Mar 4, 2026 · Angela Montana

10-Year-Old Lands Vermont State-Record Fish and $26K Prize — Why Fishing Derbies Keep Hooking Anglers

A 10-year-old angler landed a 28.5-pound freshwater drum during the Lake Champlain International Father’s Day Derby and eventually earned Vermont state-record certification — plus about $26,000 in prize money. From Lake Champlain to Montana’s seasonal contests, the appeal is the same: one unexpected bite can change everything.

Mar 4, 2026 · Angela Montana

Fort Peck Lakeside Jobs: Lakeridge Lodging & Bait Shop Hiring Full-Time & Part-Time Staff

Love early mornings on the water at Fort Peck? Lakeridge Lodging & Bait Shop is hiring dependable, hardworking team members for full-time and part-time roles including store clerks, housekeeping, groundskeeping, and bait care. Call 406-526-3597 to apply.

Mar 4, 2026 · Angela Montana

Jim Rettig Memorial Scholarship Returns: WUM Members Can Apply for At Least Two $1,500 Awards (Deadline April 1)

Walleyes Unlimited of Montana’s Jim Rettig Memorial Scholarship is back, offering at least two $1,500 scholarships each year for WUM members and their dependent children heading to college this fall. Applications are due April 1, and winners will be notified by letter no later than July 1.

Mar 3, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana FWP Is Hiring a Full-Time Outdoor Job Near Plentywood (Benefits Included, Apply by March 15)

Want a job that keeps you outside? Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hiring a full-time position based in the Plentywood area, with work ranging from state park and fishing access support to maintenance, signage, and hunting-season assistance. Full benefits included; applications due March 15 at 11:59 p.m.

Mar 3, 2026 · Angela Montana

Upper Salmon River Steelhead Fishing Report (March 3, 2026): Best Catch Rates Above the Pahsimeroi

Idaho Fish and Game’s March 3, 2026 Upper Salmon River steelhead report shows another strong week, with the best catch rates upstream of the Pahsimeroi (location codes 18–19). Midweek weather reduced clarity downstream, but conditions improved by the weekend and PIT tag detections at the Elevenmile (USE) array climbed to 136 for the run year.

Mar 3, 2026 · Angela Montana

Idaho Lethally Removed 82 Mule Deer From a Captive Elk Facility—Here’s Why CWD Risk Drove the Decision

Idaho Fish and Game removed 82 wild mule deer that entered a captive elk facility in GMU 60A after hunters reported seeing them inside during the 2025 season. Officials said lethal removal and CWD testing were the most responsible option because wild deer can’t legally remain in captivity and there’s no reliable live test for chronic wasting disease.

Mar 3, 2026 · Angela Montana

4 CSKT Natural Resources Leaders Earn Major Montana Conservation Awards for Fisheries & Wildlife Work

Four Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Natural Resources staff members received major statewide awards for decades of fisheries and wildlife conservation leadership — including bull trout recovery, Jocko River restoration, Flathead Lake native fish work, and habitat restoration across the Flathead Reservation.

Mar 3, 2026 · Angela Montana

Fort Peck Lake Ice Report (March 2): Hell Creek Marina Says “Walk-On” Conditions Are Back

Hell Creek Marina in Jordan, Montana shared a March 2 ice update for Fort Peck Lake: based on water clarity, it appears the lake has rolled over and conditions are back to walk-on. Here’s what to know and what to watch next.

Mar 3, 2026 · Angela Montana

Kootenai River Fishing Report (Montana) Feb. 28, 2026: 4,000 CFS Flows, Cold Water Nymphing & Streamer Tips

Low, steady flows out of Libby Dam (4,000 cfs) and mild weather have the Kootenai River fishing very doable heading into early March. With water temps around 40°F, expect limited dry-fly action—but consistent nymphing and slow, deep streamer presentations can still turn up quality fish, especially in softer 5+ foot holding water.

