Mar 19, 2026 · Angela Montana

The “Anti-Winter” Strategy: Why March and April on the Kootenai are Montana’s Best Kept Secret

Spring fishing in Montana is prime between mid-March and late April, featuring slow trout behavior and a focus on nymphing. Anglers should utilize specific streamers and dry flies during warmer afternoons.

Mar 18, 2026 · Angela Montana

From the Big Sky to Big Water: Why Montana Sledders Should Take Note of the Michigan “Ice-Capades”

A snowmobiler in Michigan floated on ice near Mackinac Island during a storm, highlighting dangers of unstable ice. Safety gear and caution are essential for snowmobilers near water and ice.

Mar 18, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana’s Wolf Season: That’s a Wrap for 2025-2026

The Montana wolf season ended on March 15, with 243 wolves harvested out of a quota of 452. Region 1 led with 98 harvests, while Regions 6 and 7 reported none. Future seasons are scheduled, but dates may change due to federal court orders. Data serves vital conservation purposes. Stay informed for updates.

Mar 18, 2026 · Angela Montana

CWD Is Spreading North from Wyoming: What Montana Mule Deer Hunters Must Know

Wyoming's CWD surge threatens Montana mule deer. With permit apps due April 1, here's what hunters must know about carcass rules and testing.

Mar 18, 2026 · Angela Montana

When Nature Meets Urban Life: Wildlife Encounters

Life's unpredictability affects both humans and wildlife. As animals adapt to urban landscapes, encounters with obstacles can lead to tricky situations, highlighting our overlapping worlds and shared challenges.

Mar 17, 2026 · Angela Montana

The Great Madison Range Meet-Up: Giving Bighorn Sheep a Lift

In the world of Montana real estate, the Madison Range has a bit of a “middle child” problem. To the […]

Mar 17, 2026 · Angela Montana

Elk Tenderloin Done Right: Best Cooking Methods Montana Hunters Swear By

Montana elk hunters, don't let that last tenderloin sit in the freezer. Here are the best cooking methods to do this prized cut justice.

Mar 17, 2026 · Angela Montana

So… There’s a Grizzly Bear in Your Yard. Now What?

Picture this: you step outside with your morning coffee, ready to enjoy the peaceful countryside… and there’s a grizzly bear […]

Mar 17, 2026 · Angela Montana

What a Lost GoPro at West Yellowstone’s Bear Center Reveals About Grizzly Behavior in Your Hunting Ground

A lost GoPro at a grizzly bear center captured fascinating footage of how bears interact with unfamiliar objects—valuable insight for backcountry safety.

Mar 17, 2026 · Angela Montana

Anglers Brave Wind and Snow for First Week of 2026 Spring Mack Days

The first week of the 2026 Spring Mack Days saw nearly 1,900 lake trout caught despite harsh winter conditions. The event supports fish conservation, enhancing native trout populations in Flathead Lake.

Mar 16, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Deer & Elk Permit Application Deadline, April 1

If deer or elk hunting is on your Montana to-do list this year, remember that the deadline to apply for […]

Mar 16, 2026 · Angela Montana

When Wildlife Interrupts Fishing Adventures

A fisherman’s quiet day on the water takes a wild turn when an aggressive beaver repeatedly charges and follows him, creating a surprising wildlife encounter anglers won’t soon forget.

Mar 16, 2026 · Angela Montana

Trout Jerky Recipe: Sweet and Smoky Flavor Made Easy

Trout jerky offers a flavorful alternative to traditional beef jerky, using a maple-whisky marinade and simple preparation methods. It's perfect for snacking on fishing trips or road journeys.

Mar 16, 2026 · Angela Montana

Celebrate Fishing Conservation at the Wolf Point Walleyes Unlimited Annual Banquet

Join the 40th Annual Walleyes Unlimited Banquet on March 21 in Wolf Point, Montana, featuring dinner, raffles, and prizes, while supporting fish conservation and outdoor recreation efforts.

Mar 16, 2026 · Angela Montana

Special Youth Turkey Hunt Opportunity in Flathead Valley, Montana

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting a free youth turkey hunt on May 2-3, 2026, for ages 10-15, including safety training and mentorship. Applications are due soon.

Mar 16, 2026 · Angela Montana

Current Snowpack Conditions in Montana’s River Basins

Montana's snowpack varies significantly; while overall moisture is above normal in many basins, some areas remain below average. The state may still see beneficial late-season snowfall through April.

