’
Wyoming rancher tells Senate how frozen diesel fluid regulations threaten cattle feeding in sub-zero weather, demanding practical solutions for farmers
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Why Spring Trail Closures Matter More Than You Think: Understanding Wildlife Protections on Mount Jumbo
Discover why Mount Jumbo's spring trail closures protect crucial wildlife habitat and what every Montana hiker should know about seasonal restrictions.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana Duck Hunters Can Shape 2026-27 Waterfowl Seasons Right Now
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.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
What Montana Mountain Lion Hunters Must Know Right Now
Montana mountain lion hunters face strict new regulations amid rising illegal harvests. Learn the essential rules, quota systems, and penalties to stay legal.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Oregon’s Fishing Ban Push: What Montana Anglers Must Know
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.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana’s Truck-Mounted Thermal Scanner Laws: What Hunters Risk This Spring
Montana hunters need to know where the legal lines are on vehicle-mounted thermal scanners before spring predator and bear seasons begin.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana Crappie Are Staging Now: Ice-Out Tactics That Fill Stringers
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.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Caught a White or Golden Fish in Montana? Read This
Ghost-white bass, golden walleye, pink-eyed trout — these fish are real and showing up right now. Here's exactly what they are and what to do if you land one.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Big Hole Surges 17% While Madison Holds Steady: Where to Fish This Weekend
Madison and Missouri hold steady while Big Hole surges 17%. Southwest storm changes conditions through weekend—here's your fishing strategy.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
When Montana’s Dammed Rivers Fish Best: Reading Release Schedules
Learn how Montana dam release schedules affect trout fishing conditions and discover when to hit blue-ribbon waters for optimal angling success.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Where to Fish in Montana Right Now: Ice-Out Hot Spots and Spring River Action
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.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
What Montana Hunters Should Do With Extra Elk and Deer Antlers
Shed season is peaking in Montana. Here's exactly what to do with extra elk and deer antlers — sell, craft, donate, or chew.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Fort Peck, Canyon Ferry & Flathead Lake Ice-Out: March 2026 Predictions and Safety Updates
Discover Montana ice-out predictions for Fort Peck, Canyon Ferry & Flathead Lake in 2026. Get current ice conditions and fishing season timing updates.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
5 March Shed Hunting Secrets That Fill Packs in Montana’s Bridgers and Crazies
Discover 5 expert Montana shed hunting strategies for March. Learn proven techniques to find elk and deer antlers with professional tips and timing advice.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Grizzlies Active Near Flathead River: What Anglers and Hikers Must Know This Spring
Montana's spring bear activity is surging with grizzly and black bear sightings increasing. Learn essential safety tips for outdoor recreation encounters.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana Hunters First Act: What It Means for Your 2026 Tags
The Montana Hunters First Act reshapes resident hunting rights. Here's what it means for public land access, draw seasons, and your 2026 tags.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
California Wants Yellowstone Grizzlies: Why Montana’s Delisting Fight Just Got Urgent
Montana's growing grizzly population faces delisting battles while California considers reintroducing bears from Yellowstone after 100 years without them.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Why Montana Hunters Are Losing Their Best Spots to Out-of-State Pressure
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.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
How to Catch Trout During Montana’s Spring Runoff
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.
Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
4-Weight vs 5-Weight: Which Trout Rod for Madison and Spring Creeks Right Now
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.
Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Why the Double Dry Fly Rig Outfishes Modern Setups on Montana Streams
Discover why Montana's forgotten double dry fly rig catches selective trout when modern setups fail. Learn this elegant technique for summer hatches.
Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
More Grizzlies Are Waking Up: What Spring Backcountry Hunters Must Do Now
A Yellowstone grizzly is already out in mid-March. Montana backcountry hunters and anglers need bear safety dialed in before spring seasons open.
Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Why Montana’s Best Trout Anglers Are Ditching PowerBait for Flies
Top trout anglers are abandoning PowerBait for natural techniques. Discover why fly fishing skills matter more than stocked-lake baits in Montana waters.
Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Nymph Montana’s Best Rivers Now Before Spring Runoff Blows Them Out
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.
Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana Shed Hunting 2026: Where to Find Elk and Mule Deer Antlers Right Now
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.
Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Four CSKT Staff Win Major Conservation Awards — Here’s What It Means for Flathead Fishing and Wildlife
Four CSKT staff earned statewide conservation awards. Here's what their decades of work means for Flathead fishing, wildlife habitat, and Montana's wild future.
Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana Hunter Ed 2026: Deadlines, Locations, and How to Register
Montana hunter ed classes are filling fast. Here's where to find 2026 spring/summer sessions before fall draw deadlines close the door.
Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
What Every Montana Hunter Loses by Skipping FWP Meetings
Montana hunters who skip FWP meetings may lose hunting opportunities. These hearings decide tag allocations, district changes, and seasons that directly impact you.
Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
How to Navigate FWP’s Hunting and Fishing Reg System Before Spring Seasons Open
Montana FWP's updated reg system is live. Here's how to navigate it fast before spring turkey, bear, and paddlefish deadlines hit.
Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana’s 2026 Elk Regulations Changed: What to Know Before Drawing Deadlines
Montana's 2026 elk hunting rules just changed. Review new regulations now before application deadlines—quota shifts could affect your season plans.
Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana Rancher Meg Brack Smith Wins National Land Stewardship Award
Montana rancher Meg Brack Smith wins prestigious W.R. Chapline Award for exceptional land stewardship at Fleecer Mountain Cattle Company. Discover her impact.
Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Tagged Elk on Public Land? What Montana Hunters Must Know
Montana hunters need to know the law before shooting a tagged elk. Here's exactly what FWP says about escaped game farm elk.
Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana Turkey Season 2026: Tag Deadlines, Scouting Spots, and Call Prep
Montana's turkey opener is April 15. Here's how to scout Merriam's birds right now, nail your calls, and grab a tag before quotas close.
Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
First 2026 Yellowstone Grizzly Is Out: Montana Spring Backcountry Warning
A grizzly was spotted in Yellowstone March 10 feeding on bison. Montana backcountry users need to know what this means right now.
Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Where to Fish Montana This Weekend: 72 MPH Winds and Rising Rivers
Western Montana rivers climbing fast with incoming storm. Madison stable at 329 cfs. Wind gusts to 72 mph today—here's where to fish.
Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana’s Ice-Out Fishing: Where to Hit Rivers and Reservoirs This Mid-March
Montana's mid-March ice-out brings prime spring fishing! Rivers warming, reservoirs opening up. Get the hottest spots and tactics for this week.