Mar 2, 2026 · Angela Montana

Mountain Lions Can Roam Shockingly Far: One Traveled From South Dakota’s Black Hills to Connecticut

Most mountain lions stay within a home range—but documented dispersals show some can go far beyond what most people imagine. One young tom’s journey from South Dakota’s Black Hills to Connecticut topped 1,500 miles, and GPS studies have captured other long treks, including a female that logged close to 1,000 miles across multiple western states.

Mar 2, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana FWP’s Spring Electrofishing on 7 Rivers: What Anglers Need to Know About Tagged Trout (and Rewards)

FWP crews are floating seven Montana rivers over the next several weeks for their annual electrofishing “science tour,” collecting trout data and continuing tagging efforts. If you catch a tagged trout on the Beaverhead, Big Hole, Ruby, or Madison, you can help the research—clip the tag, report it online, and you may even qualify for prizes or cash depending on the tag color.

Mar 2, 2026 · Angela Montana

Livingston, MT Fishing Report (Feb 15–Mid-March): Prime Afternoons, Slow Water, and a Growing Shot at Big Pre-Spawn Rainbows

Winter still has a say, but the Livingston-area bite improves steadily through mid-March—especially for bigger pre-spawn rainbows. Focus on afternoons (possibly late morning by March 1), fish low-and-slow in deep walking-pace pools, and watch for brief midge or winter BWO activity on warm, calm days. Here’s the latest river-by-river guidance from Yellowstone Country Fly Fishing.

Mar 2, 2026 · Angela Montana

2026 Spring Mack Days on Flathead Lake: Dates, Prizes, Rules, Fish Pickup Sites & Conservation Goals

Mack Days returns to Flathead Lake March 12–May 9, 2026, giving anglers nine weeks to target non-native lake trout while supporting conservation of native bull trout and westslope cutthroat. Get the key dates, prize details, entry rules, fish drop-off locations, and important release and fish ID requirements.

Mar 2, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Wolf Harvest Update: 241 Taken So Far (Out of 452) — Regional Breakdown, Open Units, and Season Dates

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reports 241 wolves harvested statewide so far this season out of a 452 quota (excluding WMUs 313 and 316). Here’s the regional breakdown, which units are open/closed, season dates, and why checking FWP’s live counter matters before you head out.

Mar 2, 2026 · Angela Montana

Turn a Broken Fishing Rod Into a DIY Ice Rod (Budget Ice-Fishing Build Guide + Video)

Got an old busted fishing rod collecting dust? Don’t toss it—convert it into a short, sensitive DIY ice rod for jigging. This simple, budget-friendly build gives old gear a second life, and the video walkthrough shows you the basic steps to get back on the ice without breaking the bank.

Mar 1, 2026 · Angela Montana

Monster Lake Trout Through the Ice: Epic Ice Fishing Battle on the Hard Water

On the hard water somewhere north of the border (possibly Canada), anglers haul a true monster lake trout through an ice hole—an ice-fishing moment that turns frozen fingers into a story for years.

Mar 1, 2026 · Angela Montana

Tongue River Marina Ice Fishing Report (Feb. 28): Open Water Growing Near Ramp, Marina Bay Still Iced

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.

Mar 1, 2026 · Angela Montana

Makoshika State Park: Montana’s Largest State Park (Badlands Hikes, Dinosaurs & Stargazing in Glendive)

Makoshika State Park near Glendive is Montana’s largest state park—about 11,538 acres of rugged badlands, hoodoos, and wide-open sky. Built on the fossil-rich Hell Creek Formation, it’s a must for dinosaur fans and anyone looking for hiking, a scenic drive, camping, a visitor center, and even disc golf in the badlands.

Mar 1, 2026 · Angela Montana

5 Kid-Safe Outdoor Toys That Spark Hunting, Fishing & Backyard Exploration (Gateway Gear Picks)

Looking for kid-safe toys that get kids off screens and into the backyard? These five “gateway gear” picks—from night vision binoculars to a bug-hunting kit—help young hunters, anglers, and explorers build outdoor skills one adventure at a time.