Mar 15, 2026 · Angela Montana

Don’t Miss the April 2026 MTA Banquet – Tickets Available Now!

The Montana Trappers Association Banquet on April 11, 2026, at Anaconda Elks Lodge features good food, entertainment, and community spirit, supporting trapping heritage with auctions and contests. Tickets available now.

Mar 15, 2026 · Angela Montana

How Weather Affects Fish Feeding Behavior

Weather significantly impacts fish feeding behavior, with factors like temperature and pressure influencing activity. Understanding these changes helps anglers adjust tactics for improved catch rates.

Mar 14, 2026 · Angela Montana

Spring Mack Days: Fishing Tips from Ryker and Patrick

This week's Montana Outdoor Podcast features Ryker Bair and Patrick Casey discussing their experiences in Mack Days, highlighting the collaborative spirit among anglers as they share tips for successful fishing.

Mar 14, 2026 · Angela Montana

Cooking with Kokanee Quinn: Pheasant Cordon Bleu Recipe (Easy Wild Game Dinner)

Pheasant Cordon Bleu is an easy, gourmet recipe combining pheasant with Canadian bacon, prosciutto, Swiss cheese, and breadcrumbs, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

Mar 13, 2026 · Angela Montana

Disease, development, warming climate threaten mule deer, according to Wyoming study

A Wyoming study indicates that mule deer populations are declining due to habitat loss, climate change, and other stressors, with current estimates dropping significantly since their peak in 1991.

Mar 13, 2026 · Angela Montana

Mountain Men Stars Tom Oar and Paul Antczak Coming to Missoula Pig Roast April 18

MTSFW's 16th Annual Pig Roast Banquet & Fundraiser on April 18, 2026, offers great food, raffles, and special guests from Mountain Men. Early tickets available, kids enter free.

Mar 13, 2026 · Angela Montana

Don Wilkins’ Weekly Fort Peck Fishing Report 3.13.26

This past week, fishing on Peck was impossible due to warm weather and unsafe ice conditions, signaling the end of the season. Areas near the dam have opened up, hinting at potential boat usage soon. It's an opportune time to service ice fishing gear and prepare for next winter.

Mar 13, 2026 · Angela Montana

Paddlefish Permit Deadline Approaches: Apply by April 1

Apply for paddlefish permits by April 1 to participate in the unique season. Applications are easy online or in-person at local FWP offices or authorized retailers. Don't miss out!

Mar 13, 2026 · Angela Montana

When Man’s Best Friend Pulls the Trigger: Bizarre Hunting Accidents Involving Dogs

Unusual hunting accidents have occurred when dogs accidentally discharged firearms. From an Indiana hunter injured in the blind to a fatal incident in Turkey, these cases highlight the importance of gun safety.

Mar 12, 2026 · Angela Montana

Understanding Wildlife Management Beyond AI

Hyper-real AI wildlife clips can feel more convincing than reality—until you notice the cartoon voiceovers and emotional storylines. But wolves and grizzlies in places like Montana aren’t characters in a feel-good narrative. This piece breaks down how AI content can distort public perception and why real-world wildlife management is a complicated balancing act worth understanding.

Mar 12, 2026 · Angela Montana

Bighorn River Fishing Report (St. Xavier) — March 11, 2026: Windy Week, Strong Nymphing on Sowbugs & Scuds, Plus Streamers

The Bighorn near St. Xavier is setting up for a productive week despite strong winds. Expect slightly warmer temps than Bozeman, consistent trout feeding on sowbugs and scuds, and surprisingly solid streamer action. Here’s the March 11, 2026 update from Yellow Dog Flyfishing, plus the nymph pairs and streamer patterns producing now.

Mar 12, 2026 · Angela Montana

Food Coma Phenomenon: Why Bears (and Humans) Crash After a Big Meal

From berry-stuffed bears to hunters nodding off at daybreak, the “eat big, pass out” pattern shows up across species. Here’s why food comas look so similar in the wild and at home—and how the same instincts can kick in when calories are plentiful.

Mar 12, 2026 · Angela Montana

Central Montana game wardens report an increase in illegally taken mountain lions

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens reported a rise in illegally harvested mountain lions in central Montana in 2025, including hunters who shot lions first and only purchased hunting licenses afterward.

Mar 12, 2026 · Angela Montana

Smoked Salmon Ice Cream From Fort Peck? This Surprisingly Good Recipe Is Worth the Dare

Fort Peck Lake anglers are getting creative with their catch: smoked salmon ice cream. It’s cold, creamy, lightly smoky, and finished with lemon and dill for a subtle savory twist—an adventurous dessert to share after a long day on the water.

Mar 12, 2026 · Angela Montana

Hipcamp’s 2025 Best in North Dakota RV Park: Basecamp for Theodore Roosevelt NP, Makoshika & the Enchanted Highway

American RV Park is a veteran-owned, no-frills RV stop near Dickinson—about 25 minutes from Theodore Roosevelt National Park and within easy reach of Makoshika State Park, the Enchanted Highway, off-road trails, golf, fishing, and local events. It’s also the only North Dakota RV park that advertises a permanent on-site Certified RV Technician & Inspector for extra peace of mind while you explore.

Mar 11, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Hunter Education Classes (2026): Spring & Summer Dates in Central and Eastern MT + How to Register

Ready to hunt in Montana? Montana FWP is listing in-person hunter education classes and online-student field days across central and eastern Montana this spring and summer. Seats can fill fast, and students must be registered before class begins—here’s how to sign up plus the full schedule of dates and towns.

Mar 11, 2026 · Angela Montana

Walleye Alfredo With Crispy Fried Walleye Bites: The Creamy Camp (or RV) Pasta Recipe Anglers Crave

Turn today’s walleye into a comfort-food win: creamy Alfredo, al dente fettuccine, and golden fried walleye bites. Easy enough for an RV or campsite kitchen, rich enough to feel restaurant-worthy—plus optional mushrooms and olives for an upgrade.

Mar 11, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana FWP: LMU 422 Will Close to Male Mountain Lion Hunting After Sunset on March 12, 2026

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has ordered LMU 422 closed to all hunting of male mountain lions one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Check the official quota status page for the latest details.

Mar 11, 2026 · Angela Montana

Where Trophy Whitetails Come From: Boone and Crockett Data Ranks the Top U.S. States (Plus Montana’s Big-Buck Potential)

Montana’s river bottoms and ranch country can grow gnarly whitetails—but Boone and Crockett’s latest record book shows exactly which states consistently turn out the biggest bucks. Here’s what the 17,000-entry data says about America’s top trophy whitetail destinations, from Wisconsin to the Midwest powerhouses and a few surprise standouts.

Mar 11, 2026 · Angela Montana

Jefferson River Fishing Report (Early Spring 2026): Where to Find Trout, Best Nymphs, and the Afternoon Bite

The Jefferson River is fishing tough but doable in early spring. Slow down, get deep in softer inside water, and plan around late morning through mid-afternoon. Here’s the latest Jefferson River report from Fins and Feathers (2/5 on March 9, 2026), including the nymph and streamer patterns producing now.

Mar 11, 2026 · Angela Montana

5 Weird Bass Fishing Lures That Actually Catch Big Largemouth (Video)

Bass anglers will try almost anything to trigger a strike—and sometimes the strangest-looking baits are the ones that get crushed. Here are five of the “weirdest” bass fishing lures anglers swear by, according to Get Ur Fish On. Watch the video to see them all.

Mar 10, 2026 · Angela Montana

Bozeman Early Spring Trout Fishing Report (March 9, 2026): Best Techniques, Flies, and Peak Time Windows

Early spring trout fishing near Bozeman is improving week by week as rivers transition out of winter mode. Here’s what’s working right now—best time of day, where trout are holding, and the nymph and streamer setups producing on the Gallatin, Madison (upper/lower), and Yellowstone as of March 9, 2026 (5/5).

Mar 10, 2026 · Angela Montana

Lake Fork Tournament Cheating Scandal: Angler Accused After Weights Found Inside Largemouth Bass

A Lake Fork, Texas fishing tournament turned surreal when staff used a metal-detecting wand on a largemouth bass—and later, game wardens reportedly found fishing weights inside the fish. Now the angler involved is facing serious legal consequences.

Mar 10, 2026 · Angela Montana

Helicoptering Into Landlocked Public Land in Wyoming for Elk Sparks Viral Rancher Confrontation—and a Theft Charge

After more than a decade of building Wyoming elk preference points, Andrew McKean and friends cashed in on a hard-to-access unit by flying a helicopter into landlocked public ground surrounded by private ranches. The hunt was lights-out—until a nearby rancher allegedly hauled off an elk head, triggering a tense confrontation, a viral video, and a theft charge.