Feb 28, 2026 · Angela Montana

Whitefish & Kalispell Fishing Report (Feb. 27, 2026): Whitefish Lake Ice Holds Strong, Flathead River Bites on Sunny Days

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.

Feb 28, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana FWP’s New License Ambassador Program Replaces License Providers March 1 — What Hunters & Anglers Need to Know

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.

Feb 28, 2026 · Angela Montana

Grilled Bison (or Elk) Tri-Tip With Bell Pepper Chimichurri: Kokanee Quinn’s Flavor-Packed Recipe

Fire up the grill for Kokanee Quinn’s bison (or elk) tri-tip topped with a bright red bell pepper chimichurri—parsley, garlic, olive oil, lemon, and a touch of heat. Simple prep, big wild-game payoff.

Feb 27, 2026 · Angela Montana

Bitterroot Lake Ice Update (Feb. 27, 2026): 4–5 Inches at North Access, Open Water at Reeds & South Ramp — No Machines

Bitterroot Lake ice has shrunk significantly with warm weather and wind. The north end county access is now 4–5 inches, the reeds are open water, and the south end boat access has open water at the ramp. No machines. Mandatory check-in at the Hilltop Hitching Post.

Feb 27, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana FWP’s Block Management Squeeze: 700,000 Hunters, Fewer Acres—and a Plan to Bring Landowners Back

Montana’s Block Management Program is seeing far more demand even as enrolled private-land acres shrink. FWP is surveying landowners—and considering new incentives and outreach—to ease crowding and rebuild access.

Feb 27, 2026 · Angela Montana

Fort Peck Rock Creek Ice Update: Rapid Deterioration After Warm, Windy Days—Use Extreme Caution

Rock Creek ice briefly improved with last week’s colder weather, but recent warmth and wind have quickly degraded conditions. With no real cold ahead, the ice season is wrapping up—use extreme caution even on foot, as shifting ice and soft shorelines are increasing risk.

Feb 27, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana FWP’s New License Ambassador Program: What It Is, Why It’s Replacing the Old System, and What Changes March 1

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is rolling out a new License Ambassador Program ahead of March 1, replacing the longtime License Provider Program due to aging technology. Here’s what we know so far from the Montana Outdoor Podcast—and what to listen for in the full episode.

Feb 27, 2026 · Angela Montana

Lake Cascade Perch Debate: Would a 14-Inch Slot Limit Bring Back the 2-Pounders?

Anglers are split over Lake Cascade’s missing 2-pound perch: is it a natural age-class reset, or too much harvest and pressure? One longtime angler says the lake is loaded with 10–12 inch fish and isn’t ready to panic—while others argue slot limits and reduced daily limits are the only path back to jumbos.

Feb 26, 2026 · Angela Montana

Blackfoot-Clearwater WMA Shed Hunting Opening Day 2026: May 15 Noon Access, Vehicle Entry Registration, and New Nonresident Rules

Headed to Montana’s Blackfoot-Clearwater WMA for opening day shed hunting? Here’s the May 15, 2026 noon access plan, how vehicle entry registration and lineup work, where walk/bike/horse users can enter, and what the new seven-day nonresident restriction and $50 WMA shed-hunting license mean.

Feb 26, 2026 · Angela Montana

Bitterroot River Fishing Report (Feb 25, 2026): Late-Winter Flows, Best Nymphs, Midges & Streamer Tips

Grizzly Hackle’s boots-on-the-ground Bitterroot River report for Feb. 25, 2026: clear, stable flows; trout holding deep; nymphing still king with heavy stones, worms, and flashy perdigons. Expect afternoon midges on warmer days, selective dry-fly opportunities in flat water, and streamer eats on natural colors. Plus: spring-hatch countdown and a floaters-beware heads-up for downed trees.

Feb 26, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Big Cat Closures: Region 6 Bobcat Season Ends Feb. 28; LMU 280 Male Mountain Lion Closes Feb. 27, 2026

Montana FWP reports two quota-driven big cat closures: bobcat hunting and trapping in Region 6 ends at midnight Saturday, Feb. 28, and LMU 280 closes to the hunting of male mountain lions one-half hour after sunset Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. Here’s what to know and where to check official quota updates before you head out.