Mar 10, 2026 · Angela Montana

Missouri River Fishing in March 2026: Unpredictable Weather, Midge Hatches, and Prime Streamer Days

March on Montana’s Missouri River is rarely predictable—and 2026 could be even more of a wildcard with low snowpack and warming water. Here’s what to expect for midges, nymphing, streamer fishing, swinging flies, and the fickle spring weather that can make (or break) your day on the Mo.

Mar 10, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana FWP Upper Missouri River Fisheries Meeting (March 16, Helena): Canyon Ferry, Hauser, Holter Updates

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks hosts its annual Upper Missouri River Reservoir Fisheries Management Plan update on March 16 at 6 p.m. in Helena. Hear population trends and management updates for Canyon Ferry, Hauser, Holter, and nearby Missouri River sections—and learn what keeps these popular fisheries producing year after year.

Mar 10, 2026 · Angela Montana

Free Bozeman Workshop Teaches Dog Owners How to Release a Pet From a Trap (March 26)

Montana K9 Safety is hosting a free trap release workshop for Bozeman-area dog owners on March 26. Expect hands-on demos with multiple trap types, a look at current trapping regulations, and simple tools that can help you safely free a dog if an accident happens on the trail.

Mar 9, 2026 · Angela Montana

Fort Peck King Salmon Derby: Registration Opens in 6 Days (150-Boat Limit) — Get Your Team Ready

Online registration for the 1st Annual Fort Peck Montana Tournament of Kings opens in 6 days, and with a 150-boat limit, spots could go fast. Here’s what to do now to be ready when the link drops—plus how to stay in the loop.

Mar 9, 2026 · Angela Montana

Tagged Paddlefish Swims 922 Miles From South Dakota to Kentucky—Then a Bowfisherman Spots It 15 Feet From the Boat

A paddlefish tagged in South Dakota in 2023 turned up in Kentucky during a June 2025 bowfishing trip—after an estimated 922-mile river journey. The surprising recovery has fisheries officials impressed, and it’s a reminder of just how far these prehistoric fish can roam.

Mar 9, 2026 · Angela Montana

University of Montana Launches New Fisheries Science Chair Backed by $5 Million to Protect Cold-Water Trout

The University of Montana has launched a new Chair of Fisheries Science with $5 million from 56 donors. Yoichiro Kanno will lead research on how warming temperatures and shrinking snowpack are reshaping trout habitat—and what restoration, student training, and science can do to help Montana’s iconic rivers endure.

Mar 9, 2026 · Angela Montana

7 Rookie Ice Fishing Mistakes That Cost You Fish (And How to Avoid Them)

Ice fishing isn’t just drilling a hole and waiting. Catch more fish by moving, experimenting with depth and presentations, and paying attention to structure—plus learn seven common rookie mistakes to avoid, straight from @Girlof10000Lakes.

Mar 8, 2026 · Angela Montana

Idaho Hunter’s “Bow-Season” Trophy Elk Story Unravels After Rifle Evidence Found, Officials Say

Idaho investigators say an archery-season trophy bull elk was illegally killed with a rifle—and then staged to look like a legal bow kill. A recovered 6.5 mm bullet, a search warrant, and additional spotlighting allegations in a separate case helped drive major penalties, including jail time, steep fines, restitution, and long-term hunting license revocations.

Mar 8, 2026 · Angela Montana

Stillwater River Fishing Report: Cold Water Now, Better Trout Action Ahead This Spring (Montana, March 6, 2026)

Montana’s Stillwater River is still running cold despite a warmer-than-average winter, keeping fishing from fully turning on yet. Low flows have trout holding in deeper slots, where patient nymphing has produced action. Here’s what Montana Angler reported on March 6, 2026—and what to expect as spring temperatures rise.

Mar 8, 2026 · Angela Montana

Idaho Shed Hunter Stumbles on Two Napping Mountain Lions—Can You Spot Them in the Photos?

An Idaho outdoorsman looking for sheds got the surprise of a lifetime when he accidentally walked into a pair of mountain lions napping in the sun. The photos and video are a sharp reminder of how easily these predators disappear into the landscape.