Feb 26, 2026 · Angela Montana

2026 Fort Peck Tournament of Kings (Montana): Dates, Entry Fee, $10K Daily Payouts + Random Weight Salmon Pots

Montana’s 1st Annual Fort Peck Tournament of Kings hits July 31–Aug. 1, 2026 with a 150-boat cap, $400 team entry, top-four daily payouts, and a twist: Random Salmon Weight Pots that could pay $15,000 per day. Registration opens online March 15, 2026.

Feb 26, 2026 · Angela Montana

Beginner Paddlefishing on Montana’s Yellowstone River: Training, Gear Rhythm, and Must-Know Regs

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.

Feb 26, 2026 · Angela Montana

Video: Coyote Chases 3-Year-Old Through Front Gate in Pasadena—Mom’s Scream Sends It Running

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.

Feb 25, 2026 · Angela Montana

Bitterroot Lake Ice Report (Feb. 25, 2026): 5–5.5 Inches Most Areas Ahead of Margo’s March Madness Derby

Bitterroot Lake is fishable heading into Margo’s March Madness Fishing Derby (Feb. 28–March 1). As of Feb. 25, 2026: no snow on the ice, mostly clear visibility, and roughly 5–5.5 inches of ice in most areas (about 8 inches at the north-end county boat ramp). Still, watch for pressure ridges and cracks—and remember mandatory check-in at Hilltop Hitching Post before you fish.

Feb 25, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana State Parks Reservations Now Open for Camping, Lodging & Tours (Plus Blackfoot Float-In Sites Start March 2)

Montana State Parks is now accepting reservations for camping, lodging, and tours. Most sites can be booked up to three months in advance (with a seven-night max per site). Blackfoot River Corridor float-in campsite reservations open March 2 by phone only, with required fire pans, food storage, and portable toilet systems for overnight floaters.

Feb 25, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Elk Don’t Follow a Script—How FWP Uses GPS Tracklogs to Survey Smarter

Montana wildlife surveys have evolved from paper maps and pencils to handheld GPS units and digital mapping tools. As elk shift with mild winters and changing habitat, Montana FWP biologists use detailed tracklogs to verify coverage, avoid double-counting, and improve year-to-year consistency—leading to sharper data and smarter management decisions.

Feb 25, 2026 · Angela Montana

Reminder-2026 Spring Mack Days on Flathead Lake begins in 16 days on March 12

The 2026 Spring Mack Days, sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, runs from March 12 to May 9, focusing on conservation efforts while offering cash prizes for anglers.

Feb 25, 2026 · Angela Montana

Elk Hoof Disease Explained: How TAHD Spreads, What Researchers Know, and Why Hunters Are Worried

Elk hoof disease (TAHD) is a painful, polymicrobial infection that leaves elk lame and struggling to walk. First detected in Southwest Washington in the late 1990s, it surged after 2007–2008 and has spread into parts of Oregon, Idaho, and California. With no vaccine or treatment for wild elk and many unanswered questions about transmission and vulnerability, hunters and wildlife managers across the West—especially in nearby states like Montana—are watching closely.

Feb 25, 2026 · Angela Montana

Yellowstone River Fishing Report (Feb. 23, 2026): Cold Water, Sluggish Fish, Best Nymph & Streamer Tips + Fly List

Ice and slush have mostly melted, but the Yellowstone River is still very cold and fish are sluggish. Nymphing is the most effective approach right now; if you throw streamers, plan on a slow-motion strip or swing. Watch for spotty midge hatches depending on wind, and pay close attention to forecasts, wind, and potential ice shelves at ramps. Current flow: 1,260 CFS. Full fly pattern list included.

Feb 24, 2026 · Angela Montana

Ice Thickness Report for Margo’s March Madness Derby (Feb. 22, 2026): 8 Inches at County Ramp, Thinner Near the Dam

Ice conditions for Margo’s March Madness Derby are improving but vary widely across the lake: the north end at the county ramp has about 8 inches (with 3 inches of snow), Lions Camp is around 6 inches, and the south end near the dam is roughly 4.5–5 inches. Watch for wet, slushy areas, pressure ridges, and heaved ice—and remember check-in is mandatory before fishing day one.

Feb 24, 2026 · Angela Montana

Watch a Cow Elk Defend Her Calf From a Mountain Lion in Montana (Wild Video)

A cow elk in Montana wastes no time going full defense mode when a mountain lion is near her calf. Hooves fly as the mother elk stomps and strikes—an intense reminder that wildlife threats in the backcountry aren’t limited to predators.

Feb 24, 2026 · Angela Montana

From Leather & Wood to Plano Plastics: The Evolution of the Tackle Box

Tackle boxes started as leather and wood in the late 1800s, shifted to mass-produced metal, and then boomed into post–World War II plastic icons from brands like Plano and UMCO. Here’s how a simple gear carrier evolved alongside American fishing culture.

Feb 24, 2026 · Angela Montana

Missouri River Below Holter Dam Fishing Report (Feb. 23, 2026): Winter Bite, Flows & What’s Working

It’s a deep-freeze on the Missouri River below Holter Dam, but the fishing has stayed surprisingly solid for anglers willing to layer up and work for it. Here’s the latest from Yellow Dog Flyfishing, including a flow update and what’s been producing.

Feb 24, 2026 · Angela Montana

Hunting or Fishing Alone? Solo Safety Tips to Trust Your Gut and Get Home Safely

Solo time outdoors can be the whole point—but it also means no quick backup if something goes wrong. Use these simple solo hunting and fishing safety basics: stay aware, trust your gut, share your plan, and leave if something feels off.

Feb 23, 2026 · Angela Montana

Tongue River Marina Ice Report (Feb. 20): Open Water Near Campers Point & Possible Hidden Weak Ice

Feb. 20 update: Open water is visible near Campers Point South (from the road) and reported off Campers Point North by the pond. Warm temps, wind, and snow cover may be creating hidden weak spots and thin-ice “bridges”—use extreme caution.

Feb 23, 2026 · Angela Montana

Hell Creek Marina Ice Report (Feb. 22, 2026): SxS OK to Lucky Point, 4-Wheelers to Johnson; Main Lake Open

Hell Creek Marina’s Feb. 22, 2026 ice update says a cold snap improved conditions: SxS are reported good to Lucky Point, 4-wheelers from Lucky Point to Johnson, with questionable ice beyond Johnson. The main lake is reported open—watch for changing conditions.

Feb 23, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Shed Antler Hunting Rules for 2026: $50 Nonresident WMA License + 7-Day Waiting Period

Montana’s 2026 shed antler rule updates mainly affect nonresidents on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): a new $50 WMA shed hunting license and a seven-day wait before picking up sheds after WMAs open. Most WMAs open at 12 p.m. on May 15, but verify the specific area’s opening time.

Feb 23, 2026 · Angela Montana

Remote Work From Anywhere? Ice Anglers Are Turning Frozen Lakes Into the Ultimate Office

“Work from anywhere” doesn’t always mean a kitchen table. For some ice anglers, remote flexibility looks like a laptop inside an ice shelter—proof that the real shift is mindset as much as location. If you’re mixing work and ice time, make safety the priority.

Feb 23, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Closes Male Mountain Lion Season in LMU 123 and LMU 340 After Sunset (Feb. 24, 2026)

Montana’s Fish & Wildlife Commission ordered the male mountain lion season in LMU 123 and LMU 340 to close one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Hunters should check current quota status before heading out.

Feb 23, 2026 · Angela Montana

Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report (Feb. 23, 2026): Final Winter Update + Urgent Ice Safety Warning as Canyon Ferry Opens Up

Final winter fishing report for Helena-area reservoirs before updates resume in April. Ice is highly variable and can change fast, and Canyon Ferry’s south end is seeing expanding open water that’s undermining nearby ice—use extreme caution on any ice.